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(Washington D.C. - 21 August 2007) - National Geographic Channels
International (NGCI) today announced the launch of Nat Geo Music, a 24-hour
music channel debuting on 15 October in Italy on the Sky Platform to 4.2
million subscribers. Securing the support of multi-national labels, Nat Geo
Music channel will feature top artists from international as well as local
repertoires. Nat Geo Music's major label partners include EMI Arabia, Warner
Music Latin America, Sony/BMG Asia and Universal Italy. Following the launch in
Italy, further expansion of Nat Geo Music is expected globally.
Nat Geo Music celebrates diversity through music, connecting viewers with other
cultures through this universal language. Along with major label partnerships,
Nat Geo Music has also secured deals with prominent independent labels such as
Razor & Tie, Because, Wrasse and Gallo Music Group. Featured artists will
include GRAMMY award-winner Ben Harper; Beninese chanteuse and GRAMMY
award-nominee Angelique Kidjo; and the acclaimed Spanish band Ojos De Brujo.
"Nat Geo Music fills a significant void in current conventional music
offerings", said David Haslingden, CEO of NGCI. "With its international scope,
not only are viewers able to explore their world using music as a vehicle, they
are tuned in to ground-breaking sounds that are transforming the industry
globally".
Nat Geo Music takes its viewers on a musical journey around the world,
broadcasting music videos, concerts, interviews and documentaries with a focus
on stories that make music a vehicle for a better understanding and
appreciation of today's global community. It includes interviews with artists
and Geo Sessions - 30-minute programmes that feature intimate acoustic concerts
with artists like Ben Harper, Bebel Gilberto, K'naan, Michael Franti and Gogol
Bordello. The schedule will integrate music videos with short clips that
examine and celebrate the cultures behind the music.
Primetime scheduling blocks include:
PLACE JAM - weekly 60'' block focusing on music from a specific country
WE LOVE… - weekly 60'' block dedicated to artists and genres that we love (e.g.
We Love Reggae, We Love Caetano Veloso)
MUSIC NOMAD - weekly 60'' block connecting the spirit of travelling to music
UNTZ - Friday and Saturday nights two-hour dance block
Nat Geo Music complements the recent launch of the National Geographic's Music
and Radio unit - created to inspire people to care about the planet through
music. For much of its programming and its events, the channel will partner
with the National Geographic's Music and Radio as well as its National
Geographic Live! event group. An alternative to the mainstream, Nat Geo Music
is progressive and experimental, highlighting ways in which local sounds are
evolving to influence artists from different backgrounds and places. Through
emerging talents revolutionizing the music scene and seasoned artists whose
anthems have bridged borders, Nat Geo Music is the way to listen to the world.
About National Geographic Channels International
National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) invites viewers to re-think
the way they see television - and the world - with smart, innovative
programming. A business enterprise owned by National Geographic Television
(NGT) and FOX Entertainment Group, NGCI contributes to the National Geographic
Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education.
Globally, National Geographic Channel (including NGC U.S. which is a joint
venture of NGT and Fox Cable Networks Group) is available in 250 million homes
(including day-part households) in 166 countries and 34 languages.
About Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music channel speaks in the rhythms of the world. Following seasoned
artists whose anthems have bridged borders and emerging talents revolutionizing
the music scene, Nat Geo Music gives viewers an authentic sound rich in
diversity. Explore the world's vibrant cultures through lyrics and beats. Music
videos, long form and short form programming put songs into context,
illustrating how music can impact, inspire and transform.
Nat Geo Music will launch in Italy in October with further expansion expected
globally. The channel is part of National Geographic Channels International
(NGCI), along with the National Geographic Channel, National Geographic Channel
HD, Nat Geo Wild and Nat Geo Adventure.
For more information, please contact:
NGCI
Cherry Johal Yates
Tel: + 1 202 912 6689
cyates@ngs.org
NGC Italy
Marta Bertolini
Tel: +3906 8828 4612
marta.bertolini@fox.com
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