|
|
|
What is National Geographic Channel?
National Geographic Channel often capped as Nat Geo is a non fictional television channel which broadcasts real live actual content ranging from science, culture, nature and history. It was launched in 1st September, 1997. A number of key players own this adventure packed channel for instance in the United States, Nat Geo channel is owned by the National Geographic Television and Film claiming a twenty five percent and Fox Cable Networks (News Corporation) claiming the remaining seventy five percent. In United Kingdom, the National Geographic channel is owned by National Geographic Television and Film with twenty six percent, the B Sky B having twenty percent and the Fox Entertainment Group with fifty four percent. Some of the popular slogans used when broadcasting the national geographic channel include: “Think Again”, “Live Curious” and “Dare to Explore”.
With the advancement in media technology, the channel is accessed and is available in a number of licensed and authorized television networks all over the world. The programs are aired in different picture formats but the common ones are the 480i (SD) and the 720p (HD).
Development of Nat Geo
UK, Europe and Australia were the first to witness the launch of the National Geographic Channel in September, 1997. In July 1998, National Geographic Channel Asia was launched. In Canada, Canwest and the National Geographic Channel USA owns the National Geographic Channel Canada. In South Africa, the channel is carried by Digital Satellite Television (also known as DSTv) is MultiChoice's multi-channel digital satellite TV service in Africa. In the Middle East an Arabic version is broadcasting free to air on Nilesat as National Geographic Abu Dhabi. It is co-owned by the National Geographic Society/Fox International Channels & Abu Dhabi Media Company. The spread of National Geographic to many countries is statistically shown because nowadays, it is seen in over millions of homes located in over 140 countries and is broadcasted in over twenty languages world wide.
National Geographic Channels
There are a number of channels that National Geographic offers apart from the usual documentaries. Some them include Nat Geo Music which is designed to offer alternative music video channel for both internationally known label as well as local ingenious labels. The main aim of Nat Geo Music is to focus on the cultural music that communities have to offer and in a way preserve cultural heritage. A lot of communities have benefited from this exposure and also international artists have been recognized and accepted to other by other cultures. It is available in channels from all over the world.
Nat Geo wild is a recent subscription TV channel to join the National Geographic Society. It was launched in Hong Kong on January 1st 2006 with the sole purpose of broadcasting wildlife and natural history. In 2009, it aired on the waves of Latin America as a high definition channel. Other countries that are privileged to witness this show include Turkey, Republic of Ireland, Romania, United Kingdom and Vietnam. National Geographic Wild mostly produces programmes that target natural wildlife and history of the wildlife, but the main focus is more on fierce predators. Popular shows that are aired on Nat Geo Wild include caught in the act, planet carnivore and shark island.
Nat Geo Adventure formerly known as Adventure One (A1) is another channel of the national geographic society. This subscription TV channel targets the younger audiences by providing programs based on outdoor adventure, traveling and stories involving people exploring the world. Some of the countries have adopted to the new programming adventure while United Kingdom, which previously aired the A1 changed the name to Nat Geo Wild. Recently in 2010, Nat Geo Adventure launched its first high definition (HD) channel in Asia via the AsiaSat 5.
Nat Geo Junior is another channel broadcasted by the National Geographic Channel. The target audience for this channel are the children. It is aired in Belgium, India and Netherlands.
National Geographic and Science
Apart from providing wildlife content and information, national geographic channel also produces and broadcasts science programmes. There are a wide variety of scientific segments being produced for instance there is the science and space segment provided over the internet which focuses on the universe and the world surrounding the earth. Among some of the recent news that are aired include planet information about Jupiter, the rebirth of Mount St. Helens as well as the findings of new giant flying reptiles. The science information relayed is boosted by science blogs, some photographs and videos.
National Geographic and History
National geographic channel provides us with archaeological findings that dates back centuries ago. Useful historical information can be used to enhance our academic learning and increase our knowledge. Furthermore, the information enhances cultural history and preserves the cultural heritage of communities. Through the history channel we are able to learn some cultural traditions of some communities and in so doing we are able to accept them. However, we are also able to know some taboos that are considered to be unacceptable to some communities.
National Geographic and Environment
The environment is a part and parcel of our lives and therefore there is need to take care of it. The national geographic channel is socially responsible and environmentally conscious. It provides useful to the people on matters pertaining to recycling products, oil pollution, green gases and environmentally friendly products which can be used to preserve our environment and also protect our health. Issues like global warming, energy and natural disasters are also addressed through the Nat Geo Channel.
National Geographic and Travel and Games
When it comes to traveling, national geographic channel offers some good tourist sites attractions as well as the necessary directions and the weather conditions during particular times of the years. Furthermore, there are travel guides that are available in the official website of the national geographic channel.
The national geographic provides all round entertainment through games and quizzes which are also provided over their official website. Thus one can escape from boredom and get some extra knowledge and information when playing these games.
| |
