Ford Motor Co. Presents ``Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic;'' Pierce Brosnan Hosts Live Telecast, Jan. 7, 2001
14 November 2000
Ford Motor Co. Presents ``Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic;'' Pierce Brosnan Hosts Live Telecast, Jan. 7, 2001
WASHINGTON D.C.--(ENTERTAINMENT WIRE)--Nov. 14, 2000--"Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic," a live television event presented by Ford Motor Co. and hosted by film star Pierce Brosnan, will pay tribute to the National Geographic Society and its 113-year commitment to global conservation.
The second in a series of televised special events presented by Ford Motor Co., "Heroes for the Planet" will be simulcast on the new National Geographic Channel and CNBC on Sunday, Jan. 7, 8-9 p.m. (ET/PT). In addition, Fox News Channel will also air the special that same night at 9 p.m. (ET/PT).
Brosnan, best known internationally for his feature film role as James Bond, Secret Agent 007, will host the event, broadcasting live from Washington D.C.'s historic Warner Theatre. The one-hour show also will include a special musical performance and celebrity guests.
"Ford Motor Co. is proud to be sponsoring this historic simulcast television event honoring National Geographic," said James C. Schroer, Ford Motor Co. vice president.
"We're thrilled for the opportunity to pay homage to this great American organization which for more than a century has made an unprecedented contribution in generating worldwide interest in our fascinating planet, reminding us of its fragility and raising awareness of our global responsibilities to its preservation."
"We are enormously honored by the 'Heroes for the Planet' tribute as well as delighted to be simultaneously launching the National Geographic Channel here in the United States," stated John M. Fahey, president and chief executive officer of the National Geographic Society.
"The extraordinary work of our explorers, scientists and photographers will reach an even larger audience, which is good news for the planet."
National Geographic Society's time-honored commitment to conservation is especially acknowledged by the multi-channel coverage of this live event. "Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic" will be carried live by both the new National Geographic Channel and CNBC.
"The simulcast on the National Geographic Channel and CNBC truly elevates the importance of the honor," explained the show's executive producer, Robb Weller, of Weller/Grossman Productions.
To further reinforce the significance of this tribute, a delayed broadcast of the special will air one hour later on Fox News Channel. "Two independent news organizations, carrying the same television special is unprecedented," added Weller.
This is the second of Ford Motor Co.'s "Heroes for the Planet" tributes. The first special, broadcast earlier this year on A&E, saluted Time Magazine's honored environmentalists from around the world and was hosted by Oscar-nominee Haley Joel Osment with special guest Charlotte Church, the internationally acclaimed 14-year-old Welsh soprano.
"Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic" honors the remarkable work that the Society has done in its 113-year history. The Society's research, funding of explorations and discovery of lost civilizations and treasures have enriched the lives of its members as well as generations of its magazine's avid readers.
Among the special's highlights will be "24 hours in the life of the National Geographic Society." This will include reports from ongoing explorations, including Robert Ballard's current mission in the Black Sea.
The special also will pay tribute to the great National Geographic Society Explorers-in-Residence who have been supported by the Society, such as Ballard; Jane Goodall, for her work studying chimpanzees in Tanzania; and Paul Sereno, who recently discovered several previously unknown species of dinosaur.
Also featured will be the late Dian Fossey who dedicated her life to the study of mountain gorillas in Rwanda. There also will be a segment on Hollywood's depiction of the Society over the years.
In addition, a century of the magazine's outstanding photography will be highlighted, as well as a behind-the-scenes look at the extraordinary efforts required to obtain some of the vivid images for which National Geographic has become famous.
The special also will take a look into the Society's most current projects, including its affiliation with the Earth Conservation Corps and its efforts to cleanup the Anacostia River that flows between Maryland and Washington D.C. and the reintroduction of the Bald Eagle to our nation's capital.
"Heroes for the Planet -- A Tribute to National Geographic" is hosted by Pierce Brosnan, brought to you by Ford Motor Co. and produced by Weller/Grossman Productions. Executive producers for the special are Robb Weller, Gary H. Grossman and Dick Taylor. Steve Lange serves as co-executive producer with Bob Bowker directing.