National Geographic Society

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**National Geographic Society Overview and History:**
– Founded in 1888 to increase and diffuse geographic knowledge
– Governed by a board of trustees with 33 members
– Began as a club for academics and patrons interested in travel
– Notable figures include Alexander Graham Bell and Gilbert Hovey Grosvenor
– Received the Prince of Asturias Award for Communication and Humanities in 2006

**National Geographic Society Activities and Initiatives:**
– Sponsorship of expeditions and research projects
– Support for geographic education
– Promotion of environmental conservation
– Preservation of historical sites
– Publication of National Geographic magazine and other media

**National Geographic Society Support and Partnerships:**
– Supported by individual, charitable, governmental, and corporate donors
– Partnerships with organizations like The Walt Disney Company
– National Geographic Partners reaches over 280 million people monthly
– Investigated for possible violation of the Foreign Corrupt Practices Act in 2013

**National Geographic Society Awards and Recognitions:**
– The Hubbard Medal for exploration, discovery, and research
– The Alexander Graham Bell Medal for exceptional geographic research contributions
– Hubbard Medal awarded 44 times as of 2018
– Most recent Hubbard Medal recipient is Peter H. Raven

**National Geographic Society Media and Commercial Ventures:**
– National Geographic Partners joint venture with Disney
– National Geographic Magazine published in 40 local-language editions worldwide
– National Geographic Films subsidiary produced various documentaries and films
– National Geographic Television Programs aired globally, including PBS
– National Geographic Music and Radio division launched Nat Geo Music TV channel

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