MUMBAI: The National Geographic Channel (NGC) has announced that it has signed a multi-million dollar joint venture (JV) deal with CJ Media in Korea. The new JV entity will take over the operations of NGCs existing business in Korea

A company release states that CJ Media currently operates the second largest network of cable and satellite channels in Korea covering the music, movies, lifestyle and the documentary genres. CJ Group, through CJ Cablenet, also owns the third largest MSO in Korea with over one million subscribers.

The JV seeks to leverage the strengths of both parties. NGC provides the programme acquisition, scheduling, content promotion, branding and publicity expertise. CJ Media provides the sales, broadcasting, local programming and marketing resources.

The JV set-up will initially employ six to seven staff members in Korea, responsible for programming, marketing and finance. This team will work closely with CJ Media who will provide services such as broadcasting, transmission, distribution and sales.

The release adds that since the conclusion of the JV NGC's distribution has jumped from 5.5 million homes to over seven million homes in Korea. Upcoming plans for the channel include the acquisition of local documentaries and increasing marketing activities.