PLANET GREEN’S BLUE AUGUST MONTH DIVES INTO SUMMER WITH A CELEBRATION OF THE OCEANS

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

PLANET GREEN’S BLUE AUGUST MONTH DIVES INTO SUMMER WITH A CELEBRATION OF THE OCEANS

--The Natural Resources Defense Council, Ocean Conservancy, Oceana and the United Nations Environment Programme join the effort --
--World premiere of Acid Test: The Challenge of Ocean Acidification with Sigourney Weaver --

SILVER SPRING, MD, June 8, 2009 --/WORLD-WIRE/-- This summer, Planet Green presents Blue August, a robust month of on-air and on-line programming that brings to life the wonders and mysteries of the aquatic -- from the majesty of our oceans to the critical issue of clean drinking water. Featuring awe-inspiring documentaries including the network premiere of the Blue Planet series, all new episodes of Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff, innovative and entertaining short-form content, world renowned partners and experts, Blue August will captivate and immerse audiences in a world of intrigue, real-life drama and the important choices that will shape our future. Prominent conservationists and explorers Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau host Blue August. Planet Green President and General Manager Laura Michalchyshyn made the announcement:

“With this special month of programming, Planet Green is shining a spotlight on the critical and complex role our oceans and water play in the health of our planet and to those who do and will inhabit this earth,” said Michalchyshyn. “Working with leading experts and a team of distinguished partners, Planet Green will leverage all of its platforms during Blue August to engage our audiences in understanding and protecting this elemental part of life on Earth.”

Planet Green’s Blue August helps audiences take the plunge into an enlightened and brighter future with the following features and platforms:

Hosts Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau draw on the half-century legacy of their legendary family of explorers. These dynamic siblings have dedicated their life’s work to advocacy on behalf of the oceans, conservation and clean water, undoubtedly one of the most daunting and important challenges of our time. Philippe and Alexandra bring their engaging personalities, individual expertise and experience to Blue August through short-form content and entertaining hosted segments throughout the month;

Poignant and vivid programming including the network premiere of the award-winning series Blue Planet, a special oceans-themed episode of Focus Earth with Bob Woodruff and the world premiere of Acid Test: The Challenge of Ocean Acidification, an original, groundbreaking documentary by the (Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) featuring Sigourney Weaver. View the trailer for Acid Test at (http://planetgreen.discovery.com/tv/blue-august.html) and find out more about the film and ocean acidification at www.nrdc.org;

All month long on planetgreen.com, readers can engage with a broad range of original content from viewing slideshows of jaw-dropping waves to voting for your favorite sea creature to Beach Tips 101. Get involved with volunteer activities, get informed with buying guides and get started using everyday actions with big impact;

TreeHugger.com goes deep with a comprehensive look at the state of our oceans and clean water, with the latest politics, opinion, and news. Interviews and special features with thought leaders and experts explore the present challenges and future solutions for a healthy blue planet;

Renowned environmental advocacy and conservation organizations the NRDC, Ocean Conservancy and Oceana bring resources and information about humankind’s role in protecting and improving the future of our oceans and waterways throughout the month, and

The United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) joins the month-long event with research, scientific findings and political context about water and ocean issues spanning the globe.

About Planet Green:
Planet Green is the multi-platform media destination devoted to the environment. Launched on June 4, 2008, this brand with a mission is available in 57 million homes. Planet Green is the center for a new conversation, speaking to people who want to understand how humans impact the planet and how to live a more environmentally sustainable lifestyle. It’s for people who truly want to make a difference in meeting the critical challenge of protecting our environment.

Planet Green and its two robust websites planetgreen.com and TreeHugger.com, offer unique, original, insightful, inspiring, and entertaining content related to how we can evolve to live a better, brighter future. Planet Green’s unique programming, digital tools, and content will enlighten, empower and most certainly, entertain.

Planet Green is a division of Discovery Communications.

For more information about Philippe and Alexandra Cousteau and Planet Green’s Blue August partners, please go to www.planetgreenpress.com

Contact:
Bryan Hughes
240.662.3002
Bryan_Hughes@Discovery.com