Animal Planet
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 reality
programming.
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.
In
2006, BBC Worldwide sold its 20% interest in Animal Planet US back to Discovery
Communications. 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, when BBC Worldwide sold 50% interest in Animal Planet and Liv to
Discovery Communications for $156 million. Animal Planet is additionally an
associate member of the Caribbean Cable Cooperative. 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
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