Difference between Discovery Channel and National Geographic
Who says you can't learn anything from TV? With the advent of channels such as Discovery Channel and National Geographic, it is now entirely possible to be a couch potato and not have your brain turn entirely to mush. The two channels have their own distinct characteristics though, some of which we cover in this comparison article.
Profile
The brainchild of John Hendricks, Discovery Channel is a satellite and cable TV channel based in the United States. In some parts of the world, Discovery Channel is received through IPTV, terrestrial television and Internet television. Discovery Channel is currently distributed by Discovery Communications.
National Geographic (also called Nat Geo) is a television channel affiliated with the National Geographic Society, and it primarily features non-fiction television programs dealing with science and nature.
Focus/Thrust
Discovery Channel focuses primarily on programs that deal with popular science, technology, and history. In addition, the channel also features reality-based programs of varying subject matters including investigation, automobiles and jobs. The channel has also been known to produce family and child-oriented documentaries.
Like Discovery Channel, National Geographic also presents its own documentary TV programs, with many of them dealing with nature, science, culture, and history.
Programming
One of the most popular programs on Discovery Channel is Shark Week, which is a week long series shown every year that deals primarily with sharks and their habits. The channel also has a show called Deadliest Catch, which follows the work of crab fishermen in the Bering Sea. Still other popular shows featured on Discovery Channel are MythBusters, How It's Made and Dirty Jobs.
One of National Geographic’s more popular shows is MegaStructures, which showcases some of the largest man-made structures in the world. The show also currently airs in the United Kingdom and in France. Another popular National Geographic program is Naked Science, which first aired in 2004, and deals primarily with subjects related to science and technology. In addition to these shows, National Geographic also features several nature, archeology and anthropology oriented programs, many of which have become television institutions in their own right.
Similarities and Differences
Discovery Channel
- Founded by John Hendricks
- Currently distributed by Discovery Communications
- Focuses primarily on programs that deal with popular science, technology, and history
- Also features reality-based programs of varying subject matters including investigation, automobiles, and jobs
- Among its more popular programs are Shark Week, Deadliest Catch, Myth Busters, How It's Made and Dirty Jobs
- Also produces family and child-oriented documentaries
National Geographic
- Affiliated with the National Geographic Society
- Primarily features non-fiction television programs dealing with science and nature
- Among its more popular shows are mega structures and Naked Science
- Many of its other programs deal with nature, science, culture, and history
