28/01/2009 - National Geographic Music signs exclusive global publishing deal with Kobalt Music Group
CANNES (Jan. 19, 2009)--National Geographic Entertainment has entered into an exclusive relationship between its music division National Geographic Music (www.natgeomusic.net) and leading independent global music publisher Kobalt Music Group. Kobalt will globally represent Nat Geo Music's catalog and provide full-service music publishing administration, including registration of copyrights with performance societies. National Geographic's music library contains more than 16,000 original music cues, including the organization's iconic theme song.
The announcement was made today by David Beal, president of National Geographic Entertainment, and Willard Ahdritz, CEO and founder of Kobalt.
"We think that Kobalt is uniquely positioned to complement Nat Geo Music and maximize revenue potential for our rich catalog of copyrights. Kobalt's customized services and state-of-the-art Next Generation Portal will allow us to be completely involved in the process of copyright management, royalty tracking and analysis," said Beal.
"David Beal's strategy for developing Nat Geo Music is very exciting. We are very happy to be a part of that vision by taking Nat Geo Music's film and TV administration to a new level using new technology on a global basis," added Ahdritz.
Additionally, Kobalt's film and TV departments and agents worldwide will work closely with Jeff Clyburn, a director at Nat Geo Music, to generate new revenue streams and secure synchronization opportunities for Nat Geo Music through uses in motion picture, TV, advertising and other media.
Since the 1960s National Geographic has created thousands of hours of some of the finest documentary television and motion pictures. Nat Geo Music, formed in 2006 under the direction of Beal, has expanded to include not only the music publishing catalog but also a growing music production library, music supervision services, full-service record label, live events, an international music and lifestyle cable channel, a world music Web site and original network programming.
Nat Geo Music's 24/7 television channel broadcasts throughout Europe, Latin America and Africa and features a mix of music videos and concerts from top international artists and original programming, such as "Geo Sessions," an exclusive concert and interview series; "Short Trips," mini-docs that explore the intersection between music and culture; and "UNTZ," a Friday night dance block that features the best dance music from all over the world.
About Nat Geo Music
Nat Geo Music content and product offerings celebrate cultural diversity and raise awareness for global environmental and humanitarian issues. Content developed by Nat Geo Music is utilized across all National Geographic platforms, including online media, radio, print media, film and television. Nat Geo Music programs music from every corner of the planet and includes global legends, local stars and upcoming artists such as Ben Harper, Bob Marley, Youssou N'Dour, Jack Johnson, Natacha Atlas, Cesaria Evora, Angelique Kidjo, Caetano Veloso, Compay Segundo, Gilberto Gil, Omara Portuondo, Marisa Monte and Manu Chao.
About Kobalt Music Group
Kobalt is a leading independent music publisher offering unparalleled transparency, online global copyright administration, creative and synch/licensing services, and advances to writers, publishers and other publishing rights holders. With 70 employees in offices in London, New York, Nashville, Los Angeles, Berlin and Stockholm, as well as agents in over 20 major territories, Kobalt administers more than 140,000 copyrights worldwide on behalf of over 800 content holders, including the world's top songwriters, artists and other music publishers. Kobalt clients include Gwen Stefani, Kid Rock, Danja, Dr. Luke, Ryan "Alias" Tedder, Max Martin, Moby, Interpol, Barry Manilow, Desmond Child, Dennis Matkosky, Gary Burr, The Hives, 8 Mile Style (publisher of Eminem), Bridgeport Music (publisher of Parliament Funkadelic & George Clinton), EverGreen Copyrights, Music Publishing Company of America, Crosstown Songs, Big Life, Richard Ashcroft, Shelly Peiken, Nine Inch Nails, Herbert Grönemeyer, among many others. Kobalt's online system, the Kobalt Next Generation Portal, is in its third version and offers clients the ability to take pipeline advances online, uniquely analyze and track royalties, and be completely involved in the process of managing copyrights.