Hong Kong, 10 August 2006 - National Geographic Channel today announced the worldwide premiere of its 24 hour wildlife channel in Hong Kong, National Geographic Wild will be exclusively available on now TV on 21 August 2006. The channel will be a bilingual channel, offering a choice of either English or Cantonese soundtrack, which is a first for the National Geographic Channel.

National Geographic Wild was unveiled at a preview in Hong Kong Wetland Park by National Geographic Herpetologist Dr. Brady Barr; Managing Director and Executive Vice President, National Geographic Channel Asia, Zubin Gandevia; and Executive Vice President, TV Marketing and Content Management, PCCW Media Limited, Ms Janice Lee.

National Geographic Wild offers high quality wildlife programs, bringing viewers an authentic experience of all aspects of the animal kingdom in its rawest forms, from ferocious creatures to gentle giants. Upcoming programs include Croc Chronicles; Snake Wranglers; Kill Zone; Built for the Kill; Beauty and the Beast Leopard Story and Zambezi Troop.

Zubin Gandevia, Managing Director and Executive Vice President, National Geographic Channel Asia said, “For many years, National Geographic Channel has brought high calibre and entertaining documentaries of all genres to Hong Kong viewers. Hong Kong is a very important market for us and we are delighted to introduce a channel in the local language for our viewers here. National Geographic Wild marks a new milestone in our commitment to Hong Kong.”

“The launch of the channel in Hong Kong is particularly appropriate because of the rich variety of indigenous wildlife here. We hope it will help increase understanding, care and appreciation of these species, many of which are threatened or in danger of becoming extinct.”

National Geographic Wild will be offered exclusively with National Geographic Channel and Adventure One (A1) in a special “National Geographic Mega Pack” available at HK$40 on now TV. Existing now TV subscribers of National Geographic Channel need only pay an additional HK$15 to upgrade their current subscription to include National Geographic Wild and A1. A further discount will be offered to now TV customers who subscribe to special promotion packages.

Janice Lee, Executive Vice President, TV Marketing and Content Management of PCCW Media Limited said, “By offering National Geographic Wild in Cantonese and English, we are further demonstrating our commitment to continually introduce high quality channels to Hong Kong. The high reputation of the National Geographic name together with the language arrangement is certain to have great appeal to Hong Kong TV viewers.”

At the press conference, National Geographic also announced the results of its recent wildlife conservation survey conducted among 500 Hong Kong students under 15 years of age. More than 80% of the survey’s respondents agree that it is important to conserve wildlife, and over 40% believe public education can help wildlife conservation in Hong Kong. About 67% of the respondents are interested in news/stories related to the genre.

As part of the new channel launch, National Geographic has specially invited National Geographic Herpetologist Dr. Brady Barr to share his experiences with the media, environmental and nature groups as well as the public in a series of events in Hong Kong.

The events include a seminar at Wetland Park, where Dr, Barr will relate his experiences with crocodiles and offer tips on how to care for them. He will also host a consumer event for now TV’s customers at Ocean Park Hong Kong on 12 August 2006 at which he will talk about filming with crocodiles, snakes and other reptiles. Both events are part of the National Geographic’s efforts to raise awareness of the need to conserve and care for our fragile earth.

National Geographic Wild will be available to Hong Kong viewers in English and Cantonese on Channel number 216 on now TV.