Fox launches Nat Geo channels on Orange

Fox International Channels’ National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild have launched on the Orange pay TV platform in France.

National Geographic Channel and Nat Geo Wild have been available to Orange pay TV subscribers from May 22 in SD and HD formats.

The latest distribution deal means that the channels will increase their distribution in France to over nine million subscribers for National Geographic Channel and eight million for Nat Geo Wild.

According to Fox, citing French ratings agency Médiamétrie, National Geographic Channel has increased its viewership in France by 48% year-on-year, while Nat Geo Wild has recorded audience growth of 56% in the last year.

“This agreement allows Orange to reinforce the quality and the appeal of its multi-themed pay TV brand strategy. The prestige of the channels under the National Geographic brand is very strong, and represents the benchmark for documentary TV-making,” said Guillaume Lacroix, director of partnership and TV services and video at Orange.

“Each of these channels has a well-defined editorial line and position, and will enhance the viewing experience for our ‘Extra’ pay-TV subscribers.”