As Historic Events in Egypt Continue to Unfold, National Geographic Channel Highlights Priceless Cultural Heritage With Weeklong Event, TREASURES of egypt

New Segments Each Night Introduce Best of Egypt Lineup to Add Context to Current Events, Include Exclusive Interview with Zahi Hawass

Hosted by Fox News Channel's Bill Hemmer, Five Nights Begin Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET/PT Plus Marathon Begins 2 p.m. ET, Saturday, Feb. 26

WASHINGTON, Feb. 17, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In light of the historic events unfolding in Egypt, the National Geographic Channel is presenting a week of programs — THE TREASURES OF EGYPT — that spotlight the antiquities of one of mankind's most significant ancient cultures.  As daily life resumes in the country's journey to democracy, the importance of this irreplaceable cultural heritage must not be forgotten amid the turmoil of ongoing developments.

Treasures of Egypt encompasses five nights of the best of National Geographic Egypt programming, beginning Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at 8 p.m. ET/PT.  Each primetime hour will open with newly produced segments that place the subjects of the show within the context of recent events.  Segments will be hosted by Fox News Channel's Bill Hemmer, and will include an exclusive interview with Dr. Zahi Hawass, National Geographic Explorer-in-Residence and most recently the Egypt's minister of state for antiquities affairs.  In an interview with NGC, Hawass — who himself has come under pressure and faced criticism in recent days — candidly recounts the break-in at the Cairo Museum in new detail, reveals how some stolen treasures have already been recovered and takes us into the Cairo Museum's conservation lab to show antiquities that have been restored or are in the process of being restored.  

Treasures of Egypt will also include a marathon "stack" of shows on Saturday, Feb. 26, beginning at 2 p.m. ET/PT.

"We have truly witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime event in Egypt," said Steve Burns, executive vice president, global content, for National Geographic Channel.  "It is important for National Geographic, whose mission is to inspire people to care about the planet, to remind viewers what is so precious about Egyptian heritage and why it matters to the world."

With an estimated loss of more than $1 billion in tourism since the revolution began, the week of programming will not only highlight the importance of protecting these incredible relics, but also remind viewers of the extraordinary beauty and appeal of the country to people around the world.

National Geographic has a long history of exploration and deep connection to Egypt, including coverage of the 20^th century's most significant find, Howard Carter's discovery of King Tut's tomb in 1922.  The commitment to spotlight Egypt's ancient treasures began with National Geographic Magazine's first report in 1901 and continues today with three National Geographic exhibitions currently touring the globe: "Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs," "Tutankhamun: The Golden King and the Great Pharaohs" and "Cleopatra: The Search for the Last Queen of Egypt."

For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com/egypt .

SOURCE National Geographic Channel