ITV

Category: Factual

  • Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    Discovery to premiere ‘The Lion Queens of India’ on 28 September

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to highlight the women forest guards, who are on a mission to preserve the endangered species of the Asiatic lions in the Gir National Park, in a series called The Lion Queens of India. 

     

    Discovery Channel will premiere the four-part series on 28 September at 9 pm.

     

    These courageous women risk their lives every day to rescue vulnerable lions, heal defenceless cubs, reduce human-animal conflict and assist villagers who face accidental animal attacks. The series highlights their unwavering commitment to preserve the lions and its habitat and offers an ode to their spirit and dedication.

     

    The four-part series brings alive some of the most daring wildlife action sequences on television for the first time. From rescuing a lion stuck in an open well, healing a badly injured lioness with three little cubs in the middle of the night, retrieving a wayward leopard from a farmer’s house or catching and releasing a deadly Russell’s viper are all part of their daily job. 

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel recognises Indian women forest guards who are holding one of most dangerous and impactful professions. The Lion Queens of India captures an inspirational journey of skilled women team in the wild and highlights riveting real-life challenges they face during the course of their duty.”

     

    The rescue team is headed by Junagadh Forest Division deputy conservator of forests Raj Sandeep, assisted by Trupti A. Joshi (in-charge range officer) and Rasila P. Vadher (in-charge rescue team). An exceptional 28 year old forest guard, Vadher, along with many other gallant women have carried out over 600 rescue missions last year – perhaps amongst the highest number in any wildlife park in the world. 

     

    The channel will also air the series on 5 October. 

  • Fox acquires majority stake in National Geographic for $725 million

    Fox acquires majority stake in National Geographic for $725 million

    MUMBAI: Rupert Murdoch’s 21st Century Fox has acquired a majority stake in The National Geographic Society for approximately $725 million. 

    The agreement between the two companies expands their 18-year partnership through which they have owned and operated the properties in National Geographic Channels, a joint venture of domestic and international cable television channels which together reach more than 500 million households globally.  

    The National Geographic Society is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization focused on its mission of science, exploration and education. 

     

    With the transaction valued at $725 million, the Society’s endowment will significantly increase to nearly $1 billion. The new entity will be owned 73 per cent by 21st Century Fox and 27 per cent by The National Geographic Society with a shared governance structure and equal representation on the board of directors. The Board Chair will alternate annually, with National Geographic Society president and CEO Gary Knell, serving as the Board’s first chairman.

    The new expanded joint venture will operate as National Geographic Partners and will combine the National Geographic television channels with National Geographic’s other media and consumer-oriented assets, including: National Geographic magazines; National Geographic Studios; related digital and social media platforms; books; maps; children’s media; and ancillary activities, including travel, location-based entertainment, archival sales, catalog, licensing and ecommerce businesses.

     

    Combining these assets into one organization will create greater opportunities to pursue National Geographic’s mission of increasing knowledge through science, exploration and research.

     

    Declan Moore, a 20-year veteran of the Society currently serving as chief media officer, has been appointed CEO of National Geographic Partners.

     

    “The expansion of our nearly two decade partnership with 21st Century Fox is another milestone for The National Geographic Society, which for much of its 127 years has sponsored groundbreaking scientists and explorers and shared the knowledge and wonder with the world, using the best and most creative media platforms of each era,” Knell said.

     

    “The value generated by this transaction, including the consistent and attractive revenue stream that National Geographic Partners will deliver, ensures that we will have greater resources for this work, which includes our grant making programs that support scientists and explorers around the world. As media organizations work to meet the increasing demand for high quality storytelling across multiple platforms, it’s clear that the opportunity to grow by more closely aligning our branded content and licensing assets is the right path. We now will have the scale and reach to continue to fulfill our mission long into the future. The Society’s work will be the engine that feeds our content creation efforts, enabling us to share that work with even larger audiences and achieve more impact. It’s a virtuous cycle,” he added.

     

    21st Century Fox CEO James Murdoch added, “We are privileged to have the opportunity to expand our partnership to continue to bring to audiences around the world, ‘The world and all that is in it,’ as National Geographic Society’s second president Alexander Graham Bell stated more than a century ago. We believe in the Society’s mission of bringing the world to audiences through science, education and exploration.”    

     

    “We’re working hard to focus our portfolio on brands that have unquestionable consumer appeal. This expanded partnership, bringing together all of the media and consumer activities under the National Geographic umbrella, one of the most treasured names in the world, creates vast opportunities and enables this business to be even more successful in a digital environment. In addition, we look forward to benefitting from Declan’s leadership and his keen ability to make the spirit of National Geographic come to life every day through rich storytelling across media for millions around the world. We’re very excited and honored to work with the Society’s extraordinary explorers, scientists and visual storytellers to propel their incredible work to audiences around the globe,” he added.

     

    The additional resources will enable The National Geographic Society to basically double its investment in an array of science, research and education programs. Plans include the creation of the National Geographic Grosvenor Center for Education, dedicated to improving the geographic skills of high school students, and the establishment of Centers of Excellence in Cartography, Journalism and Photography, which will develop and fund innovations in exploration, mapping and story-telling. The National Geographic Museum, thought leader forums, and related programs will remain under the Society’s purview, all with the support of a focused philanthropic development team.

     

    “The National Geographic Society Board of Trustees truly believes that this expanded partnership with 21st Century Fox well positions our institution for today and for tomorrow – in a way that ensures a sustainable future, while protecting and building upon the legacy of our founders. Our partners at 21st Century Fox have been extraordinarily collaborative for nearly two decades, and we are certain that the future is brighter as a result of today’s announcement,” said NGS Board chairman of the Society CEO from 1998 to 2014 John Fahey, Jr.

  • Discovery Channel commemorates 50th anniversary of India-Pak 1965 war

    Discovery Channel commemorates 50th anniversary of India-Pak 1965 war

    MUMBAI: Marking the 50th anniversary of 1965 India-Pakistan war, Discovery Channel will present 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes, a special programme that will recount the valour and sacrifice of the Indian soldiers who put their lives on the line in defence of the country.

     

    To premiere on 14 September at 9 pm, 1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will narrate the complete story of the war by using rare archival footage, reconstructions and first hand experiences of the 1965 war survivors.

     

    1965: India’s Battles and Heroes captures the circumstances of the battle and each milestone. The programme will highlight the various war equipment used during the war and daring challenges encountered. It will also recount the battle fought on the ground and in the air.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will recount the war through the eyes of the soldiers who were at the battlefront. It will piece together the circumstances of the war and the bravery of the war heroes through rare archival footage and captivating narration.”

     

    The special programme will present the sequence of significant battles alongside the inspiring stories of the war heroes who led these battles, brought victories and eventually left behind proud memories fighting for their regiments and their countrymen. Some of the war heroes covered in the programme includes Lieutenant Colonel A.B. Tarapore, Major Bhupinder Singh, Major R.S. Dyal, Lieutenant Colonel Desmond Hayde, Company Quarter Master Havildar (CQMH) Abdul Hamid, Squadron Leader Denzil Keelor and Flying Officer V.K. Nebb.

     

    1965: India’s Battles and Heroes will start with the war in the Rann of Kutch in August triggered by Pakistan under the aegis of Operation Desert Hawk. This led to a ceasefire in April 1965 brokered by British Prime Minister Harold Wilson. Thereafter, in August 1965, Operation Gibraltar was launched by Pakistan where Pakistani soldiers in civilian outfits crossed the Line of Control in Jammu & Kashmir. This was followed with Operation Bakshi which saw the Indian Army capturing the highest mountain Haji Pir Pass – the main route for infiltration into Kashmir.

     

    The programme will then take the audience through the launch of Operation Grand Slam by Pakistan to take the border town of Akhnoor. Highlighting the crucial role played by the Indian Air Force, India reinforced Akhnoor.  It was soon after this victory, Indian Prime Minister Shastri in his radio broadcast told the citizens to be prepared for a long battle ahead.

     

    The programme will also have the 1965 heroes who survived the war reminisce about their heroic tales of valour, the war-room strategies, the achievements and immense sacrifices made by the Indian soldiers. These include Colonel JS Bindra (Retd), Brigadier VK Vaid (Retd), Brigadier Jasbir Singh Hundal (Retd), Lieutenant General Ajai Singh (Retd), Brigadier Kanwaljeet Singh (Retd), Major General B.R. Varma (Retd), Wing Commander V.K.Nebb(Retd) and Air Marshall Denzil Keelor(Retd).

  • History TV18 to premiere ‘Appalachian Outlaws’

    History TV18 to premiere ‘Appalachian Outlaws’

    MUMBAI: American reality television series ‘Appalachian Outlaws’ premieres on History TV18, 5 September onwards, every Sat-Sun at 11pm. The show draws attention to the trade revolving around ginseng, a scarce yet valuable herb native to the Appalachian Mountains. With global demand skyrocketing, dealers are eager to get in on the game, and with prices hovering around $1,000 per pound, diggers are in a frenzy to harvest the mountain gold. Some even believe its gnarled roots have special healing powers.

     

    Sweeping some 1,500 miles from New York to Georgia, the Appalachian Mountains are a historic time capsule – a place where a way of life built around hunting, trapping and trading hasn’t changed since the early 1700’s. Furs, ginseng and moonshine still provide the basis of the economy as they did from earliest frontier days. These mountains have just the right elevation, rainfall and mineral-rich soil to produce the best wild ginseng in the world. But now, a war is brewing over this valuable commodity. Whoever controls the ginseng, controls the mountains.

     

    To prevent over-harvesting in the U.S., a few states have started regulating where it’s legal to pull ginseng, which has made territorial lines even blurrier than before.The plot of this epic new series, set in a land which is famous for its feuds, follows five to eight clans fighting to claim their share of mountain riches during one of the most important seasons of their year: “the fat months” of late summer through harvest time.

  • Discovery Turbo to air new series ‘Extreme Car Hoarders’

    Discovery Turbo to air new series ‘Extreme Car Hoarders’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Turbo is back with a brand new season of Extreme Car Hoarders featuring custom car guru Rick Dore and former wrestling superstar Chuck Palumbo. Together, Rick and Chuck continue the hunt for neglected classics in the last untapped frontier of classic automobiles – car hoards.

     

    Extreme Car Hoarders will premiere on 23 August and will air every Sunday at 9pm on Discovery Turbo.

     

    But transforming cars for hoarders is a risky proposition: finding buyers for rust buckets is never easy, and the restoration and customization business is full of unexpected pitfalls that can sink their partnership. Chuck and Rick are all in, and it is going to be a wild ride.

     

    After finally getting the hang of working with hoarders and dealing with the deeply personal issues that drive their obsessions, SLAM came to a sudden and crushing halt when they were evicted from their shop. A year later, Rick and Chuck have their top-notch team of auto fabricators back together for another shot at turning SLAM into a custom car powerhouse. This could be the last chance for SLAM to rebuild the lives of the hoarders they work for, and to find the type of success that eluded them the last time out.

     

    Both captivating and incredibly experienced in restoration and customization, Chuck and Rick bring a different vision, skillset and attitude to each build and each hoarder, giving the series a unique and intriguing mix of car culture and hoarder habits.

     

    Each episode of Extreme Car Hoarders features the duo helping car hoarders – in more ways than one – by offering the deal of a lifetime. They haul off the hoarders’ aging stash, sell what they can, and use the money to build the one-off car of the clients’ dreams. Not only does the hoarder receive a kick ass ride, but it also helps them shift gears and start fresh. The crew works on a fantastic range of American automotive icons this series, popping the hood on a 1936 Ford Coupe, a 1957 Ford Thunderbird, a 1937 Dodge Pickup, a 1937 Lincoln Zephyr and a 1958 Chrysler 300D Coupe.

     

    Get set for a crazy ride through the world of Extreme Car Hoarders, only on Discovery Turbo!

  • “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    “India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy:” Rahul Johri

    Completing twenty years of operations in India this year is Discovery Channel and it can be safely said that since its launch in 1995, the network has not only grown in terms of the number of channels but also in terms of producing original content.

     

    Helming it for the past 13 years is Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific South Asia senior vice president & general manager Rahul Johri. In his decade plus stint, Johri built a robust portfolio of 11 brands in the South Asia region including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, ID-Investigation Discovery, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World, Animal Planet HD World and Discovery Tamil. Moreover, he is also credited with generating revenue, affiliate partnerships, viewership growth, content creation, government relations and talent management.

     

    In conversation with Indiantelevision.com’s Seema Singh, Johri throws light on the network’s journey in India so far and more.

     

    Excerpts:

     

    How has the network’s 20 years journey been in India? From setting up operations to getting in viewership, what were the challenges that the network faced?

     

    It’s been a fantastic journey for Discovery in India. We have presented and engaged the viewers with new brands and compelling content over the years. We expanded penetration in the country with our localisation strategy.

     

    We have brought in an eclectic programming mix across networks that have the right blend of Indian and international content. We have consistently presented India themes that can travel the world and international themes relevant to India.

     

    Throughout the last 20 years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.

     

    What have been the high points of this 20 year journey?

     

    The last 20 years have been quite a fascinating journey for us. Discovery pioneered factual entertainment in India with the launch of Discovery Channel in 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer’s expectations from television. 

     

    One of the high points has been the encouraging feedback from the viewers on our content. The success of our languaging strategy was immensely satisfying as it brought the viewer in every corner of the country closer to the Discovery world.

     

    Having unmatched access to produce shows of remarkable stature like Rashtrapati Bhavan, National Defence Academy in India and present them to Indian audience and around the world is extremely gratifying.

     

    And of course the expansion of our portfolio into 11 unique content channels catering to distinct viewer segments is a testimony of the value our brand offers and the trust it enjoys among its core audience.

     

    What was the thought behind launching these 11 different channels? Are there any new channel launches in the pipeline?

     

    We have expanded our portfolio three times over the last five years. Each channel launch was aimed to offer new and distinct entertainment experience to the Indian viewers. We expanded the definition of factual entertainment by launching Animal Planet in 1998, which presented wildlife programming.

     

    When we launched India’s first international lifestyle channel – TLC, viewers announced their liking for it almost overnight. It was a strong inflection point for the burgeoning Indian television market. The entire industry, including the advertisers and affiliate, took note of the refreshing content and what it meant to viewers.

     

    The aspirational, well-travelled and globally active Indian viewer demanded more unique content, 24-hours 365 days a year. Therefore, we launched two successful media brands from our global portfolio– Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science in 2010.

     

    We brought in premium viewing experience with the finest HD portfolio in the country with the launch of three HD channels – Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

     

    We entered the Hindi entertainment genre with the launch of India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to true stories of mystery, investigation and suspense – ID.

     

    Filling in the gap for meaningful entertainment we launched Discovery Kids delivering smart fun programming to millions of kids in India.

     

    We are committed to the Indian market and will continue to present the best brands, content and finest viewing experience to India.

     

    What is the current viewership of the network in general and Discovery Channel in particular? What are the steps being taken to improve these numbers?

     

    The network has grown to a total of 11 channels, reaching 267 million cumulative households. We will continue to invest in content, communication and availability across all our networks. 

     

    The JV with MSM to distribute its channels has now ended. What is the plan now? Has the distribution team started working on the deals?

     

    Discovery has the finest team and with the addition of the affiliate team, we are a formidable strength and fully geared to capitalise existing opportunities and create new growth avenues.

     

    Our success depends on the power of our brands and we continue to offer maximum value to our partners.

     

    What is the content strategy for the network going forward? How many hours of content would we see getting added to the network by this year end and how many of these would be Indian productions? Can you elaborate on the content strategy for each of the channel in the network?

     

    The content strategy of the network is to deliver high-quality and differentiated programming that satiates the curiosity of the viewers. We will continue to make a difference, ignite minds and entertain viewers.

     

    Discovery globally spends over a billion dollars on content every year and Indian audience, similar to other markets around the world, get access to this content through the various networks present in the country.

     

    In India, Discovery Networks launches the maximum variety of programmes in the industry. India programming is the key growth pillar of our content strategy. We started with Indian Rendezvous as the first India series back in 2002. We went on to present path-breaking India shows ranging from exclusive accesses such as Revealed: World’s Biggest Elections, Line of Control, Humayun’s Tomb, Living with KKRand many more.

     

    Continuing to offer the widest repertoire of programmes, we launch more than 300 high-quality programmes every quarter catering to the interests, passions and demands of children, youth, women, men and families. We strengthened our India content slate with an unprecedented 100 original hours in the last two years bringing unique stories, pristine subjects, and exclusive accesses.

     

    How has advertisers’ interest grown towards the network’s properties?

     

    We are fortunate that advertisers find value on our platforms. We continue to enjoy advertisers’ confidence and respect. We have strived very hard to offer distinct audience segments for different product categories. We have one of the largest client portfolios on our network. As the leader of factual entertainment in India, we believe we are in a good space.

     

    From when the network entered the market to this day, what’s your take on subscription revenues in the country for a network like DNAP? With digitisation in Phase I and II cities, has the condition improved? Do you see the subscription revenues going up with phase III and IV getting digitised by 2016?

     

    Digitisation is a change agent in this country. We are absolutely delighted that it is bringing positive results for the viewer and for other stakeholders including the broadcasters.  

     

    We believe that the networks that are investing in their content and differentiating their brands will continue to reap benefits.

     

    After 20 years… how do you now plan to take the journey forward? What are the future plans?

     

    Our vision moving forward is based on a few key principles. They are:

    – Maintaining leadership across genres

    – Maximising viewership

    – Building on the strength of Discovery kids and establish ID as a “must watch” channel

    – Continue to produce path-breaking India content

    – Continue to innovate and deliver value to advertisers

    – Relentlessly explore new opportunities of growth

     

    How do you plan to stay ahead of competition in the genre?

     

    Our network of channels enjoys strong brand equity and viewership across the country amongst viewers, affiliate and advertisers alike. What differentiates Discovery is its ability to respond to change and innovate in line with the current and emerging viewer trends. From early adoption of new technologies, creating viewer-delighting content and building winning partnerships; we have set multiple industry benchmarks.

     

    If you reflect on Discovery’s track record of last 20 years, we have been ahead of the curve in anticipating trends that match the needs of the viewer. Be it launching the lifestyle channel TLC to being the first high-definition channel available in the country with Discovery HD World. We have offered viewers remarkable and never-seen-before content in innovative formats, delightful themes and finest personalities.

  • Discovery Channel to complete 20 years in India on 15 August

    Discovery Channel to complete 20 years in India on 15 August

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will celebrate the completion of its 20 years in India with a special line-up of its most iconic programmes on August 15 and 16, from 8 AM to 6 PM.

     

    The weekend 20-Year Celebration Marathon will cover the wide spectrum of Discovery genres such as natural history, science, technology, adventure, wildlife, survival and engineering which have entertained the viewers across the urban and rural landscapes. The special line-up will also feature the finest India stories, further enriching the television viewing experience.

     

    Throughout the last 20-years in India, Discovery Channel has demonstrated its commitment to satiate the curiosity of viewers by showcasing them some of the most fascinating stories from the past, current and future; breathtaking locations across geographies, continents and universe; and astonishing and most passionate personalities from across the world.

     

    A testimony of the reach and popularity of the channel, Discovery is today watched in five languages in India including Hindi, English, Tamil, Telugu and Bangla, from the biggest cities to the smallest village, across digital and analogue platforms.

     

    The surge in Discovery’s popularity and ratings in India is also a strong indication of the changed viewer habits and preferences, the rising aspirations of a young country and an inherent demand for enriching entertainment. Another indicator of its popularity with the youth of India – Discovery has built a distinct community of 7.4 million fans in India on Facebook.

     

    Rahul Johri, EVP & GM-South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Channel has had a life changing impact on millions of viewers in India. The tremendous affection that it enjoys in India continues to fuel our passion to relentlessly push the boundaries of factual entertainment and uncover the finest stories from across the world. On this occasion of completing 20 great years in India, on behalf of the entire team, I would like to express our gratitude to the viewers and clients who have expressed their admiration through this remarkable 20-year journey.”

     

    Discovery pioneered the factual genre in India on 15th August 1995 and introduced a refreshing new wave of programming and completely changed the viewer expectations from television. Mirroring the growth of the Indian television industry over the last 20 years, Discovery has refreshed its content offerings at various intervals while maintaining its core brand promise. Anticipating the changing needs of the viewers, it introduced new and exciting genres over this period such as technology, forensic, survival and adventure to deepen its relationship with viewers. Today, the India content is a significant new addition to its existing programming portfolio.

  • Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India

    Discovery Channel completes 20 years in India

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, which celebrates 20 years of airing in India this Independence Day, will telecast a three-part series that will bring alive pages from history books, placing viewers at the epicenter of the story of contemporary India.

     

    Rejoicing historic moments, Discovery Channel’s India Emerges: A Visual History will unfold archival footage to narrate the story of the birth of independent India. The channel will air the programme from 14 to 16 August every evening at 8 pm.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM South Asia Rahul Johri said, “It’s a proud moment for us as we complete 20 glorious years in India. What further amplifies the excitement is we celebrate this day on the 69th year of our independence. Marking this momentous occasion, we are happy to bring forth a programme that will narrate the stories of India and its emergence. The special line-up will revive the many memories of independence and unveil some of the intriguing facts of India’s freedom.”

     

    The special line-up will take viewers back into history of India’s freedom struggle, which spans the period of the British Raj in India, winding its way through tumultuous decades of the Indian freedom movement. The programme will talk about the battles of 1948, 1965 and 1971, the regime of Indira Gandhi, the period of Emergency, Operation Blue Star among others. 

     

    The footage will take viewers to the stroke of midnight and also along new borders where a devastating partition will be unfolded. Having made its way through the ages, the series will culminate on the emergence of a strong, progressive and vibrant India that came into being after many challenges.

  • BBC Earth to launch in Asia in October

    BBC Earth to launch in Asia in October

    MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide will be launching its new premium factual channel, BBC Earth, in Asia.

     

    BBC Earth will inspire audiences by sharing the incredible wonders of our universe. The channel will showcase the work of the world’s foremost factual film makers as it takes audiences on a journey of discovery. From the smallest creature under the microscope to the limitless expanses of space, BBC Earth will bring viewers face to face with heart pounding action, mind blowing ideas and the wonders of being human.

     

    The channel, a rebrand of BBC Knowledge, will launch on 3 October. In Asia, BBC Earth will be available in Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mongolia, Singapore, South Korea, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam. There is also a BBC Earth block in Japan on Wowow.

     

    BBC Earth is part of a global strategy created and shaped by research into audience demand. It is BBC Worldwide’s brand for premium factual content, from natural history and the human world to outer space and science.

     

    BBC Worldwide Asia EVP David Weiland said, “The premiere of BBC Earth in Asia is an important step in BBC Worldwide’s strategy to inspire audiences with intelligent, distinctive content. With BBC Earth, we will now have a compelling way to share premium BBC factual content with audiences in Asia and around the world. With an increased investment into new and premiere content, we are confident that BBC Earth will strike a chord with viewers in Asia.”

     

    On 4 October, BBC Earth will premiere Shark – the definitive series of shark natural history, made on a scale never attempted before and revelatory in both content and photography. This series features over 30 species of sharks and rays, including one that walks on land. The series was filmed in dozens of locations worldwide, ranging from under the polar ice to mangrove swamps, shipwrecks and coral reefs.

     

    The new channel will also see the Asia premiere of The Hunt, less than 24 hours after the UK telecast. The blue chip landmark series, narrated by Sir David Attenborough and executive produced by award-winning producer, Alistair Fothergill, explores the dramatic world of predation as never before, taking an intimate look at the remarkable strategies of hunters and the hunted, exploring the challenges animals face and the tactics they employ.

     

    Other programmes that will premiere later in the year after The Hunt include:

     

    Lands of the Monsoon – A series exploring how life around southern Asia both endures and depends on the tumultuous weather that annually transforms the land – the mighty monsoon. All life is dominated by this rampaging weather system. From Tibet to northern Australia, this series makes an exhilarating journey through the lands of the monsoon.

     

    Life Below Zero (series three) – The icy adventures continue for Life Below Zero’s hardy characters, racing to prepare for their survival as the oncoming winter freeze begins to take hold in Alaska. This ratings-winning series continues to grip audiences as it follows the stories of hard-working people living off the grid miles from the nearest road.

     

    Infested – Dr Michael Mosley explores the bizarre and fascinating world of parasites by turning his body into a living laboratory and deliberately infesting himself with them. He travels to Kenya to give himself a tapeworm – a parasite that can grow to many metres inside the human gut. He also encounters lice, leeches and deadly malaria parasites, before swallowing a pill-camera to reveal what is growing within him. By the end of his infestation, Mosley learns a new-found respect for these extraordinary creatures, which can live off and even take control of their hosts for their own survival.

  • Sky TV and Discovery ink exclusive long-term deal

    Sky TV and Discovery ink exclusive long-term deal

    MUMBAI: Sky TV and Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) have inked a long-term exclusive partnership for Discovery Networks programming in New Zealand, underscoring a commitment to providing viewers with the most comprehensive entertainment offering in the market.

     

    The multi-year agreement includes the addition of two brand new channels for New Zealand – TLC and Discovery Turbo – which will be available to all Sky’s domestic customers over the next few months as part of the basic subscription package.

     

    DNAP’s current New Zealand portfolio includes localised versions of global brands Discovery Channel and Animal Planet and much-loved local lifestyle channels Food TV and Living Channel. The additions of TLC and Discovery Turbo allows for distribution of an even greater variety of premiere programming that will be embraced by Kiwi audiences.

     

    “Our commitment to driving value for subscription television audiences has been seen through strong investment in high quality and engaging programming, dedicated NZ schedules and local productions. The launch of TLC and Discovery Turbo – together with the recent acquisition of Food TV and Living Channel – increases our local offering and further strengthens our partnership with Sky TV,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, ANZ & Pac Islands EVP and general manager Mandy Pattinson.

     

    “We have enjoyed a long and successful partnership with Discovery Networks Asia Pacific and today’s announcement is an exciting one as we further cement our partnership. We are proud to have Discovery Channel as a pillar of our basic offering having broadcast the channel since our UHF days in the 90’s.  Now we are able to share six great Discovery Networks channels with all of our domestic customers, each offering the quality content they’re renowned for,” added Sky CEO John Fellet.

     

    Launching on 1 September as part of Sky’s basic package is TLC, the exclusive home of programming from the Oprah Winfrey Network as well as great female factual entertainment programming.