National Geographic Channel Announces Largest Cross-Platform Pre-Premiere in Network's History for New Series Wicked Tuna

WASHINGTON, March 27, 2012 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- National Geographic Channel (NGC) today announced that it will pre-premiere the first episode of the new 10-part series Wicked Tuna in its entirety through cross-platform partners Facebook, iTunes and Dish Network as well as through video on demand and on www.natgeotv.com.  The episode will be available beginning today, Tuesday, March 27 — five days in advance of the series' network premiere Sunday, April 1, at 10:00 p.m. ET/PT on the channel — and marks NGC's largest cross-platform pre-premiere to date.

"There has been tremendous interest in Wicked Tuna from a large cross-section of constituents, especially our viewers," commented Courteney Monroe, chief marketing officer for National Geographic Channels U.S.  "This is an opportunity to give everyone an advanced sneak preview of this compelling new series, and represents the value of leveraging multiple platforms to market shows we are excited about."

Wicked Tuna gives viewers unprecedented access to one of America's oldest industries, set in one of its earliest towns.  NGC takes viewers into the unrelenting waters made famous by the novel "The Perfect Storm," to follow captains who must prove they can find the big fish while complying with the strictest fishing regulations in the world.  They are relied upon by their families, by their shipmates who dream of one day having their own boats and by the town that depends on their collective success to sustain itself.

NGC has launched a multitiered effort to help audiences become more knowledgeable about the bluefin tuna story, including PSAs and a dedicated website at www.natgeotv.com/wickedtuna.  The website features an in-depth article on the history of how bluefin got to where they are today, as well as information and links to the many different stakeholders in the survival of this species.  The site will also include an active message board to give a voice to all interested in participating in the discussion.

Premiere Episode:

Wicked Tuna: The Bite Is On
PRE-Premiere: Tuesday, March 27, 2012
Network Premiere: Sunday, April 1, 2012, 10:00 PM ET/PT
Meet the fleet, as peak season begins and the adrenaline rush of "monstah" hunting hits Gloucester.  We enter midseason, but this is when the money is made and tempers run hot.  Each captain loads his boat with $3,000 worth of fuel, bait and ice, and heads off for open water where the blue gold is waiting.  But it doesn't take long for things to sour when there's cash on the line.  Bill and the Bounty Hunter are already struggling to stay out of the red, and their luck only gets worse when a "dragger" severs their anchor line while at sea.  Sensing weakness in his limping competitor, Dave of Tuna.com flaunts his catch and fills Bill's ear with fictitious advice that sends the Bounty Hunter farther from the fish and deeper into the red.

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

National Geographic Channels
Based at the National Geographic Society headquarters in Washington, D.C., the National Geographic Channels US are a joint venture between National Geographic and Fox Cable Networks.  The Channels contribute to the National Geographic Society's commitment to exploration, conservation and education with smart, innovative programming and profits that directly support its mission.  Launched in January 2001, National Geographic Channel (NGC) celebrated its fifth anniversary with the debut of NGC HD.  In 2010, the wildlife and natural history cable channel Nat Geo WILD was launched, and in 2011, the Spanish-language network Nat Geo Mundo was unveiled.  The Channels have carriage with all of the nation's major cable, telco and satellite television providers, with NGC currently available in over 83 million U.S. homes.  Globally, National Geographic Channel is available in 435 million homes in 173 countries and 37 languages.  For more information, visit www.natgeotv.com.

SOURCE National Geographic Channel