Panasonic to Present New UNESCO World Heritage Program on National Geographic Channel from September

Source：Victoria Times Colonist Date：2012-08-30

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.