ITV

Category: Factual

  • Discovery’s high-octane drama series ‘Gold Rush’ starts today

    Discovery’s high-octane drama series ‘Gold Rush’ starts today

    MUMBAI: Since antiquity, gold has been the most cherished metal known to mankind. India’s passion for the yellow metal remains unparalleled. While an approximate 30% of world’s gold production is consumed by Indians; it produces only a fraction of its consumption and is the largest importer of gold.

    Gold mining has been a risky business – where one wrong move can cost a crew millions of dollars. Powered by magnetic storytelling and compelling characters, Discovery brings its highly acclaimed series Gold Rush where the miners take on greater risks in hopes of finding more gold than ever before. But not every gamble always pans out with massive profits. With a mix of high-stakes drama and gripping story, Gold Rush will air every Tuesday at 10 pm starting November 15.

    Returning from a record-breaking gold mining season is 21-year-old miner Parker Schnabel. The series begins with a sad start for Parker as he has lost his beloved grandfather, mentor and an expert miner – John Schnabel. In this reality series, Parker who attains the leadership role, will be tested more than ever as he navigates the many changes in his life. This year, he makes his biggest operational investment by ordering a customized $600,000 washplant. But will it be enough to beat out his rival Todd Hoffman? Parker’s gold mining plan is to go lean and mean on expenses in an attempt to make his biggest profit yet.

    Meanwhile, the competitor Todd Hoffman takes the biggest gamble of his life, turning his back on the Klondike region and moving his entire operation to Oregon (US). Todd is on a quest for huge gold nuggets at the High Bar mine, located high up in the mountains. It’s a bold move – with Todd so confident that he sets an ambitious 5,000 ounce goal – more than 2,000 ounces than his best-ever total in the previous seasons of Gold Rush. But with the first Oregon clean ups way below expectations, Todd begins to wonder if he’s made a massive mistake. Could this season mark the end of the Hoffman crew?

    In this season of Gold Rush, legendary Klondike miner Tony Beets, aka “The Viking,” is back and doubling down by investing US$2 million in resurrecting a second historic gold dredge – twice as big as his first. Last year, people thought he was crazy for investing in his first ancient dredge. But Tony is hoping that once again he can accomplish the impossible. But first, he must transport the 75-year-old abandoned dredge from a remote spot 150 miles down-river. He’ll need his family to step up to the plate and run the rest of his gold-mining empire. But when his first dredge sinks within days, Tony’s son, Kevin, finds himself in his father’s firing line.

    In advance of the new season of Gold Rush, beginning November 15, Discovery viewers can binge on prior seasons with a special ‘Story So Far’ at 10 PM.

    This year’s Gold Rush season is filled with the same excitement, as miners have upped the ante by setting up higher goals. This season the miners will take on even greater risks in hopes of finding more gold than ever before.
    Gold Trivia:

    1. Amongst the top gold producing countries in the world, China is in the lead in first place followed by Australia, Russia in third and United States holding fourth place.

    2. Canada’s Barrick Gold Corp. (TSE:ABX) holds first place in global ranking in gold production.

    3. Gold is one of the most recycled materials in the world. Amazingly gold recycling accounts for one third of the total production.

    4. United States tops the reported official holdings in the world. (source: IMF IFS; World Gold Council, Dec 2015). US holds 8,133.5 tonnes of Gold, whereas India ranks at no. 11 with 557.7 tonnes.

    5. In India, besides fascination for gold jewellery, it is considered the most pious metal. This charm is validated by the fact that India is the biggest importer of gold today.

    6. USA’s fascination with Gold Mining dates back to 1848 when the famous California Gold Rush happened. Miners extracted more than 750,000 pounds of gold during the California Gold Rush.

    7. ‘Klondike’marks the story of the last great Gold Rush in history. In 1897 two friends made the perilous journey through North American wilderness to the Klondike boom town Dawson City, “The Paris of the North”, which was filled with murders, revenge, riches and redemption.

    8. Gold mining always catches the attention of individuals, probably that’s the reason Discovery’s popular series Gold Rush has been the highest rated show not only in US but across the world.

  • National Geographic’s global rebranding date coincides with ‘Mars’

    National Geographic’s global rebranding date coincides with ‘Mars’

    MUMBAI: National Geographic channel has finally decided to put a stop at all the speculation about its rebranding in the media and entertainment industry. It has dropped the word “channel” from its brand name and has embraced a global tagline, Further. To reinforce the notion of one National Geographic, as part of this new branding effort, the network will drop the word channel both on air and off all around the world beginning 14 November.

    This evolution further builds on last year’s expanded joint venture with 21st Century Fox and cements National Geographic’s position as a leader in premium content with an unparalleled global reach.

    Its new tagline embodies the ethos and spirit that have defined the brand (channel) for over 128 years. Embracing the company’s purpose to be the leading premium content destination for science, exploration and adventure, it captures the aspirations of the National Geographic audience and serves as a rallying cry for its employees, explorers, photographers, producers and other constituencies as well as a promise to advertisers, affiliates, educators and other external partners.

    “This is a proud moment for us at National Geographic and FNG as we set forth on a journey that will redefine the way in which the genre will be seen, experienced and consumed. Our new proposition of ‘Further’ underlines the vision of a brand that has always championed the cause of a better and deeper understanding of the world around us. It also comes at a point where the need to scratch beyond the surface and explore territories we never thought possible, is more pressing than ever before,” said National Geographic India Fox Networks group business head Swati Mohan.

    The rebrand will touch every aspect of National Geographic, including the visual presentation of the global channels in 171 countries, the iconic magazine, nationalgeographic.com, all of the company’s social and digital platforms.

    This news also coincides with premier of the global event series Mars, an epic story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars, executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.

    The epic and path-breaking, six-part series is a joint product by National Geographic (NG), Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Michael Rosenberg of Imagine Entertainment; and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer Justin Wilkes and Dave O’Connor of Radical Media.

    She further added, “Mars is a perfect example of our ambition on ‘Further’, as it tells the story of the inevitability of inter planetary existence of mankind. The show also launches a first-of-its-kind format that combines scripted with stunning visual effects and high-class documentary sequences. And yet, this is just the beginning of a whole new world of National Geographic, which we are confident will stun and amaze its audiences like never before.”

    Globally premiering on 14 November at 9 pm on the channel across 171 countries and 45 languages, Mars, is set both in the future and in the present day. It will air every Monday at 9 pm. This series aims to redefine television storytelling by combining feature-film-quality scripted drama and visual effects with best-in-class documentary sequences to drive forward a cohesive, edge-of-your seat story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars.

  • National Geographic’s global rebranding date coincides with ‘Mars’

    National Geographic’s global rebranding date coincides with ‘Mars’

    MUMBAI: National Geographic channel has finally decided to put a stop at all the speculation about its rebranding in the media and entertainment industry. It has dropped the word “channel” from its brand name and has embraced a global tagline, Further. To reinforce the notion of one National Geographic, as part of this new branding effort, the network will drop the word channel both on air and off all around the world beginning 14 November.

    This evolution further builds on last year’s expanded joint venture with 21st Century Fox and cements National Geographic’s position as a leader in premium content with an unparalleled global reach.

    Its new tagline embodies the ethos and spirit that have defined the brand (channel) for over 128 years. Embracing the company’s purpose to be the leading premium content destination for science, exploration and adventure, it captures the aspirations of the National Geographic audience and serves as a rallying cry for its employees, explorers, photographers, producers and other constituencies as well as a promise to advertisers, affiliates, educators and other external partners.

    “This is a proud moment for us at National Geographic and FNG as we set forth on a journey that will redefine the way in which the genre will be seen, experienced and consumed. Our new proposition of ‘Further’ underlines the vision of a brand that has always championed the cause of a better and deeper understanding of the world around us. It also comes at a point where the need to scratch beyond the surface and explore territories we never thought possible, is more pressing than ever before,” said National Geographic India Fox Networks group business head Swati Mohan.

    The rebrand will touch every aspect of National Geographic, including the visual presentation of the global channels in 171 countries, the iconic magazine, nationalgeographic.com, all of the company’s social and digital platforms.

    This news also coincides with premier of the global event series Mars, an epic story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars, executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.

    The epic and path-breaking, six-part series is a joint product by National Geographic (NG), Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Michael Rosenberg of Imagine Entertainment; and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer Justin Wilkes and Dave O’Connor of Radical Media.

    She further added, “Mars is a perfect example of our ambition on ‘Further’, as it tells the story of the inevitability of inter planetary existence of mankind. The show also launches a first-of-its-kind format that combines scripted with stunning visual effects and high-class documentary sequences. And yet, this is just the beginning of a whole new world of National Geographic, which we are confident will stun and amaze its audiences like never before.”

    Globally premiering on 14 November at 9 pm on the channel across 171 countries and 45 languages, Mars, is set both in the future and in the present day. It will air every Monday at 9 pm. This series aims to redefine television storytelling by combining feature-film-quality scripted drama and visual effects with best-in-class documentary sequences to drive forward a cohesive, edge-of-your seat story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars.

  • Discovery, BAMTech partnership to deliver world-class tech to content owners

    Discovery, BAMTech partnership to deliver world-class tech to content owners

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications and BAMTech have announced a long-term partnership, including the formation of BAMTech Europe, a new digital technology provider, dedicated to working with content owners, broadcasters and OTT platforms to enhance their digital capabilities, reach and performance across Europe. As part of the partnership, Eurosport Digital will become the new entity’s first client, and gain access to select European sports rights from worldwide sports properties, including current and future rights acquired by BAMTech and jointly by Eurosport and BAMTech.

    BAMTech Europe will be formed through a joint venture between Discovery Communications and BAMTech LLC, a subsidiary of Major League Baseball’s digital business, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM). This new venture will represent BAMTech’s expansion in Europe and will provide world-class digital technology services to a broad set of sports, news and entertainment clients in Europe. BAMTech has successfully designed, developed and delivered direct-to-consumer streaming services over the past 14 years, currently serving 7.5 million total global paid subscribers with its U.S.-based clients’ OTT products. With hundreds of millions of mobile data subscribers and growing OTT momentum via connected TVs and other devices, Europe provides a significant strategic opportunity to bring together BAMTech’s world-class technology and Discovery’s deep presence and relationships across the continent.

    Eurosport Digital is the first partner for BAMTech Europe through a long-term digital services agreement. BAMTech’s state-of-the-art back-end video platform and services will be implemented in 2017 across all of Eurosport Digital’s products, which today include Eurosport.com – the continent’s number one sports news website, and Eurosport Player – the leading subscription-based OTT sports platform across Europe giving fans an all-access pass anytime and on any device in 52 countries.

    In addition, Eurosport and BAMTech will work together to make premium sports events more widely available across multiple screens. This will include current and future rights acquired by BAMTech as well as joint acquisitions for other compelling European sports rights, from across the globe, for Eurosport’s digital platform.

    “Discovery has been investing internationally in new business models and brands for decades, resulting in the most extensive global footprint in media,” said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav. “The formation of this world-class technology provider, BAMTech Europe, with our partners at BAMTech, accelerates Discovery’s long-term strategy to bring our premium content to more viewers across more screens than ever before.”

    “The collaboration of Discovery’s breadth of live sports content, including the Olympic Games, and BAMTech will bring European fans access to these valuable events like never before,” said MLB president, business & media Bob Bowman. “Discovery has been a global leader in media and will be a great partner in expanding BAMTech to Europe, with an eye to developing new models for delivering content in the best interests of customers. We can’t wait to get started.”

    “Across Europe, Discovery has led the way in pay-TV and free-to-air services, and expanded into new content genres such as general entertainment and sports,” said Discovery Networks International president and CEO JB Perrette. “This partnership with BAMTech is an important next step in our evolution to develop more consumer centric capabilities and services – focused initially on Eurosport.”

    Discovery’s partnership with BAMTech follows the recent appointment of Ralph Rivera as the managing director of Eurosport Digital. Rivera previously spent six years at the BBC as Director of Future Media, where he was responsible for all of the BBC’s digital media services, leading the implementation and operation of BBC iPlayer as it grew by over 300% and delivering the first truly digital Olympic Games for London 2012, which set a new standard for live sports coverage online.

    Additionally, the announcement comes less than two weeks after Discovery announced its groundbreaking digital content partnership to form Group Nine Media, which immediately became one of the largest digital content and social video companies in the world.

  • Discovery, BAMTech partnership to deliver world-class tech to content owners

    Discovery, BAMTech partnership to deliver world-class tech to content owners

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications and BAMTech have announced a long-term partnership, including the formation of BAMTech Europe, a new digital technology provider, dedicated to working with content owners, broadcasters and OTT platforms to enhance their digital capabilities, reach and performance across Europe. As part of the partnership, Eurosport Digital will become the new entity’s first client, and gain access to select European sports rights from worldwide sports properties, including current and future rights acquired by BAMTech and jointly by Eurosport and BAMTech.

    BAMTech Europe will be formed through a joint venture between Discovery Communications and BAMTech LLC, a subsidiary of Major League Baseball’s digital business, MLB Advanced Media (MLBAM). This new venture will represent BAMTech’s expansion in Europe and will provide world-class digital technology services to a broad set of sports, news and entertainment clients in Europe. BAMTech has successfully designed, developed and delivered direct-to-consumer streaming services over the past 14 years, currently serving 7.5 million total global paid subscribers with its U.S.-based clients’ OTT products. With hundreds of millions of mobile data subscribers and growing OTT momentum via connected TVs and other devices, Europe provides a significant strategic opportunity to bring together BAMTech’s world-class technology and Discovery’s deep presence and relationships across the continent.

    Eurosport Digital is the first partner for BAMTech Europe through a long-term digital services agreement. BAMTech’s state-of-the-art back-end video platform and services will be implemented in 2017 across all of Eurosport Digital’s products, which today include Eurosport.com – the continent’s number one sports news website, and Eurosport Player – the leading subscription-based OTT sports platform across Europe giving fans an all-access pass anytime and on any device in 52 countries.

    In addition, Eurosport and BAMTech will work together to make premium sports events more widely available across multiple screens. This will include current and future rights acquired by BAMTech as well as joint acquisitions for other compelling European sports rights, from across the globe, for Eurosport’s digital platform.

    “Discovery has been investing internationally in new business models and brands for decades, resulting in the most extensive global footprint in media,” said Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav. “The formation of this world-class technology provider, BAMTech Europe, with our partners at BAMTech, accelerates Discovery’s long-term strategy to bring our premium content to more viewers across more screens than ever before.”

    “The collaboration of Discovery’s breadth of live sports content, including the Olympic Games, and BAMTech will bring European fans access to these valuable events like never before,” said MLB president, business & media Bob Bowman. “Discovery has been a global leader in media and will be a great partner in expanding BAMTech to Europe, with an eye to developing new models for delivering content in the best interests of customers. We can’t wait to get started.”

    “Across Europe, Discovery has led the way in pay-TV and free-to-air services, and expanded into new content genres such as general entertainment and sports,” said Discovery Networks International president and CEO JB Perrette. “This partnership with BAMTech is an important next step in our evolution to develop more consumer centric capabilities and services – focused initially on Eurosport.”

    Discovery’s partnership with BAMTech follows the recent appointment of Ralph Rivera as the managing director of Eurosport Digital. Rivera previously spent six years at the BBC as Director of Future Media, where he was responsible for all of the BBC’s digital media services, leading the implementation and operation of BBC iPlayer as it grew by over 300% and delivering the first truly digital Olympic Games for London 2012, which set a new standard for live sports coverage online.

    Additionally, the announcement comes less than two weeks after Discovery announced its groundbreaking digital content partnership to form Group Nine Media, which immediately became one of the largest digital content and social video companies in the world.

  • Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: An overall 4.1 per cent decline in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter resulted in flat revenue for Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery). The company reported overall revenue of $1,556 million for the current quarter versus $1,557 million in Q2-15. Overall Advertising revenue declined in Q3-16 to $670 million as compared to $699 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery’s other major revenue stream – Distribution, reported 3.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in the current quarter at $806 million as compared to $770 million. Discovery’s ‘Other’ revenue declined 2.4 per cent y-o-y to $80 million from $82 million.

    Operating income declined 9.3 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $505 million. The company’s adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 2.4 per cent in the current quarter to $562 million from $576 million.

    Geographical breakup:

    US Networks

    Discovery’s US Network’s revenue increased 1.5 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $793 million from $781 million.  US Networks adjusted OIBDA improved 3.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $443 million.

    US Networks distribution revenue in the current quarter increased 6.7 per cent y-o-y to $458 million versus $443 million. US Networks advertising revenue declined 3.4 per cent y-o-y to $396 million in the current quarter from $410 million. US Networks ‘Other’ revenues in Q3-16 increased 14.3 per cent y-o-y to $16 million from $14 million.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues decreased primarily due to expected ratings declines, partially offset by higher pricing and inventory management.

    US Networks Operating expenses decreased 1 per cent mainly due to lower content amortization, partially offset by higher marketing costs. Adjusted OIBDA increased due to higher revenues and lower operating expenses.

    International Networks

    Discovery’s International Revenue in Q3-16 declined 2.7 per cent to $720 million from $740 million.  International Networks OIBDA declined 16.1 y-o-y per cent in the current quarter to $183 million from $218 million.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 1.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $425 million from $419 million. International Networks Advertising revenue in the current quarter declined 5.5 per cent y-o-y in the current quarter to $273 million from $289 million. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q3-16 declined 31.25 per cent y-o-y to $22 million from $32 million.

    The company says that changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced third quarter International revenues and adjusted OIBDA growth by 5 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 8 per cent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Latin America, Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as higher volume in Latin America.

    Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, declined, primarily due to lower ratings and pricing in Northern Europe, partially offset by higher volume in Southern Europe. Other revenues declined primarily due to lower Eurosport sub-licensing revenues.

    Education and Other

    ‘Education and Other’ revenues increased 19.4 per cent y-o-y to $43 million in the current quarter from $36 million. ‘Education and Other OIBDA improved by 80 per cent to a loss of $1 million from a loss of $5 million.

    The company says that Education and Other revenues for the third quarter increased by $7 million primarily due to higher production deliveries at the Studios production business and increased international revenues at the Education business. Adjusted OIBDA improved primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by additional investments in the Education business.

    Other Developments

    On October 13, 2016, Discovery announced a plan to contribute $100 million and its digital network Seeker and production studio SourceFed in exchange for a 39 per cent minority interest in a new holding company, Group Nine Media. Group Nine Media includes digital companies Thrillist Media Group, Now This Media, and The Dodo. Discovery has the option to buy a controlling stake in Group Nine Media in the future. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Company speak

    “While we faced challenging but expected headwinds this quarter, Discovery is well positioned for long-term growth driven by our well-defined global brands, differentiated content and favourable distribution agreements,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav, “We have continued to strengthen and maximize our traditional pay-TV offering with robust new programming while aggressively exploiting new opportunities to leverage our content across numerous digital platforms around the world. Amid an ever shifting global media ecosystem, Discovery is evolving to reach more consumers on more screens and platforms than ever before.”

  • Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    Lower Ad revenue curtails Discovery Communications Q3-16 numbers

    BENGALURU: An overall 4.1 per cent decline in advertising revenue for the quarter ended 30 September 2016 (Q3-16, current quarter) vis-à-vis the corresponding year ago quarter resulted in flat revenue for Discovery Communications Inc., (Discovery). The company reported overall revenue of $1,556 million for the current quarter versus $1,557 million in Q2-15. Overall Advertising revenue declined in Q3-16 to $670 million as compared to $699 million in Q2-15.

    Discovery’s other major revenue stream – Distribution, reported 3.9 per cent year-over-year (y-o-y) increase in the current quarter at $806 million as compared to $770 million. Discovery’s ‘Other’ revenue declined 2.4 per cent y-o-y to $80 million from $82 million.

    Operating income declined 9.3 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $505 million. The company’s adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 2.4 per cent in the current quarter to $562 million from $576 million.

    Geographical breakup:

    US Networks

    Discovery’s US Network’s revenue increased 1.5 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $793 million from $781 million.  US Networks adjusted OIBDA improved 3.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $458 million from $443 million.

    US Networks distribution revenue in the current quarter increased 6.7 per cent y-o-y to $458 million versus $443 million. US Networks advertising revenue declined 3.4 per cent y-o-y to $396 million in the current quarter from $410 million. US Networks ‘Other’ revenues in Q3-16 increased 14.3 per cent y-o-y to $16 million from $14 million.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues decreased primarily due to expected ratings declines, partially offset by higher pricing and inventory management.

    US Networks Operating expenses decreased 1 per cent mainly due to lower content amortization, partially offset by higher marketing costs. Adjusted OIBDA increased due to higher revenues and lower operating expenses.

    International Networks

    Discovery’s International Revenue in Q3-16 declined 2.7 per cent to $720 million from $740 million.  International Networks OIBDA declined 16.1 y-o-y per cent in the current quarter to $183 million from $218 million.

    International Networks Distribution revenue increased 1.4 per cent y-o-y in Q3-16 to $425 million from $419 million. International Networks Advertising revenue in the current quarter declined 5.5 per cent y-o-y in the current quarter to $273 million from $289 million. International Networks ‘Other’ revenue in Q3-16 declined 31.25 per cent y-o-y to $22 million from $32 million.

    The company says that changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced third quarter International revenues and adjusted OIBDA growth by 5 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, grew 8 per cent mostly due to higher affiliate rates in Latin America, Northern Europe and CEEMEA as well as higher volume in Latin America.

    Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of currency effects, declined, primarily due to lower ratings and pricing in Northern Europe, partially offset by higher volume in Southern Europe. Other revenues declined primarily due to lower Eurosport sub-licensing revenues.

    Education and Other

    ‘Education and Other’ revenues increased 19.4 per cent y-o-y to $43 million in the current quarter from $36 million. ‘Education and Other OIBDA improved by 80 per cent to a loss of $1 million from a loss of $5 million.

    The company says that Education and Other revenues for the third quarter increased by $7 million primarily due to higher production deliveries at the Studios production business and increased international revenues at the Education business. Adjusted OIBDA improved primarily due to higher revenues, partially offset by additional investments in the Education business.

    Other Developments

    On October 13, 2016, Discovery announced a plan to contribute $100 million and its digital network Seeker and production studio SourceFed in exchange for a 39 per cent minority interest in a new holding company, Group Nine Media. Group Nine Media includes digital companies Thrillist Media Group, Now This Media, and The Dodo. Discovery has the option to buy a controlling stake in Group Nine Media in the future. The transaction is expected to close in the fourth quarter of 2016, subject to customary closing conditions.

    Company speak

    “While we faced challenging but expected headwinds this quarter, Discovery is well positioned for long-term growth driven by our well-defined global brands, differentiated content and favourable distribution agreements,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav, “We have continued to strengthen and maximize our traditional pay-TV offering with robust new programming while aggressively exploiting new opportunities to leverage our content across numerous digital platforms around the world. Amid an ever shifting global media ecosystem, Discovery is evolving to reach more consumers on more screens and platforms than ever before.”

  • Nat Geo to showcase ‘Before The Flood’ TVC-free

    Nat Geo to showcase ‘Before The Flood’ TVC-free

    MUMBAI On the heels of last Friday’s theatrical release of the critically acclaimed film ‘Before the Flood’ in New York and Los Angeles, National Geographic Global Networks CEO, Courteney Monroe, shared the network’s plans to premier the show commercial free across digital and streaming platforms around the world as part of the network’s continued commitment to covering climate change.

    This climate-change feature documentary produced and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens alongside producer, Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio will be made widely available beginning the same day as its global television premiere on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 45 languages.

    “In our minds, there is no more important story to tell, no more important issue facing our planet than that of climate change,” said Monroe. “At National Geographic, we believe in the power of storytelling to change the world, and this unprecedented release across digital and streaming platforms is not only a first for our network but also in our industry, underscoring how exceptional we think this film is and how passionate we are about it. We are committed to ensuring as many people as possible see this film as we head into U.S. elections.”

    The documentary will be made available for free across a record number of digital and social platforms for seven days, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 6. This includes Natgeotv.com, VOD/Video On Demand (through MVPD set-top boxes), MVPD Sites and Apps, Nat Geo TV Apps (iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, Roku, Android phones, Xbox One and 360, Samsung Connected TVs), iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Sony PlayStation, GooglePlay and more. Globally, the distribution plan is also unprecedented in every market (outlined in the chart at the end of the release).

    In addition, at the end of the film, viewers will get a five-minute sneak peek at MARS, from executive producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, a global-event series that tells the epic story of mankind’s thrilling quest to colonize Mars, premiering 14 November in the US (13 November globally).

  • Nat Geo to showcase ‘Before The Flood’ TVC-free

    Nat Geo to showcase ‘Before The Flood’ TVC-free

    MUMBAI On the heels of last Friday’s theatrical release of the critically acclaimed film ‘Before the Flood’ in New York and Los Angeles, National Geographic Global Networks CEO, Courteney Monroe, shared the network’s plans to premier the show commercial free across digital and streaming platforms around the world as part of the network’s continued commitment to covering climate change.

    This climate-change feature documentary produced and directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Fisher Stevens alongside producer, Academy Award-winning actor, environmental activist and U.N. Messenger of Peace Leonardo DiCaprio will be made widely available beginning the same day as its global television premiere on Sunday, Oct. 30, at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT on National Geographic Channels in 171 countries and 45 languages.

    “In our minds, there is no more important story to tell, no more important issue facing our planet than that of climate change,” said Monroe. “At National Geographic, we believe in the power of storytelling to change the world, and this unprecedented release across digital and streaming platforms is not only a first for our network but also in our industry, underscoring how exceptional we think this film is and how passionate we are about it. We are committed to ensuring as many people as possible see this film as we head into U.S. elections.”

    The documentary will be made available for free across a record number of digital and social platforms for seven days, from Oct. 30 through Nov. 6. This includes Natgeotv.com, VOD/Video On Demand (through MVPD set-top boxes), MVPD Sites and Apps, Nat Geo TV Apps (iPhone, iPad and Apple TV, Roku, Android phones, Xbox One and 360, Samsung Connected TVs), iTunes, Hulu, YouTube, Facebook, Twitter, Amazon, Sony PlayStation, GooglePlay and more. Globally, the distribution plan is also unprecedented in every market (outlined in the chart at the end of the release).

    In addition, at the end of the film, viewers will get a five-minute sneak peek at MARS, from executive producers Brian Grazer and Ron Howard, a global-event series that tells the epic story of mankind’s thrilling quest to colonize Mars, premiering 14 November in the US (13 November globally).

  • National Geographic Channel to undergo major rebranding

    National Geographic Channel to undergo major rebranding

    MUMBAI: Come 14 November and the National Geographic Channel will have a new shortened sobriquet. The word channel will disappear from its name and it will be simply known as National Geographic and a new tagline “Further.”

    The change is expected to take place simultaneously across all the 445 million households in 171 countries it is telecast in. The channels are expected to have a new distinctive on-air look, brand IDs, packaging and talent IDs.

    A new web series by the same name is expected to launch around the same time.

    Almost every property associated with the National Geographic – the magazine, nationalgeographic.com, its social and digital platforms, and its global Hq in Washington DC – will be part of the rebranding exercise. The “Further” tagline embodies “the aspirations of the National Geographic audience and serves as a rallying cry for its employees, explorers, photographers, producers and other constituencies as well as a promise to advertisers, affiliates, educators and other external partners.”

    NatGeo has been under the Twenty First Century Fox umbrella after it took majority control of its joint venture National Geographic Partners with the society.

    “This rebrand marks a significant turning point in the realization of our transformational new vision for National Geographic Channel,” said National Geographic Global Television Networks CEO Courteney Monroe to World Screen. “As a new brand positioning statement, ‘Further’ aligns perfectly with our new premium programming strategy, which is built on quality, distinctiveness and the relentless pursuit of creative excellence. The new visual design is sophisticated, contemporary and cinematic, and lives up to the promise of the National Geographic brand.”