National Geographic Channel announces new season of quality programming

Upcoming programme premieres include cutting-edge science series Explorations by Duracell and Innovations; engineering series Built for Destruction and Frontlines of Construction; wildlife education series Be The Creature; and new seasons of popular series such as Built for the Kill, Snake Wranglers and Croc Chronicles.

National Geographic Channel is also planning to air global specials such as Ultimate Enemies, which captures the new and amazing behaviour of a pride of lions, produced by world-renowned filmmakers the Jouberts; Inside the Britannic which follows Jacques Cousteau and Robert Ballard; and D-Day: Men & Machines which marks the 60th anniversary of the turning point of World War II.

"National Geographic is one of the world's strongest media brands, and in the Middle East the National Geographic Channel has continued to achieve a loyal following. With the launch of our 24-hour Arabic subtitling as of January 2003, National Geographic Channel has gone from strength to strength in popularity," says David Gunson, Vice President, Programming & Broadcasting, National Geographic Channel Asia.

Gunson notes that National Geographic Channel's upcoming programme premieres will cater to the diverse tastes of viewers who enjoy everything from science to exploration and adventure, wildlife, travel and peoples and places. In 2004, National Geographic Channel has already showcased, through unique access to NASA, the successful landing of both Mars Rovers 'Spirit' and 'Opportunity.'

"We are all about consistency, and as the home of the best of the best documentaries, we will continue to provide blue-chip quality programmes on National Geographic Channel." He adds that the Channel's network of world-renowned explorers such as Dr. Zahi Hawass, Dr. Brady Barr, and Dr. Spencer Wells translate to superior content and television programming which take viewers closer to the subject, offering them unique access to cutting edge explorations and expeditions.

"Following the success of our global TV event such as Egypt: Secret Chambers Revealed, we are also planning to launch more fascinating programmes about Egypt in the near future," he adds.

National Geographic Channel is distributed in the Middle East as part of the ART basic tier. The Channel is also available as part of the STAR Select bouquet, as well as Firstnet, Pehla and Al Awael packages sold and marketed by Arab Digital Distribution.

National Geographic Channel's distribution in the Middle East includes Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Jordan, UAE, Oman, Bahrain, Lebanon, Syria, Egypt, Qatar and Yemen. The Channel launched in the Middle East in July 1998.

National Geographic Channel's exclusive programmes have included global television events such as the highly rated Egypt: Secret Chambers Revealed, and Mohammad: Legacy of a Prophet.

National Geographic has a long, shared history with nations in the Middle East, including over 200 National Geographic Society-funded research grants and more than 50 articles in National Geographic Magazine on its history, people and culture.

Building on the 40-year legacy of National Geographic Television, which has won over 800 top television industry awards, the National Geographic Channel brings viewers the vast resources, unsurpassed quality and real heroes of National Geographic. The National Geographic Society has a 116-year heritage of exploration and documentation with over 7,000 expedition and research projects, and unmatched editorial resources and networks to world-class scientists and explorers.