Panasonic Corporation
(NYSE:PC)(TOKYO:6752)8-29 announced the sponsorship of a new television series
focused on UNESCO World Heritage sites to be aired on the National Geographic
Channel (NGC) across the world from this autumn.
As part of its strategic
partnership agreement* with the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, Panasonic has
been solely sponsoring "The World Heritage Special" broadcast on the
NGC in 193 countries and regions since June 2011.
To celebrate the 40th
anniversary of the signing of the Convention Concerning the Protection of the
World Cultural and Natural Heritage this year and support its principles,
Panasonic has further strengthened its partnership with the NGC to sponsor the
new TV series. Called "Access 360° World Heritage," which was newly
commissioned to the NGC for productions, the program will focus on the sites of
natural and cultural heritage around the world and illustrate the work to
protect and conserve these sites, including the latest technologies and people
that support the work behind the scenes. It will be broadcast from September
2012 to May 2013.
The new "Access
360° World Heritage" series will also be offered free as an archived
streaming video via Panasonic's VIERA Connect IPTV service, gradually becoming
available from this October in Japan, the U.S., Europe and other parts of the
world. Developed and operated by Actvila Corporation, this application will
allow owners of VIERA Connect-enabled TVs to enjoy spectacular HD video of
World Heritage sites by simply installing from the VIERA Connect Market.
Panasonic's Digital
Single Lens Mirrorless cameras LUMIX G were used to supplement the main shoot
and capture some General Video (GVs) on location in New York. A selection of
this footage will be integrated into the episode entitled "Access 360°
Statue of Liberty," which is set for broadcast in December.
* Strategic partnership
with UNESCO
Panasonic and the UNESCO World Heritage Centre signed a strategic partnership
agreement in June 2011, with the aim of protecting UNESCO World Heritage sites
and promoting sustainable growth through the provision of environmental
education for the next generation. Under the agreement, Panasonic has been
undertaking communication and educational activities that promote conservation
and awareness of World Heritage sites as well as environmental educational
activities for the next generation through a World Heritage education program.
The activities include Panasonic's two-year sole sponsorship of "The World
Heritage Special" on the National Geographic Channel and educational
initiatives using its 3D AV equipment and technologies. The company has also
been hosting tours of historical ruins and various contests to provide children
with opportunities to learn firsthand about the importance of protecting World
Heritage sites.
