Category: TV Channels

  • Carter appointed as president of FremantleMedia Creative Networks

    Carter appointed as president of FremantleMedia Creative Networks

    MUMBAI: FremantleMedia has appointed Gary Carter to the newly created position of president, FremantleMedia Creative Networks. It is a new division combining the currently separate departments of Worldwide Drama and Worldwide Entertainment.

    He joins the FremantleMedia operating board with immediate effect and will report to FremantleMedia CEO Tony Cohen.

    In his new role, Carter will build on FremantleMedia’s creative success in drama and entertainment programming. He will also be responsible for driving the company’s increasing emphasis on in-house programme development, working with its global network of more than 20 production companies, as well as coordinating with FremantleMedia Enterprises, which comprises its ancillary exploitation businesses, Fremantle International Distribution and FremantleMedia Licensing Worldwide.

    Carter will also continue in his role as chief creative officer, FMX (formerly known as New Platforms), part of FremantleMedia Creative Networks, working with producers to create new brands and concepts specifically for mobile, broadband, game consoles and IPTV (Internet Protocol Television).

    Carter joined Worldwide Entertainment in January 2005, having been a consultant for the company since August 2003. He worked closely with the division to set the overall strategic and creative direction and the operational agenda. He also provided central support to the development, acquisition and exploitation of entertainment formats which have international potential, and drove entertainment development activities across the company globally.

    Prior to setting up his own consulting business, he was executive director, programme affairs, at Endemol Entertainment International for five years and was responsible for the roll out of its key programme brands. Before joining Endemol, he was international business manager for Planet 24 Productions and a literary agent for Roger Hancock for almost 10 years.

    Alan Boyd, currently president of Worldwide Entertainment, will be changing his role in the company. He will take on a new role as a special advisor to Tony Cohen, where he will have particular responsibility for consulting on the Idols and The X Factor franchises, as well as consulting on creative and company issues and producer training. He will also act as a special advisor to RTL Group CEO Gerhard Zeiler, consulting on programming matters and entertainment output across the RTL Group of channels as well as creative training for group executives.

    Mike Murphy, currently President of Worldwide Drama, will also change his role. He will remain a key part of the Worldwide Drama team working on FremantleMedia serial dramas around the world, as well as focussing on building FremantleMedia’s scripted business in the US, a priority growth area for the company. He is currently executive producer on Bianca, a 20-part primetime telenovela that FremantleMedia first made in Germany and that FremantleMedia North America is now producing for US network Lifetime Television. Murphy will oversee production of the US version of Bianca in Australia.

    Cohen said, “Gary is a very talented executive and will play a crucial role in future working with our producers to build on our tremendous success in scripted and unscripted programming around the world and to drive forward our in-house programme development. Mike has made a fantastic contribution to growing our international drama business over the past few years and I am delighted that he will now focus on the vital task of building on our scripted business in the US. I am also delighted that Alan has agreed to become a special advisor to FremantleMedia and RTL Group. He has done a tremendous job of overseeing the roll-out of the Idols brand and his years of production and commissioning experience will continue to prove a great asset to the company.”

    Carter added, “I’m thrilled to have been given the opportunity to drive FremantleMedia’s creative output into the global market with our exceptional team of producers and executives in both drama and entertainment. I look forward to building on the fantastic legacy that Mike and Alan have achieved and I’m excited about the challenge of creating new hits for television as well as for new platforms and working with FremantleMedia Enterprises to ensure the company develops programmes with significant off-air, interactive and international distribution potential.”

  • Sky launches a free broadband service for customers

    Sky launches a free broadband service for customers

    MUMBAI: UK pay TV service provider BSkyB has launched free broadband for Sky customers. The company says that the launch sets new standards in quality, ease and savings.

    Unveiling its new broadband internet access service, Sky Broadband, at an event for analysts and investors the Company disclosed some information:

    Operating and Financial outlook
    • Pay-TV business on track to achieve 2010 targets
    • Clear strategy to build a scale broadband customer base, targeting revenues from high growth opportunities in online advertising, search and content and increasing penetration of additional products
    • Anticipated investment of £400 million of EBIT to be invested over the next three years
    • Broadband expected to be earnings enhancing in the year to 30 June 2010 independent of any Pay-TV benefits
    • Capital expenditure of approximately £250 million in first two years
    • Targetting broadband ROCE of 15 per cent for the year ended 2011 including initial cost of Easynet acquisition
    • Progressive dividend policy to be maintained across investment phase.

    BSkyB CEO James Murdoch said, “Sky Broadband is a compelling product which rewards our 8 million customers with a quality service offering flexibility and great value. Sky is ideally equipped to enter the large and growing markets of broadband and telephony and by pushing the boundaries of the home entertainment market, we will help our customers realise the full potential from technological convergence.

    “The business case is clear; we believe our investment will enhance top-line growth, be earnings enhancing from 2010 and with the benefits of scale, deliver increasingly attractive returns thereafter whilst offering substantial savings and compelling value to customers. This is a transformational new initiative for Sky.”

  • William Holt to oversee MTV US’ digital initiatives

    William Holt to oversee MTV US’ digital initiatives

    MUMBAI: US broadcaster MTV has announced that Courtney William Holt is the group’s executive VP of digital music and media.

    A recognised expert in the convergence of new media, music and marketing, Holt will oversee digital initiatives for MTV’s Music and Logo Group, including the MTV: Music Television, VH1 and CMT music brands; Logo, the network for the LGBT audience; and Urge, the digital music service recently launched to strong industry support.

    Holt will partner with the teams who direct the day-to-day operations of each brand’s online and wireless properties such as MTV’s Overdrive, VH1’s VSpot, mtvU’s Uber and CMT’s soon-to-launch Loaded.

    Holt joins MTV Networks from Interscope Geffen A&M, where he was executive vice president of new media, creative and strategic marketing. At Interscope Geffen A&M, Holt embraced emerging technology to break new marketing ground, galvanizing communities of fans around top musical artists.

    At MTV, Holt will be responsible for continuing to expand the reach of MTV Networks’ premier music brands, engaging audiences across a spectrum of touchpoints – on air, online, on the handset and through its new digital music service.

    MTV US president Van Toffler says, “It’s only fitting to have a creative music executive like Courtney – who started his career producing videos that appeared on our channels – join our stable of talent. Courtney’s background and experience is a perfect fit for our brands, which deliver innovative short- and long-form music entertainment that connects with our audience on many screens.

  • DVRs, HDTV to boost TV viewership, advertising in the US: PricewaterhouseCoopers

    DVRs, HDTV to boost TV viewership, advertising in the US: PricewaterhouseCoopers

    MUMBAI: PricewaterhouseCoopers has released its Global Entertainment and Media Outlook: 2006-2010 stating that digital video recorders (DVRs), digital television, and high-definition television (HDTV) will enhance the appeal of television, leading to increased viewership and advertising in the United States.

    The UK and Germany are the two largest markets in Europe, Middle East and Africa region at $10.7 billion and $10.1 billion respectively, in 2005. Italy ranks third, at $7.8 billion, and PwC expects it will reach the $10-billion threshold in 2010.

    Japan is the dominant country in the Asia Pacific in terms of value, at $19.7 billion in 2005, equivalent to 54 percent of total spending. Japan is slowly emerging from its long-term economic slump, and its television network market will expand at a 3.9 per cent annual rate through 2010. This marks a significant improvement compared with the 0.2 per cent growth compounded annually during the past few years.

    Venezuela will be the fastest-growing market in Latin America, at 14 per cent compounded annually. However growth will be artificially augmented by continued high inflation, a factor no longer present to a significant degree in the rest of the region.

    The television network market in Canada will expand at a relatively steady 4.3 per cent compound annual rate to $4.5 billion in 2010 from $3.7 billion in 2005.

    As far as distribution of television content is concerned in the US, video on demand will be the fastest-growing category, at 22 per cent compounded annually, and will grow to $3.9 billion in 2010.

    Italy will be the fastest-growing country in Europe, Middle East and Africa, with a 22.9 per cent compound annual growth, fuelled by a rapidly expanding satellite market and growing IPTV.

    In the Asia Pacific region, Hong Kong has been the fastest-growing market during the past two years, more than doubling as a result of the introduction of new channels and a developing IPTV market. Although Hong Kong constituted less than 1 percent of all subscription households in Asia Pacific in 2005, it accounted for 57 percent of the region’s IPTV households.

    The TV distribution market in Latin America, regardless of distribution platform, has been gaining momentum during the past three years and will post double-digit increases beginning in 2006 that will extend through 2009 before dropping to a high-single digit gain in 2010.

    In Canada, buoyed by the revitalization of cable, video on demand is taking off and by 2009 will generate more revenue than pay-per-view will.

    Sports: As far as sporting events are concerned in the US, gate revenues will total an estimated $20.7 billion in 2010, up 6.6 per cent compounded annually from $15.1 billion in 2005. In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region sponsorships, merchandising, and other revenue will rise to $10.1 billion in 2010, an 8.9 per cent compound annual gain from $6.6 billion in 2005.

    In the Asia Pacific region, large increases in TV advertising and subscription revenue will propel TV rights fees. In Latin America, an emerging broadband market and sustained economic growth will expand the sponsorship and merchandising market. The return of the NHL will propel all components of the sports market in Canada in 2006.

    Cinema: The American box office growth will average 4.3 per cent compounded annually during the next five years from a weak 2005, taking total box office spending from $9.0 billion in 2005 to $11.1 billion in 2010. However, admissions in 2010 will remain below the levels achieved during 2002-04.

    In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region online subscription services and video streaming services are entering the market. Together, they will reach $2.2 billion by 2010 from only $216 million in 2005, averaging 59.1 per cent growth compounded annually.

    In the Asia Pacific, high-definition video and reduced piracy will stimulate the sell-through market. PwC projects sell-through spending to grow at a 6.2 per cent compound annual rate to $6.2 billion in 2010 from $4.6 billion in 2005.

    Countries in Latin America are supporting local production through various subsidy programmes. As the experience of 2004-05 indicates, the success of local films can have a dramatic impact on the overall market.
    In Canada, sell-through growth will average 4.9 percent compounded annually to $3.8 billion, and rentals will be flat at $1.3 billion.

    Music: Licensed digital distribution in the US will rise from $653 million in 2005 to $4.9 billion in 2010, a 49.5 per cent compound annual increase. From a five per cent share in 2005, digital distribution will constitute 33 per cent of recorded music spending in 2010.

    The launch of new digital distribution services and growth in the number of broadband Internet subscribers in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will fuel digital download spending. In the Asia Pacific, piracy will continue to cut into sales. On a more positive note improved enforcement, combined with an increasingly more sophisticated and enabled economy, will lessen its incremental impact as antipiracy efforts begin to yield results.

    In Latin America, anti piracy initiatives are beginning to yield results, and although still a major problem, piracy will have less of an adverse incremental impact on unit sales. New services and an expanding broadband market in Canada will boost licensed digital distribution services.

    Radio and Out-of-Home Advertising: In the US, satellite radio will increase from $1 billion in 2005 to $5.4 billion in 2010, a 39.5 per cent compound annual increase.

    PwC projects the radio and out-of-home market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region will expand from $23.1 billion in 2005 to $29.2 billion in 2010,growing at a 4.8 percent compound annual rate.
    In the Asia Pacific, region the radio and out-of home market will increase from $11.0 billion in 2005 to $14.1 billion in 2010, growing at a 5.0 percent compound annual rate. Excluding Japan, growth for the remainder of the region will average 8.2 per cent compounded annually.

    In Latin America, rising employment will boost commuting and lead to increased exposure to out-of-home media. In Canada, the digital broadcasting market will boost the number of stations and expand the potential market, but increased audience fragmentation will dampen ad rates.

    Video Games: In the US, wireless games will experience the fastest rate of growth, increasing from $646 million in 2005 to $2.3 billion in 2010, a 28.6 percent compound annual increase.

    In the Europe, Middle East and Africa region the online game market will be driven by increased penetration of the broadband subscriber market as well as by the new consoles, which will emphasize online play.

    In the Asia Pacific region, online games became the second-largest category in 2005, passing the PC game total, and will increase by 23 per cent compounded annually, reaching $4.4 billion in 2010 as compared with $1.6 billion in 2005.

    As a result of lack of competition from the newer online and wireless technologies, PC games are relatively more important in Latin America and are not exhibiting the declines evident elsewhere in the world. Canada has one of the highest broadband penetration rates in the world, spurring growth in the online game segment.

    Magazine Publishing: In the US, advertising in this area will total $29.2 billion in 2010, up 4.5 per cent on a compound annual basis, with consumer magazines reaching $16 billion, growing by 4.5 per cent compounded annually, and business magazines rising to $13.2 billion, a 4.4 percent average annual increase.

    The UK has the largest magazine advertising market in the Europe, Middle East and Africa region and ranks second in circulation spending. The market has been bolstered by new titles targeting men.

    New regulations will encourage international publishers to invest in China and India, thereby stimulating magazine publishing in these territories.

    Brazil is the dominant market in Latin America, at $1.3 billion, 48 per cent of the total, followed by Argentina, at $606 million, and Mexico, at $598 million. Circulation spending in Canada rebounded in 2005 with a 0.9 per cent increase following five years of decline.

    Newspaper Publishing: In the US, newspaper web sites will drive advertising growth as online distribution becomes a significant delivery channel.

    In Europe, Middle East and Africa new formats and giveaways will boost circulation temporarily–largely at the expense of competitors utilizing traditional approaches while increased investment in presses will improve the appearance of newspapers and help attract readers over the longer run.

    Japan is the largest market in Asia Pacific, at $21.1 billion in 2005 and 45 per cent of the total. The market has been essentially flat during the past three years, which represented an improvement compared with low- to mid-single-digit declines during 2001-02.

    PwC projects newspaper publishing in Latin America will increase from $5.4 billion in 2005 to $7.0 billion in 2010, a compound annual gain of 5.4 percent. In Canada, cutbacks in household delivery together with competition from free papers will adversely affect paid circulation, but strength among smaller papers will limit the decline.

    Book Publishing: In the US, professional books are migrating to electronic formats, leading to a decline in print spending. The print book market in Western Europe will rise to $46.8 billion in 2010 from $43.2 billion in 2005, a 1.6 per cent compound annual increase.

    Japan and China are the dominant countries in the Asia Pacific region, at $9.0 billion and $6.8 billion, respectively. Together, they constituted 71 per cent of the print market in 2005.

    In Latin America, improved economic conditions will help consumer book sales, but low readership levels and piracy will restrain the market. Rising college enrollments and increased school spending will boost the educational book market in Canada.

    Theme Parks and Amusement Parks: New rides and attractions will lead to modest attendance growth, but only one major new regional park is planned in the US. France is the major theme park market in Europe, Middle East and Africa and has the most popular park in the region: Disneyland Paris. Disneyland Paris and Walt Disney Studios Park attract more than 12 million visitors annually.

    Improved economic conditions will lead to a rebound in Japan and South Korea, while increased investment and rising domestic tourism will stimulate the market in Australia.

    In the Latin America, more-stable economies will increase disposable income, which will contribute to growth in attendance and per capita spending.

    In Canada, the top two parks will grow slightly faster than the smaller parks, averaging 4.2 per cent compounded annually compared with 3.9 per cent annually for the smaller parks.

  • AXN turns on the heat with ‘Fight Night’

    AXN turns on the heat with ‘Fight Night’

    MUMBAI: The action oriented AXN has launched a block Fight Night, every Wednesday from 9 pm to 11 pm. This will feature reality martial arts and boxing.

    The two shows that will air are the boxing based reality show The Contender Season 2 which will air the same day as it does in the US and the first season of The Ultimate Fighter.

    AXN country manager Sunder Aaron says, “What Indian viewers will appreciate about these two new shows is that they are as real as the Zidane head butt! These are not trained actors, but real fighters and boxers competing in real combat for the ultimate prize!

    “Watching sports with friends is the new lifestyle trend in India, and AXN will be meeting viewers’ needs with two great shows on Fight Night. All on one night, starting 19 July, we are proud to bring our viewers the Contender Season 2, followed by the premiere of The Ultimate Fighter, an extreme sport reality series not for the faint-hearted!”

    On The Contender, boxing legend Sugar Ray Leonard plays mentor to 16 boxers handpicked from all over America. They will fight for a dream career and a million dollars. The show takes viewers into each of the boxer’s personal victories and trials, exposes their ambition and drive while still touching hearts and making the competition about more than just boxing.

    The Ultimate Fighter is a reality series-extreme sports genre. In Las Vegas,16 young men from all over America to compete for a highly coveted Ultimate Fighting Championship contract.

    The fighters are trained by UFC legends Randy “The Natural” Couture and Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell in a wide array of diverse martial arts, including wrestling, boxing, kickboxing, judo and karate,. The show separates the men from the boys with all the blood, sweat and tears televised for all to see. The Ultimate Fighter represents the true spirit of the sport with all the real fights and real action unlike other shows on Indian television.

  • Phillips reports sales growth of 10 per cent in 2Q

    Phillips reports sales growth of 10 per cent in 2Q

    MUMBAI: Royal Philips Electronics has reported that sales in the second quarter were up 10 per cent year-on-year. Its net income was 301 million euros.

    Sales increased strongly in the second quarter to 7,601 million euros. This represents a 10 per cent rise from the same quarter last eyar.

    Adjusted for the effects of currency movements and consolidation changes, comparable sales increased by 11 per cent driven by strong growth in all operating divisions.

    EBIT amounted to 367 million euros compared to 158 million euros in the same period of last year. In difficult market conditions, the EBIT of the consumer electronics division held up. Brand campaign costs were 47 million euros lower than in the same quarter for last year due to an amended seasonal spend pattern.

    Financial income and expenses resulted in income of 127 million euros compared to an expense of 57 million euros in thew same quarter last year. The improvement is due to the recognition of a TSMC cash dividend of EUR 223 million, net of tax.

    Cash inflow from operating activities increased to 300 million euros, compared to 52 million euros in the same quarter last year due to lower additional working capital requirements. Inventories as a percentage of sales amounted to 12.2 per cent, a decrease of 1.2 percentage points compared to Q2 2005.

    Philips’ president and CEO Gerard Kleisterlee says, “We had an excellent second quarter to round off a good first half year. Our transformation into a market-driven healthcare, lifestyle and technology company starts to show its merits, with strong profit contributions from Medical Systems, Lighting and DAP. Our consumer electronics business model is showing its robustness in difficult conditions for the industry and Semiconductors is delivering the expected benefits of its business renewal programme.

    “Continuing our consistent focus on shareholder value, we are pleased to announce the launch of a further 1.5 billion euros share repurchase programme, to start in the third quarter.”

  • Speculation runs high on Echostar DirecTV merger

    Speculation runs high on Echostar DirecTV merger

    MUMBAI: Last few days, the American media industry has been full of speculation over a potential move that could change the dynamics of that country’s pay TV industry.

    The news is that DirecTV in which News Corp has a stake is looking at buying rival Echostar. However, the two companies have refused to comment on reports that have appeared in several publications.

    The two parties account for almost all viewership of satellite television in the US. Rumour mongering escalated at the recently held Allen & Co. media and technology conference in Idaho. Charlie Ergen who owns Echostar had attended the conference and The New York Times had reported on the rumours.

    In a recent piece in Reuters Wall Street, analysts were of the view that the presidential election in a few years time could spur a wave of mergers including DirectTV-EchoStar due to concerns that should the Democrats come into power, it would be more difficult to merge.

    One roadblock here is that America’s media watchdog, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC), had four years ago rejected a proposal for a merger saying that it contravened antithrust laws.

    Interestingly a few months ago, DirecTV CFO Mike Palkovic, had told an industry conference that his company was interested in buying Echostar. Reports also state that Ergen is reluctant to give up control of his company.

    A merger would result in cost savings that run into billions of dollars and they would be able to compete better with the cable TV industry. A report in tvpredictions.com states that both the firms are investing heavily in new satellites (and other infrastructure) to improve their HDTV offerings.

  • Walt Disney Studios to increase branded output strategy

    Walt Disney Studios to increase branded output strategy

    MUMBAI: The Walt Disney Studios will be making a strategic shift toward more Disney branded movies. The studio will produce and distribute approximately 10 Disney live-action and animated films a year and 2-3 Touchstone films a year. The announcement was made by The Walt Disney Studios chairman Dick Cook.

    Cook said, “Disney is the number one name in filmed entertainment around the world. It’s the name on the door, it’s what we do best, and when we do it right, not only do moviegoers of all ages benefit from the finest in quality entertainment, but it lifts the entire company as well. The depth and breath of great Disney movies range from Pirates of the Caribbean to Cars to The Chronicles of Narnia, and we look to expand our global reach even more.”

    To accomplish this objective, Cook has tapped Oren Aviv as president of production, Walt Disney Pictures. Aviv will oversee the live-action development and film production for the Studios.

    “Oren is an amazing talent and has been a key player in reshaping our Disney films with many successes. In fact, National Treasure was a winning, original idea which he conceived and realised on film. In his new role, we look forward to capitalising on his great taste as well as his creative vision,” continued Cook.

    “Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group president Nina Jacobson, will be leaving the company, and while she will certainly be missed, we greatly appreciate her many contributions,” said Cook.

    In another strategic move, The Walt Disney Studios has restructured several of its business units under two global organisations – Buena Vista Worldwide Marketing and Distribution, and Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment. Mark Zoradi has been appointed president of Walt Disney Motion Pictures Group and will oversee the distribution and marketing of all Disney and Touchstone Pictures films worldwide. Robert Chapek has been named president, Buena Vista Worldwide Home Entertainment, and will oversee the worldwide distribution and marketing of all the Studio’s films on Home Entertainment platforms.

    “The consolidation of global marketing and distribution is extremely important as we continue to adapt to the vastly changing world. To lead this charge we have the best team in place with Mark and Bob. Mark is a consummate professional who along with his team has had unprecedented success in the international marketplace with 12 consecutive years surpassing the $1 billion dollar mark. No other distributor has crossed this performance threshold. Bob is an innovator in every sense of the word and has helped our studio achieve countless DVD successes, and that leadership will translate well into his new global responsibilities,” said Cook.

    Another executive appointment will include Jim Gallagher as president of marketing for Buena Vista Pictures Marketing.

    Cook added, “Jim is as smart as they come and has great taste and creative instincts, not to mention an incredible sense of humor. I’m thrilled he has taken on this very important role.”

    With this new global infrastructure in place the Studio is expected to reduce its work force by approximately 650 positions worldwide. “Cutbacks such as these are difficult on so many levels, and we will do everything in our power to make the transition as smooth as possible,” said Cook.

    Walt Disney Feature Animation, Pixar Studios, Miramax Films (led by Daniel Battsek), Buena Vista Music Group and Buena Vista Theatrical Productions will not be affected by this reorganisation.

  • British Olympic promo to become Hollywood film

    British Olympic promo to become Hollywood film

    MUMBAI: Inspiration, the three-minute promotional film created for London’s 2012 bid, will be transformed into a full length feature film. Moongate Films’ producer and founder Caroline Rowland and director Daryl Goodrich have signed an agreement in this regard with Paramount/Nickelodeon. 

    The producers have zeroed in on the working title Legend of the Rings for the film.

    Relating the story of four young Olympic hopefuls from across the world, the short film formed part of London’s successful presentation to the International Olympic Committee in Singapore last July. It highlighted London 2012’s commitment to inspire youth to take up sport through the Games.This full-length feature is intended for release to coincide with the Beijing Games in 2008, said an official release.

    London 2012 organising committee Chair Sebastian Coe says: “We are extremely proud of the Singapore film as it brought to life so perfectly the vision we created for the London Olympic Games to inspire the youth of the world.”

    “We are delighted that vision has captured the imagination of Hollywood.” Rowland adds. “It’s a universal story of triumph, tragedy and heroism that will appeal to children and families all over the world and, hopefully, inspire many who see it to follow their dreams.”

    This will be the U.K.-based production company’s first feature. Their sister-company, New Moon, specializes in commercials, promotional films and documentaries, adds the release.

  • NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    NGC launches a global music broadband channel

    MUMBAI: National Geographic in the US has created a music initiative that offers consumers the soundtrack to the world, from traditional roots music to unexpected hybrids from the furthest reaches of the globe.

    National Geographic World Music (worldmusic.nationalgeographic.com) showcases international artists and musical performances in an interactive and immersive online environment.

    In supporting National Geographic’s (NGC) core aim of inspiring people to care about the planet, the site uses the language of music as a medium to tell the stories of the world.

    From Morocco to Indonesia, New Zealand to Sweden, Cuba to the US and Senegal, National Geographic World Music offers fans the chance to discover music by different artists, regions and genres. The site also provides rich context for music through NGC’s assets that include videos, maps, photos and features from its magazines, and other editorial platforms. Searches are enabled via artist, genre, country and region.

    Featured artists include:

    – Tinariwen: These Malian guitar-slingers are former Tuareg rebels who put down their guns, picked up guitars and changed the face of African rock ’n’ roll.

    – Sidestepper: This Anglo-Colombian collaboration is a mash-up of 21st-century salsa, cumbia, vallenato and drum ’n’ bass, direct from the developing world.

    – Seu Jorge: This Brazilian crooner made waves when he gave David Bowie classics a smooth, samba makeover.

    Musician David Beal has been working on the launch of National Geographic World Music for the past year. He says, “People come to National Geographic to read books and magazines, to watch films and television, to shop and to explore nationalgeographic.com, but they’ve never truly had a pure listening experience, until now.

    “By exposing these incredible artists to the National Geographic audience, they’ll hopefully begin to find a larger audience and receive the recognition they deserve.”

    National Geographic World Music is programmed by music experts under the supervision of Tom Pryor, former editor of Global Rhythm magazine. The Web site will feature the best artists, innovative music and emerging trends worldwide, allowing users a comprehensive experience. It will also feature guest DJs and their recommended play lists. With partner Calabash, National Geographic World Music makes thousands of tracks available for discovery as well as for purchase at 99 cents per MP3 download. Other strategic partners include LinkTV for video, and Afropop Worldwide and Global Rhythm for editorial and curatorial content.

    National Geographic digital media VP, content development and operations Betsy Scolnik says, “World music is a natural extension of nationalgeographic.com’s rich multimedia experience that entertains, informs and engages consumers who are as passionate about the world’s cultures and the environment as we are. World music fans around the world will be able to listen and learn in one digital experience.”