ฺBangkok--June 9--DCI
BBC Worldwide Ltd. and Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI), yesterday (June 2) announced plans to launch the family-oriented Animal Planet network in Asia on June 26, 1998. A product of the sweeping joint-venture between two of the world’s leading producers of factual programming, Animal Planet offers viewers a unique mix of high-quality programs dedicated to humans’ fascination with the animal world. The announcement was made by Donald D. Wear, Jr., president, Discovery Networks, International; and Peter Teague, Acting Chief Executive of BBC Worldwide.
“The debut of Animal Planet in Asia is a significant step forward in the commitment of the BBC and Discovery to provide a range of global services which enable people to satisfy their natural curiosity,” said Wear. “Developed with the combined resources of two of the world’s most respected brands, viewers can expect a one-of-a-kind channel with an impeccable pedigree.”
Teague added, “This launch of Animal Planet marks the first BBC/Discovery venture since the signing of the global partnership in March of this year. The speed and efficiency with which that partnership is now moving forward is a testament to the strength of our professional relationship. We are also delighted to be building on the established reputations of both BBC and Discovery in these key territories.”
As the network devoted to “all animals all the time,” Animal Planet offers compelling and heart-warming programming by some of the world’s finest animal filmmakers, including landmark wildlife series from the BBC’s world renowned Natural History Unit, classic animal dramas and true-life stories celebrating the people who have championed animals around the world. Fueled by a program line-up featuring unique show formats such as DCI’s animal game show Zoo Venture and classics like BBC’s All Creatures Great and Small, Animal Planet has become a popular choice for a growing number of viewers.
Following its launch in the United States* in 1996, Animal Planet has become the fastest growing cable network, leapfrogging from zero to 40 million subscribers in less than two years. Animal Planet also launched last summer in Europe.*
Animal Planet and People + Arts, a network dedicated to exploring people, places and cultures, are the first fruits of the global joint venture’s plans to develop a selection of quality channels worldwide. BBC and Discovery jointly launched Animal Planet in conjunction with People + Arts in October 1997 in Latin America.
In Asia, Animal Planet joins Discovery Channel and BBC World as the latest addition to BBC and Discovery’s presence in the region’s growing television market. DCI’s Singapore based Discovery Channel Asia, which launched in 1994, is a 24-hour service currently reaching more than 18.5 million subscribers representing a wide array of cultures. Discovery Channel India, available since 1995, is a tailored service available to 9 million subscribers throughout the Indian subcontinent. The BBC’s 24-hour news and information channel, BBC World, can be seen throughout Asia and India. Built on the BBC’s reputation for authoritative, impartial and high —quality news reporting, the channel carries regional programming for individual markets and is available in 25 million homes in Asia including 10 million homes in India.
Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) is a privately held, diversified media company based in Bethesda, Maryland. DCI’s ownership consists of four shareholders, Liberty Media Corp., a division of Tele-Communications, Inc. (Nasdaq: LBTYA/LBTYB), Cox Communications (NYSE:COX), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the company’s founder, chairman and CEO.
BBC is the UK’s license-fee funded public service broadcaster. BBC Worldwide is a wholly-owned subsidiary of the BBC and exists to create commercial value from programme assets and brands of the BBC in secondary commercial markets in the UK and overseas. The BBC has no liability for funding the joint ventures with DCI, but contributes its renowned strengths and its long-established international reputation as a high-quality public service broadcaster.
*BBC Worldwide has a 20% stake in Animal Planet US*Animal Planet (Europe) is wholly owned by DCI
For more information, please contact Bangkok Public Relations Vannee Chongsaksawat / Dorien van BovenTel. 652 1946-7 / 652 0455-6 Fax 652 1948 End.