ITV

Category: Factual

  • Animal Planet ropes in Sonakshi Sinha for tiger conservation campaign

    Animal Planet ropes in Sonakshi Sinha for tiger conservation campaign

    MUMBAI: Animal Planet has launched fifth annual campaign to protect and conserve the tiger population in India with actress Sonakshi Sinha as the face of the campaign.

    As part of Animal Planet’s 2016 ‘Where Tigers Rule’ campaign, the channel will offer viewers a peek into the lives, habitats, behaviour of various tiger species from 1 March every day at 9 pm.

    Tweaking a popular dialogue from one of her films for this campaign, Sinha said, “Danger se darr nahi lagta, endangered se lagta hai.”

    The campaign will bring captivating stories of tigers – their co-existence with humans, the threatening environment and the conservation efforts of leading experts from India and around the world. It has been filmed in breathtaking landscapes located in India’s forests, grasslands and protect reserves, including Madhya Pradesh’s Kanha and Bandhavgarh National Parks, Uttarakhand’s Jim Corbett National Park, Rajasthan’s Sariska and Ranthambore National Parks, West Bengal’s Sunderbans, and Maharashtra’s Tadoba.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and general manager – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “My entire team feels deeply gratified that the tiger population in India has increased in the last few years. The campaign attempts to bring attention to the imminent danger to tigers and to sensitise millions of viewers through breathtaking programming. We are ecstatic that we have made a small and vital contribution. The challenge is far from over and we will continue to invest our resources and energy and lead the campaign from the front.”

    Expressing the true passion for wildlife Sinha added, “I feel fortunate that I can participate in this wonderful cause and be a change agent. I believe that humans have to respect other species and their habitats and adapt to co-exist. My parents took me to a national park to see a tiger and I would certainly love to take my children one day and show them this magnificent creature.”

  • Investigation Discovery to launch ‘On The Case With Paula Zahn’

    Investigation Discovery to launch ‘On The Case With Paula Zahn’

    MUMBAI: ID – Investigation Discovery, India’s only Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to true stories of investigation, mystery and suspense is launching a new series called On The Case With Paula Zahn.

    The series takes a look at fascinating, true police investigations and delves deep to understand the triggers behind these crimes. The series air every Sunday at 9 pm.

    Veteran journalist Zahn will be seen investigating crime scenes- stepping out of the studio and onto the field to unravel criminal investigations. Paula will track the drama of each story by featuring the opinions and personal narratives of those closest to the case – including the perspectives of the law enforcement officials, the families of the victims and the incarcerated, lawyers from both sides. The new series showcases the first-time TV interviews with convicted murderers.

    The show explores police investigations to reveal the ulterior motives of the men and women responsible for these crimes.

    Each episode will investigate and reveal the deep hidden secrets of the killers, the feelings of those who have suffered the loss and the struggle of the investigators to solve the case.

  • Investigation Discovery to launch ‘On The Case With Paula Zahn’

    Investigation Discovery to launch ‘On The Case With Paula Zahn’

    MUMBAI: ID – Investigation Discovery, India’s only Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to true stories of investigation, mystery and suspense is launching a new series called On The Case With Paula Zahn.

    The series takes a look at fascinating, true police investigations and delves deep to understand the triggers behind these crimes. The series air every Sunday at 9 pm.

    Veteran journalist Zahn will be seen investigating crime scenes- stepping out of the studio and onto the field to unravel criminal investigations. Paula will track the drama of each story by featuring the opinions and personal narratives of those closest to the case – including the perspectives of the law enforcement officials, the families of the victims and the incarcerated, lawyers from both sides. The new series showcases the first-time TV interviews with convicted murderers.

    The show explores police investigations to reveal the ulterior motives of the men and women responsible for these crimes.

    Each episode will investigate and reveal the deep hidden secrets of the killers, the feelings of those who have suffered the loss and the struggle of the investigators to solve the case.

  • FY-2015: Forex retards Discovery Communications revenue, lowers adjusted OIBDA

    FY-2015: Forex retards Discovery Communications revenue, lowers adjusted OIBDA

    BENGALURU: Discovery Communications Inc. (Discovery) US Networks segment reported 6.1 per cent growth in revenue for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year) at $3,131 million as compared to $2,950 million in the previous year. These gains were offset by a 2.1 per cent decline in revenues in FY-2015 by its International Networks segment to $3,092 million as compared to $3,157 million in the previous year, primarily due to currency effects. Discovery reported revenue of $6,394 million in the current year as compared to $6,265 million in the previous year. 

    Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 3.7 per cent in FY-2015 to $2,398 million as compared to $2,491 million in the previous year. Net income available to Discovery in FY-2015 declined 9.2 per cent to $1,034 million ($1.58 per diluted share) compared to $1,139 million ($1.66 per diluted share) for FY-2014, primarily due to currency exchange rates, higher losses associated with the sale of businesses and lower equity earnings, partially offset by a decrease in taxes, restructuring costs and equity-based compensation.

    Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said, “In 2015, Discovery Communications continued to build momentum with our unmatched worldwide brands and leading multiplatform distribution network. We surpassed three billion cumulative viewers, launched more new networks and increased audience and market share, all of which helped to drive steady global growth and strong financial results. Propelled by our category leadership, broad rights ownership and content and brand expansion across platforms, Discovery is well positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving media landscape and to drive continued shareholder value in the years ahead.”

    For the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter), the company reported 1.8 per cent decline in revenue to $1,646 million as compared to $1,676 in the corresponding prior year quarter also primarily due to currency effects says Discovery. While US Networks reported 5.6 per cent increased revenues for Q4-2015 at $787 million from $745 million, International Networks revenue declined 7.7 per cent to $816 million from $884 million in Q4-2014. Adjusted OIBDA declined 10 per cent to $574 million in Q4-2015 from $638 million in Q4-2014. US Networks adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter increased 1.2 per cent to $410 million from $405 million. International Networks adjusted OIBDA declined 20.2 per cent to $262 million from $329 million in the corresponding prior year quarter.

    In Q4-2015, net income available to Discovery stockholders decreased to $219 million ($0.34 per diluted share) compared to $250 million ($0.38 per diluted share) for Q4-2014, primarily due to foreign currency exchange rates, losses associated with the sale of businesses and higher net income attributable to non-controlling interests, partially offset by a decrease in restructuring costs and higher earnings related to equity-method instruments says the company.

    Advertising and Distribution numbers

    Distribution revenues in FY-2015 increased eight per cent to $3,068 million from $2,842 in the previous year. Advertising revenues in FY-2015 declined 2.8 per cent to $3,004 million from $3,089 million in FY-2014. Discovery says that Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport and currency effects, grew primarily due to increased rates and subscribers in Latin America as well as increased subscribers in CEEMEA. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency effects, were up primarily due to higher pricing and ratings in Southern Europe, higher pricing, volume and ratings in Latin America, and higher pricing in Northern Europe. 

    Excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and foreign currency exchange rates, Adjusted OIBDA was up reflecting the revenue growth partially offset by an 11 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content expenses and personnel costs.

    Distribution revenues in Q4-2015 increased 1.8 per cent to $759 million from $745 million in Q4-2014. Advertising revenues in the current quarter declined 3.2 per cent to $804 million from $831 million in the corresponding quarter of 2014.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport and currency effects, grew mainly from increased rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency effects, were up, primarily due to higher pricing and ratings in Southern Europe, higher pricing and volume in Latin America, and higher pricing and volume in Asia.

    Excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency, Adjusted OIBDA was up one per cent, reflecting the revenue growth partially offset by an 18 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content expenses and personnel costs.

  • FY-2015: Forex retards Discovery Communications revenue, lowers adjusted OIBDA

    FY-2015: Forex retards Discovery Communications revenue, lowers adjusted OIBDA

    BENGALURU: Discovery Communications Inc. (Discovery) US Networks segment reported 6.1 per cent growth in revenue for the year ended 31 December, 2015 (FY-2015, current year) at $3,131 million as compared to $2,950 million in the previous year. These gains were offset by a 2.1 per cent decline in revenues in FY-2015 by its International Networks segment to $3,092 million as compared to $3,157 million in the previous year, primarily due to currency effects. Discovery reported revenue of $6,394 million in the current year as compared to $6,265 million in the previous year. 

    Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) declined 3.7 per cent in FY-2015 to $2,398 million as compared to $2,491 million in the previous year. Net income available to Discovery in FY-2015 declined 9.2 per cent to $1,034 million ($1.58 per diluted share) compared to $1,139 million ($1.66 per diluted share) for FY-2014, primarily due to currency exchange rates, higher losses associated with the sale of businesses and lower equity earnings, partially offset by a decrease in taxes, restructuring costs and equity-based compensation.

    Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said, “In 2015, Discovery Communications continued to build momentum with our unmatched worldwide brands and leading multiplatform distribution network. We surpassed three billion cumulative viewers, launched more new networks and increased audience and market share, all of which helped to drive steady global growth and strong financial results. Propelled by our category leadership, broad rights ownership and content and brand expansion across platforms, Discovery is well positioned to thrive in the rapidly evolving media landscape and to drive continued shareholder value in the years ahead.”

    For the quarter ended 31 December, 2015 (Q4-2015, current quarter), the company reported 1.8 per cent decline in revenue to $1,646 million as compared to $1,676 in the corresponding prior year quarter also primarily due to currency effects says Discovery. While US Networks reported 5.6 per cent increased revenues for Q4-2015 at $787 million from $745 million, International Networks revenue declined 7.7 per cent to $816 million from $884 million in Q4-2014. Adjusted OIBDA declined 10 per cent to $574 million in Q4-2015 from $638 million in Q4-2014. US Networks adjusted OIBDA in the current quarter increased 1.2 per cent to $410 million from $405 million. International Networks adjusted OIBDA declined 20.2 per cent to $262 million from $329 million in the corresponding prior year quarter.

    In Q4-2015, net income available to Discovery stockholders decreased to $219 million ($0.34 per diluted share) compared to $250 million ($0.38 per diluted share) for Q4-2014, primarily due to foreign currency exchange rates, losses associated with the sale of businesses and higher net income attributable to non-controlling interests, partially offset by a decrease in restructuring costs and higher earnings related to equity-method instruments says the company.

    Advertising and Distribution numbers

    Distribution revenues in FY-2015 increased eight per cent to $3,068 million from $2,842 in the previous year. Advertising revenues in FY-2015 declined 2.8 per cent to $3,004 million from $3,089 million in FY-2014. Discovery says that Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport and currency effects, grew primarily due to increased rates and subscribers in Latin America as well as increased subscribers in CEEMEA. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency effects, were up primarily due to higher pricing and ratings in Southern Europe, higher pricing, volume and ratings in Latin America, and higher pricing in Northern Europe. 

    Excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and foreign currency exchange rates, Adjusted OIBDA was up reflecting the revenue growth partially offset by an 11 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content expenses and personnel costs.

    Distribution revenues in Q4-2015 increased 1.8 per cent to $759 million from $745 million in Q4-2014. Advertising revenues in the current quarter declined 3.2 per cent to $804 million from $831 million in the corresponding quarter of 2014.

    Discovery says that Distribution revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport and currency effects, grew mainly from increased rates and subscribers in Latin America. Advertising revenues, excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency effects, were up, primarily due to higher pricing and ratings in Southern Europe, higher pricing and volume in Latin America, and higher pricing and volume in Asia.

    Excluding the impact of Eurosport, SBS Radio and currency, Adjusted OIBDA was up one per cent, reflecting the revenue growth partially offset by an 18 per cent increase in operating expenses. The higher operating expenses were primarily due to increased content expenses and personnel costs.

  • Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all geared up to premiere a tale of international trains connecting Indian, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The series titled as India’s Frontier Railways will premiere on 11 February 2016 and will air every Thursday at 9 pm.

    The three-part series explores the journey of passengers on the international trains through their heart-warming stories of reunion, cultures, history and travel across borders.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is delighted to present the incredible history of India’s cross border trains and their significant role in connecting the people and the nations. The audience will have a heart-warming viewing experience as they will get the opportunity to watch the three trains traverse through India’s borders in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

    The one-hour long episode will offer viewers a first-account narration of people whose work, travel and lives are entwined with these international trains

    The first episode is on Maitree Express, which connects India and Bangladesh, taking 12 hours to make the 392 km journey from Kolkata to Dhaka. On both sides, people speak the same language, share a history and they all love fish. The episode will take the viewers through a journey that unites Bengal.

    The Last Train in Nepal will showcase the train that crosses the border between India and Nepal along a line that runs for 20 miles from Janakpur to the Indian junction of Jaynagar. It will also reveal how the line is now under threat of closure following a starvation of funds from the Indian government, which has left the train and the track in a state of disrepair. This episode will showcase the community alongside the border and railway workers who are struggling every day to keep their train and their hopes alive.

    The third episode of the series is on The Samjhauta Express, a unique and heart-warming film that reconnects families, cultures and history. Viewers will get to see Bilal and his father who are seeking medical treatment in India, along with hockey champion Rahat Khan who is travelling to play an international match. This episode will also highlight on Guru Nanak’s birthday wherein the railway runs special train across the border to the Guru’s birthplace in Pakistan.

  • Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    Discovery to premiere ‘India’s Frontier Railways’ on 11 February

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all geared up to premiere a tale of international trains connecting Indian, Pakistan, Nepal and Bangladesh. The series titled as India’s Frontier Railways will premiere on 11 February 2016 and will air every Thursday at 9 pm.

    The three-part series explores the journey of passengers on the international trains through their heart-warming stories of reunion, cultures, history and travel across borders.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel is delighted to present the incredible history of India’s cross border trains and their significant role in connecting the people and the nations. The audience will have a heart-warming viewing experience as they will get the opportunity to watch the three trains traverse through India’s borders in Nepal, Pakistan and Bangladesh.”

    The one-hour long episode will offer viewers a first-account narration of people whose work, travel and lives are entwined with these international trains

    The first episode is on Maitree Express, which connects India and Bangladesh, taking 12 hours to make the 392 km journey from Kolkata to Dhaka. On both sides, people speak the same language, share a history and they all love fish. The episode will take the viewers through a journey that unites Bengal.

    The Last Train in Nepal will showcase the train that crosses the border between India and Nepal along a line that runs for 20 miles from Janakpur to the Indian junction of Jaynagar. It will also reveal how the line is now under threat of closure following a starvation of funds from the Indian government, which has left the train and the track in a state of disrepair. This episode will showcase the community alongside the border and railway workers who are struggling every day to keep their train and their hopes alive.

    The third episode of the series is on The Samjhauta Express, a unique and heart-warming film that reconnects families, cultures and history. Viewers will get to see Bilal and his father who are seeking medical treatment in India, along with hockey champion Rahat Khan who is travelling to play an international match. This episode will also highlight on Guru Nanak’s birthday wherein the railway runs special train across the border to the Guru’s birthplace in Pakistan.

  • BBC & Discovery ink long-term Olympic partnership

    BBC & Discovery ink long-term Olympic partnership

    MUMBAI: The BBC and Discovery Communications have inked a long-term Olympic Games agreement in the UK, building on a 30-year partnership between the two global media organisations.

    The deal means that the BBC will sub-license (from Discovery) exclusive free-to-air audio-visual and non-exclusive radio rights to the 2022 and 2024 Olympic Games. In turn, Discovery will sub-license (from the BBC) exclusive pay-TV rights in the UK to the 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games.

    The London 2012 Olympic Games was watched on the BBC by more than 50 million people in the UK, seven million people in the UK accessed the BBC website every day, with 111 million requests for video throughout the Games, and over two million people downloaded the app. It was truly the first digital Olympic Games and the BBC raised the bar in its coverage.

    This announcement ensures that the BBC will continue to be the free-to-air home of the best action from the Olympic Games until 2024, bringing the moments that unite the nation on TV and radio. Additionally, the BBC’s package of rights is supplemented by digital rights to the content it broadcasts on TV.

    This agreement marks the first Olympic Games sub-licensing deal by Discovery and reinforces Eurosport as the home of the Olympic Games across Europe, ensuring that every event is available to fans across all screens. The news follows an agreement announced by Discovery Communications and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last June, which includes exclusive multimedia rights for 50 countries and territories in Europe for the 2018 through the 2024 Olympic Games. The rights for the UK were included for only 2022 and 2024, as these rights had already been secured by the BBC in the UK.

    BBC director-general Tony Hall said, “The BBC prides itself on bringing the biggest sporting moments to the public. For many, the BBC has been their stadium for Olympic coverage. It is an event that unites the nation like no other. I’m delighted that through our new partnership with Discovery, the BBC will continue to carry the torch for great sporting coverage right through to the 2024 Games. While the BBC has had to take some tough financial decisions, this partnership underlines our commitment to making world-class sport available to all.”

    Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav added, “Discovery is a passionate and committed partner of the Olympic Movement. Today’s agreement is a win for UK sports fans and marks an exciting new chapter in Discovery and the BBC’s partnership on major sporting events. For 30 years, our two organisations have chartered new frontiers with co-production partnerships in factual and natural history programming. Now we join together once again to bring the most compelling stories of human ambition, sacrifice and achievement to people across the UK.”

    IOC Television and Marketing Services MD Timo Lumme said, “We are delighted our partners Discovery / Eurosport and the BBC are collaborating on this long term agreement which is great news for viewers in the UK. By sharing the rights, viewers will benefit from the BBC’s rich Olympic heritage and Discovery’s innovative approach to storytelling. Together, they will make the Olympic Games as accessible and engaging as possible.”

    BBC Sport director Barbara Slater said, “We are very pleased that the BBC will continue to bring free-to-air Olympic Games coverage to audiences through to 2024, extending our relationship with the event which began in 1928 and reinforcing the BBC’s long-term commitment to major sporting events. The Olympic Games is one of the nation’s most treasured sporting events and this is an extensive package of rights that ensures we can offer ‘the best of the Games’, across TV, radio, online and digital, maximising the reach and impact of the BBC. This ground-breaking partnership also shows how the BBC can collaborate and work with others to continue to bring the very best in sport to licence fee payers.”

    Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette said, “Since the announcement of our partnership with the IOC, it has been Discovery’s goal to engage and entertain local audiences in Europe with the ultimate Olympic Games experience across all screens. To realise this ambition, we will leverage our portfolio of pay-TV, free-to-air and digital services, and collaborate with the very best partners who share this vision – the BBC partnership embodies this perfectly.”

  • BBC & Discovery ink long-term Olympic partnership

    BBC & Discovery ink long-term Olympic partnership

    MUMBAI: The BBC and Discovery Communications have inked a long-term Olympic Games agreement in the UK, building on a 30-year partnership between the two global media organisations.

    The deal means that the BBC will sub-license (from Discovery) exclusive free-to-air audio-visual and non-exclusive radio rights to the 2022 and 2024 Olympic Games. In turn, Discovery will sub-license (from the BBC) exclusive pay-TV rights in the UK to the 2018 and 2020 Olympic Games.

    The London 2012 Olympic Games was watched on the BBC by more than 50 million people in the UK, seven million people in the UK accessed the BBC website every day, with 111 million requests for video throughout the Games, and over two million people downloaded the app. It was truly the first digital Olympic Games and the BBC raised the bar in its coverage.

    This announcement ensures that the BBC will continue to be the free-to-air home of the best action from the Olympic Games until 2024, bringing the moments that unite the nation on TV and radio. Additionally, the BBC’s package of rights is supplemented by digital rights to the content it broadcasts on TV.

    This agreement marks the first Olympic Games sub-licensing deal by Discovery and reinforces Eurosport as the home of the Olympic Games across Europe, ensuring that every event is available to fans across all screens. The news follows an agreement announced by Discovery Communications and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) last June, which includes exclusive multimedia rights for 50 countries and territories in Europe for the 2018 through the 2024 Olympic Games. The rights for the UK were included for only 2022 and 2024, as these rights had already been secured by the BBC in the UK.

    BBC director-general Tony Hall said, “The BBC prides itself on bringing the biggest sporting moments to the public. For many, the BBC has been their stadium for Olympic coverage. It is an event that unites the nation like no other. I’m delighted that through our new partnership with Discovery, the BBC will continue to carry the torch for great sporting coverage right through to the 2024 Games. While the BBC has had to take some tough financial decisions, this partnership underlines our commitment to making world-class sport available to all.”

    Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav added, “Discovery is a passionate and committed partner of the Olympic Movement. Today’s agreement is a win for UK sports fans and marks an exciting new chapter in Discovery and the BBC’s partnership on major sporting events. For 30 years, our two organisations have chartered new frontiers with co-production partnerships in factual and natural history programming. Now we join together once again to bring the most compelling stories of human ambition, sacrifice and achievement to people across the UK.”

    IOC Television and Marketing Services MD Timo Lumme said, “We are delighted our partners Discovery / Eurosport and the BBC are collaborating on this long term agreement which is great news for viewers in the UK. By sharing the rights, viewers will benefit from the BBC’s rich Olympic heritage and Discovery’s innovative approach to storytelling. Together, they will make the Olympic Games as accessible and engaging as possible.”

    BBC Sport director Barbara Slater said, “We are very pleased that the BBC will continue to bring free-to-air Olympic Games coverage to audiences through to 2024, extending our relationship with the event which began in 1928 and reinforcing the BBC’s long-term commitment to major sporting events. The Olympic Games is one of the nation’s most treasured sporting events and this is an extensive package of rights that ensures we can offer ‘the best of the Games’, across TV, radio, online and digital, maximising the reach and impact of the BBC. This ground-breaking partnership also shows how the BBC can collaborate and work with others to continue to bring the very best in sport to licence fee payers.”

    Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette said, “Since the announcement of our partnership with the IOC, it has been Discovery’s goal to engage and entertain local audiences in Europe with the ultimate Olympic Games experience across all screens. To realise this ambition, we will leverage our portfolio of pay-TV, free-to-air and digital services, and collaborate with the very best partners who share this vision – the BBC partnership embodies this perfectly.”

  • Animal Planet to premiere ‘Rann Bhoomi’

    Animal Planet to premiere ‘Rann Bhoomi’

    MUMBAI: The eternal conflict between predator and prey plays out on a series of diverse backdrops around the world and often the changing nature of the environment can tip the odds in favour of either the hunter or the hunted. Airing every night at 10 pm in February-March, Animal Planet’s new programming line-up Rann Bhoomi spans the globe in search of exciting stories illustrating the dramatic effect environmental surroundings can have on this battle between predator and prey. The series takes a look at the unforgiving battles for survival that take place in the natural world all around the globe every single day.

     

     In the animal kingdom, it’s kill or be killed on a daily basis, as creatures struggle to survive. Animal Planet’s Rann Bhoomi chronicles the different yet lethal techniques used in this dance of death, from animals that work in well-organized gangs to craft loners that capture prey using camouflage and the element of surprise. 

     

    The series heads to Alaska’s frozen rivers where a titanic struggle between migrating salmon and opportunistic grizzly bears takes place yearly, while in the Amazon River the piranha hunts its prey. Meanwhile, in Arctic seas, determined polar bears hunt the ringed seal, penguins fall prey to leopard seals, and starving arctic foxes pick off vulnerable seabirds. In every habitat there are predators and their prey, inevitably leading to a series of unrelenting animal battlegrounds or the Rann Bhoomi.

     

     Viewers will watch how ice and snow influence the outcome of the battles fought in the frozen seas of the Arctic and the Antarctic; animal duels in grasslands include cheetahs vs. gazelles in East Africa’s savanna; anteaters vs. termites in South America’s pampas; wolves vs. bison in the Canadian prairies; foxes vs. rabbits in Wiltshire, England.  An examination of wetland environments includes Africa, where flamingos play into the hands of hungry baboons,  archerfish shoot down prey from trees above them; alligators manipulate their environment to trap fish; black egrets create shadows to catch fish. Some other environments or battlefields include deserts, air, rivers, wetlands and plains of Serengeti.

     

    The episode line-up includes Pride in the Battle that follows the Xakanaxa pride of lions as they struggle for survival against combative prey and unforgiving surroundings through one of the Okavango’s harshest summers.  Gangland Killerstrails a mongoose gang in the Okavango Delta in Botswana that works as a team to protect their new litter of pups from the very real danger of determined predators.  Cheetah – Price of Speed chases a young family of cheetahs on the harsh, exposed plains of the southern Serengeti.