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National Geographic launches first free-to-air channel

July 8, 2009 2:44 by Dana El Baltaji

National Geographic Channel and Abu Dhabi Media Company launched the world’s first free-to-air edition of the nature channel.

“National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi marks the first time that National Geographic Channel has been broadcast on a free-to-air basis anywhere in the world,” said Ward Platt, the president for Asia Pacific and Middle East of National Geographic Channels International.

“In all other markets in the world, the viewer must pay a subscription to receive the 24-hour National Geographic Channel, but due to the unique nature of the market and the shared vision of Abu Dhabi Media Company and National Geographic Channel, we are able to provide the channel on a non-subscription basis in the region, where the channel revenues will be derived solely from advertising,” he added.

The channel is also the first version of National Geographic to be dubbed in Arabic.

National Geographic Channel Abu Dhabi went live on July 1. It is available at Arabsat Badr 6 and Nilesat N102.

Tags: Abu Dhabi Media Company, free to air, National Geographic