National Geographic is launching a new mobile division to further develop its mobile content and games business. In an announcement expected on Thursday, the company will appoint Aaron Kohn, who serves as VP of corporate strategy and development, to the position of National Geographic Mobile general manager. Next month, the organization will launch a WAP site for all of its news, images, music and videos that will be tied to company’s magazines and TV network. A partnership with PlayPhone is also in the works to distribute subscription-based services online that will include wallpapers, ringtones, videos and games for PC and mobile. National Geographic will also continue licensing its content to handset manufacturers, aggregators, developers and carriers. Ted Prince, COO of National Geographic Ventures and EVP of operations for National Geographic Global: “This is a great opportunity for us to leverage our wonderful assets and feed the growing demand from consumers who are looking for compelling, rich media content on their cellphones and for us to extend our mission globally.”

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