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National Geographic Global Networks

From Alfawiki
National Geographic Global Networks
Company typeDivision
IndustryTelevision broadcasting
PredecessorNational Geographic Channels Worldwide, National Geographic Channels International
Founded1997
Headquarters
United States
Area served
Worldwide
ProductsNational Geographic television channels, National Geographic Studios
ParentNational Geographic Partners
Websitenatgeotv.com

National Geographic Global Networks—previously known as National Geographic Channels Worldwide and National Geographic Channels International—functions as a division within National Geographic Partners, a collaborative enterprise between The Walt Disney Company and the National Geographic Society. The unit also operates under the umbrella of Disney Entertainment, which handles distribution and advertising sales. Its responsibilities include managing television channels branded with the National Geographic name as well as National Geographic Studios (formerly National Geographic Television).

Initially established as a joint venture between 21st Century Fox (21CF) and the Society, this entity was consolidated into National Geographic Partners in 2015. Following Disney's acquisition of most 21CF assets, it took over 21CF’s stake on March 20, 2019.

History

Although National Geographic had intentions to launch a U.S. cable channel in 1982, the plan was eventually abandoned. The Society's commercial television division, National Geographic Television, joined forces with NBC to create National Geographic Channels (NGC). Subsequently, NGC partnered with BSkyB to introduce National Geographic Channel services on September 1, 1997. These launches covered the U.K. and Ireland via BSkyB, Scandinavia through Telenor, and Australia via Foxtel. Notably, Foxtel and BSkyB were partially owned by Rupert Murdoch. At that time, Sandy McGovern served as NGC president. This equal partnership aimed to broaden NatGeo’s television production reach under the leadership of Tim Kelly, who produced the series National Geographic Explorer for CBS.

The American version of the channel debuted on January 7, 2001, with Laureen Ong appointed president and Andrew Wilk overseeing programming. To accommodate this expansion, the Society closed its museum to establish a television studio and secured a guaranteed production commitment of 44 hours annually at an approximate cost of $500,000 per hour. Additional international channels were subsequently launched through this joint venture.

In 2007, David Lyle replaced Ong as CEO, while Howard Owens assumed the role of president. The company unveiled Nat Geo Wild in the U.S. market in 2010 to rival Discovery Channel’s offerings. Following a decline in viewership, both Lyle and Owens exited in 2014; Courteney Monroe was then elevated from head of marketing to lead NGC’s U.S. operations.

On September 9, 2015, the Society restructured its media holdings under the newly formed entity National Geographic Partners, with 21st Century Fox owning a controlling 73% stake. This for-profit organization encompasses National Geographic magazines alongside affiliated television channels—most of which were already partially owned by Fox. In October 2016, the main documentary channel simplified its name by dropping "Channel."

Current

  • National Geographic: The primary channel presenting documentaries and docu-reality programming.
  • Nat Geo Wild: A complementary channel specializing in wildlife and natural history content.
  • Nat Geo People: Designed for female viewers, featuring programming centered on cultures and human stories; available in Poland and Romania.

Former

  • National Geographic Adventure: Initially launched as Adventure One (A1), this channel targeted younger audiences with outdoor adventure and travel-related shows.
  • Nat Geo Music: Dedicated to ethnic music genres.
  • Nat Geo Kids (Latin America) and Nat Geo Kids Abu Dhabi: Channels catering to children’s interests.

Channels by region

Within this segment of the business, channels bearing the National Geographic brand are operated. The majority of content is provided by the Society, whereas Disney oversees distribution and advertising efforts. On a global scale, National Geographic and Disney channels frequently engage in mutual promotion; in specific territories such as Japan, Disney directly manages National Geographic channels.

Anglo-America
United States
  • National Geographic
  • Nat Geo Wild
  • Nat Geo Mundo (Spanish-language programming)
Canada (licensed operation by Corus Entertainment)
  • National Geographic
  • National Geographic Wild
Latin America
Spanish-speaking regions
  • National Geographic features tailored sub-regional feeds for Mexico, Colombia, Central America (including the Caribbean), Pacific countries (Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia), and Atlantic countries (Argentina, Paraguay, Uruguay).

Asia

The National Geographic channels throughout Asia—excluding India and Japan—are managed by NGC Network Asia, LLC. Previously, this entity represented Fox International Channels in the area until their integration into Star TV's Asian division in 2009.

Operations in Asia also extend to managing National Geographic channels across the Middle East and North Africa region (with the exception of Israel).

Middle East and North Africa
  • National Geographic MENA (English-language)
  • National Geographic Abu Dhabi (Arabic-language)
  • Nat Geo Wild
India
Distribution and advertising responsibilities lie with Disney Star
  • National Geographic India (offering English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu)
  • Nat Geo Wild
Japan
Managed by Walt Disney Japan
  • National Geographic Japan (Japanese-language)

Europe

European management oversees National Geographic television channels in Israel, Australia, New Zealand, and Sub-Saharan Africa.

Balkans
Czech Republic and Slovakia
France
Ukraine
Greece
Netherlands and Belgium
Poland
Portugal
Romania
Nordic and Scandinavia
United Kingdom and Ireland
Spain
Sub-Saharan Africa
Israel
Germany

Former Channels

India
Italy
Japan
Latin America
Spanish-speaking regions
Brazil
Middle East and North Africa
Russia and Belarus
Australia and New Zealand
Southeast Asia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and South Korea

External links

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