Discovery to Launch Eco Block in China

BEIJING, April 14:
Discovery Networks Asia is set to launch its environment-focused Planet
Green programming block on 26 TV
stations in China on April 16, sponsored by SˇKODA Auto, an eco-friendly
Volkswagen brand.

The block, which includes
40 hours of environmental programs, will kick off with 5 Ways to Save the
World, a 9×1-hour program that
seeks to find solutions to the planet’s most serious environmental threats.
Other highlights in the Planet Green block include Fearless Planet, premiering July 2 to August 6; Eco-Tech, running April 23 to May 21; Technogreen, which is set to roll out in the third quarter of
this year; and Ecopolis,
launching in the first quarter of 2009.

SˇKODA is sponsoring
the block, and will work alongside Discovery with on-air partnerships as well
as organizing several road shows in the second half of 2008 to spread the green
message.

Fang Chang, the VP and
general manager of Discovery Networks Asia's China operation, said, "There
is no better time to launch Planet Green in China. Consumers are ready and receptive for more
environmental-related content, and Discovery is here to take the lead in
providing this. We are delighted that SˇKODA has chosen to work with us to
launch their latest line of environmentally friendly cars, and believe the Planet
Green block provides a perfect
platform for SˇKODA to drive home their green message."

Fu Qiang, the deputy
executive director of SˇKODA’s brand marketing and sales business
division, said, “With continuous
deterioration of the climate and environment, environmental protection has
become a global focus. As a brand with a 100-year history, SˇKODA has
always been concerned about the environment and this is reflected in our green
logo. SˇKODA’s mission is to offer world-class automobiles whose
production entails only a minimum burden for the environment, and this new line
of Octavia will provide a greener drive without increased cost to the end-user.
We are proud to cooperate with Discovery Networks Asia to launch the Planet
Green block in China, which we
will hope will inspire and encourage real action on the part of the viewer.”

—By Kristin
Brzoznowski