Nat Geo Wild Gets Malaysian Launch

KUALA LUMPUR: Fox International Channels (FIC) has firmed up a carriage deal with Astro to bring Nat Geo Wild to Malaysia.

The channel will feature programming in Bahasa Malaysia as the default language, with two other optional audios in English and Mandarin. Nat Geo Wild is available as part of Astro’s Family Package at no additional charge. Overall, Nat Geo Wild reaches more than 30 million subscribers in 38 territories worldwide and in 17 languages.

"Together with Astro, we welcome all Astro viewers to the National Geographic Channel’s world of real wildlife programming," said Basil Chua, the director and territory head of Fox International Channels in Malaysia. "Nat Geo Wild engages viewers through breathtaking visuals and compelling storytelling, taking them deep into the hidden and often-unseen world for an up close and personal experience with the animal kingdom."

"Having the world’s leading documentary channel on Astro’s basic package with programs dubbed in Bahasa Malaysia, English and Mandarin will put Nat Geo Wild ahead in the highly-competitive factual-entertainment category. The launch of Nat Geo Wild, in addition to the highly rated National Geographic Channel and National Geographic Channel HD, will enable us to continue to build scale, choice and reach for advertisers in Malaysia," added Chua.

Astro TV’s COO, Henry Tan, said, “We are pleased to offer Nat Geo Wild on our platform and deliver such an exciting channel to our millions of subscribers. It is a timely launch as it fits into the backdrop of the increasing environmental awareness and biodiversity conservation efforts in Malaysia. We certainly look forward to a stronger cooperation with Fox International Channels and its growing presence in Malaysia.”

“We expect the extension of Nat Geo Wild to drive home more exciting and creative collaborations with our local partners in Malaysia. Beyond increasing our viewership, we are committed to helping organizations and governments drive greater brand success by leveraging on our extensive media platforms,” commented Chua.