MUMBAI: National Geographic Channels International (NGCI) has announced the acquisition of National Geographic Television International?s (NGTI) sales and distribution operations and related programming rights in a move that allows it to extend and control exclusivity windows for partners carrying its networks worldwide in 163 countries.

NGCI has obtained global television and certain digital rights to NGTI?s extensive programming catalogue ? representing more than 1,000 hours of programming.

NGCI will also control broadcast, VOD, SVOD and related digital rights for all present inventory and future National Geographic Channel produced programming while National Geographic Ventures (NGV) will continue to retain home entertainment, theatrical rights, short form video and other affiliated digital rights.

Fox International Channels and National Geographic Channels International president and CEO Hernan Lopez said, ?Secondary windows of National Geographic programming on other platforms have been an important concern for our channel partners. NGCI can now offer our operators full assurance of exclusivity while at the same time expanding our resources to increase the overall programming budget ? significant milestones as the network continues to evolve, approaching 15 years of continued success in the pay-TV sphere.?

Extending premiere windows offers a two-fold advantage: protecting the investment value for NGCI business partners ? especially network operators and advertisers ? through exclusive access to National Geographic programming while also offering audiences a signature broadcast destination for the National Geographic viewing experience.

National Geographic Global Media COO Ted Prince, Jr. said, ?National Geographic Channels? success as a major player in the nonfiction TV programming and distribution arena is driving us to take a strategic view of our global broadcast distribution business. By putting broadcast distribution and sales under the same worldwide umbrella, we?re creating a distribution synergy that will optimize global initiatives, and allow NGV to continue to expand worldwide home entertainment and digital streaming businesses.?

As NGCI takes on the NGTI portfolio, it will fulfill all of NGTI?s existing obligations, and the teams will operate in tandem during this transition. Both entities will continue to share the National Geographic booth at next month?s television trade event Mipcom in Cannes, France.

MUMBAI: David Lyle has been named National Geographic Channels (NGC) US CEO and assumes responsibility for global programming.

The appointment, which is effective immediately, was announced by the National Geographic Channels board, to whom he will report.

The veteran television executive has been working with the National Geographic management team as the head of West Coast development for several months. National Geographic Channels President Steve Schiffman will report to Lyle.

In his new role, Lyle will be responsible for the overall supervision of the domestic channels ? which include the National Geographic Channel (NGC), Nat Geo WILD and Nat Geo Mundo ?owned jointly by the Fox Networks Group and the National Geographic Society.
 
Since launching in January 2001, the National Geographic Channel has made strong progress. NGC has had seven consecutive years of ratings growth, something no other network has achieved since NGC?s launch. NGC also outperformed the national cable TV marketplace in revenue and CPM growth for nine consecutive years.

National Geographic Society president Tim Kelly said, ?David brings extensive creative experience and a strong international perspective to this critical role,? . ?He will be focused on delivering compelling popular programming that reflects, enhances and delivers on the substance of the National Geographic brand and mission. We are delighted to have him on our team.?

Lyle will be based in Washington, D.C., where the Channels are headquartered.

Lyle, who has been with Fox since 2005, previously served as Fox Look president, a unit specialising in the international licensing and production of reality formats, and the Fox Reality Channel, a national cable outlet dedicated to unscripted programming.