National Geographic Expands its Music Initiatives

At first blush, it may seem odd to learn that National Geographic is making a respectable push into music-related initiatives (as outlined in Digital Music News in early August). With the launch of a new division last summer focused on digital music, National Geographic Music and Radio, the goal is to "engage listeners with great talk and sound, and also offer artists and experts who care about global culture and the environment an outlet to create awareness for important issues," said Tim Kelly, president and chief executive of National Geographic Ventures. This division will have a broad set of objectives and areas of focus which includes the following: recording, publishing, television, touring, music supervision for films and the National Geographic channel, live concerts, a suite of internet radio stations, and a range of digital efforts in tandem. At its foundation, this music initiative was developed in part to help address societal and environmental needs and issues, so it likely won't come as a surprise to learn that several concerned artists like Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, and Peter Gabriel have already pledged their enthusiasm and support. National Geographic's music focus will surely be something worth watching (and experiencing) as it develops further -- and as some of the specific components referenced here come into bloom.