Animal Planet

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It has been suggested that Animal Planet L!VE be merged into this article. (Discuss) Proposed since April 2013.
Animal Planet
Animal Planet logo.svg
Launched October 1, 1996 (1996-10-01)
Owned by Discovery Communications
Picture format 1080i (HDTV)
480i (SDTV/16:9 letterbox)
Slogan Surprisingly Human.
Country United States
Language English
Headquarters Silver Spring, Maryland, United States
Sister channel(s) Discovery Channel
TLC
Hub Network
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network
Science
Military Channel
Discovery Fit & Health
Investigation Discovery
Destination America
Velocity
Website www.animalplanet.com
Availability
Satellite
DirecTV 282 (HD/SD)
1282 (On Demand)
Dish Network 887 (HD)
184 (SD)
DSTV 264
Cable
Verizon FiOS 630 (HD)
130 (SD)
StarHub TV 424
UPC Poland 381 (HD)
380 (SD)
Available on many cable systems Check local listings for channels
IPTV
Sky Angel 311
AT&T U-verse 1252 (HD)
252 (SD)

Animal Planet is an American cable TV specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007. Over the last several years, the network has shown less education television shows, and has focused instead on more entertainment oriented programming.

Contents

History[edit]

Animal Planet logo prior to February 3, 2008.

Animal Planet was created in cooperation with the BBC by Discovery Communications on October 1, 1996.

On January 1, 1997, Animal Planet's distribution grew as a result of Discovery Communications buying the channel space of WOR EMI Service (a national feed of New York's WWOR-TV), that was implemented in the light of the SyndEx laws enforced by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

It is available throughout the US, as well as in over 70 countries around the world.

Country-specific versions of the channel have been created in Canada, India, Japan, Taiwan and other countries.

The National Aquarium in Baltimore has an exhibit of "Animal Planet Australia: Wild Extreme". It opened in late 2005 in a multi-million dollar expansion. Animal Planet and the National Aquarium in Baltimore (in 2004) announced a multi-year partnership which produced an original orientation film that gives Aquarium visitors background on the Australian area which inspired the new exhibit and a dedicated area inside the expansion where visitors can learn about Animal Planet's conservation efforts and other programming. The partnership also has possible future productions of TV programs about the National Aquarium in Baltimore's research and exhibits.[1]

In 2006, BBC Worldwide sold its 20% interest in Animal Planet US back to Discovery Communications.[2] The BBC maintained its 50% ownership in Animal Planet Europe, Animal Planet Asia and Animal Planet Latin America, as well as its minority position in Animal Planet Japan and Animal Planet Canada until 15 November 2010,[3] when BBC Worldwide sold 50% interest in Animal Planet and Liv to Discovery Communications for $156 million.[4] Animal Planet is additionally an associate member of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative[5]

Genius Products has announced a U.S. distribution agreement not only with Animal Planet, but also with TLC.

Jakks Pacific has just signed a license to make Animal Planet pet products.

Relaunch[edit]

On February 3, 2008, Animal Planet "relaunched" itself under a new image that "sheds its soft and furry side for programming and an image with more bite."[6] As part of the relaunch, Animal Planet replaced their elephant and spinning globe logo for a starker text image that allows more flexibility in its usage.[7] Eight new shows and specials scheduled to air in February, with the new shows aimed at reaching a more adult audience with programming designed to tap into humans' basic instincts with stories that reiterate what makes humans human.[8]

The goal is to move from being perceived by viewers as paternalistic, preachy, and observation-based to being seen as active, entertaining and edgy. That means targeting adults 25-49, rather than full families, with less voice-of-God narration and more visceral imagery and sounds. Think of it as swapping a drab narrator saying that a lion is about to kill its prey for the blood-curdling scream of the doomed creature as it meets its demise.
—Anne Becker, Broadcasting & Cable[7]

This rebranding effort continued in 2010 with a change of the network's slogan, from "Same Planet, Different World" to "Surprisingly Human".[9] [10]

Programming[edit]

Main article: List of programs broadcast by Animal Planet

Recent additions to the channel, such as Meerkat Manor and Orangutan Island, already reflect this newer focus on "predation programming" and more immersive story telling. Animal Planet hopes this new direction will help revitalize stagnating ratings, after primetime viewing in 2007 dropped 9%.[9] Animal Planet has offered new dramas, fantasy and comedy shows during the 2008-2009 season.[11] Animal Planet is also well known for its annual stunt program, the Puppy Bowl, a yearly special shown during the afternoon leading up to the NFL's Super Bowl, primarily consisting of puppies at play commentated by the late sports broadcaster Harry Kalas.[12]

Animal Planet HD[edit]

Animal Planet HD

Animal Planet HD is a 1080i high definition simulcast of Animal Planet, that launched on September 1, 2007; it is currently available on AT&T U-verse, Verizon Fios, Dish Network, Cox, Comcast, Charter, DirecTV and Time Warner Cable.

It was also launched on February 3, 2009 in Norway for Canal Digital. Norway is the first country outside the US to get this channel in HD.[13]

Competitors[edit]

Animal Planet's largest animal-related competitor is Nat Geo Wild although Animal Planet focuses more on pets and domesticated animals, while Nat Geo Wild focuses more on wild and exotic animals.

Animal Planet Magazine[edit]

D.C. Thomson & Co. is teaming up with Discovery Communications to launch the Animal Planet magazine in the United Kingdom on February 16.[14]

Investment in Petsami[edit]

In November 2012, Revision3, the Discovery-owned online video network, forged a new partnership with Fishbowl Worldwide Media to distribute and sell advertising for its pets-focused YouTube programming, as well as to fund development of new shows, on their YouTube channel PETSAMI, run by David Beebe, SVP & GM Digital Studio at FishBowl. The new deal also constitutes a first-look deal, giving Revision3 (and its parent company, which owns TV network Animal Planet) first dibs on all co-developed shows.[15]

Other countries[edit]

References[edit]

  1. ^ "Aquarium Announces Partners in Australia Exhibit". National Aquarium in Baltimore. June 17, 2004. Retrieved April 30, 2011. 
  2. ^ "BBC Worldwide Annual Review 2005/06". BBC Worldwide. March 31, 2006. Retrieved April 30, 2011. 
  3. ^ EDGAR Filing Documents for 0000950134-07-004374
  4. ^ "BBC and Discovery Communications announce new partnership and BBC Worldwide sells its interest in joint venture to Discovery". BBC. 15 November 2010. 
  5. ^ Member channels of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative
  6. ^ Brune, Adrian (2008-01-16). "Animal Planet presents new face to the world". PR Week. Retrieved 2008-02-02. 
  7. ^ a b Becker, Anne (2008-01-14). "Animal Planet Changes Its Stripes". Broadcasting & Cable. Retrieved 2008-02-02. 
  8. ^ "Animal Planet Reveals A New Species of Entertainment for 2008". Discovery Communications. January 14, 2008. Retrieved February 1, 2008. 
  9. ^ a b Stelter, Brian (2008-01-14). "After Ratings Slip, Animal Planet Turns to Its Wilder Side". New York Times. Retrieved 2012-07-08. 
  10. ^ Bierly, Mandi (2010-04-08). "Animal Planet's new tagline: 'Surprisingly Human'". Entertainment Weekly PopWatch Blog. Retrieved 2012-07-08. 
  11. ^ Animal Planet Offers "Entertaining" Slate, Multichannel News, April 8, 2008
  12. ^ Ryzik, Melena (February 2, 2008). "'Just Fine as Tackles, but They Can’t Pass". New York Times. 
  13. ^ http://www.canaldigital.no/nyheter/Animal-Planet-HD
  14. ^ DC Thomson Teams with Discovery for Animal Planet Mag, Licensing.biz, February 11, 2011
  15. ^ Shaw, Lucas (November 28, 2012). "Discovery’s Revision3 Extends Partnership With Fishbowl Media, Invests Development Money". The Wrap. Retrieved February 17, 2013. 

External links[edit]

Retrieved from "http://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Animal_Planet&oldid=559726849"