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  • Industry leaders’ thoughts on Independence Day

    Industry leaders’ thoughts on Independence Day

    Independence. We in India have had it for so many years that the India that is emerging does not know what it is like to not be free. For millions, the struggle to get freedom from the British, Portuguese and sundry other rulers are just chapters in their history books. But occasions like Independence Day and Republic Day remind us that we were once subservient and that we overcame bondage and won our freedom.

    15 August is the 67th year of our independence. For sure, the Indian flag will be hoisted in neighbourhoods all over India. Smaller flags will be mounted on cars, cycles and bikes. And even smaller ones pinned on our shirt pockets. Patriotic songs will be played out on radio and on TV.

    And hopefully for a day we will forget all our complaints against rising prices, economic upheaval, a political and administrative class that is showing little backbone for fair governance and well-being of its citizenry, corruption and the lack of respect that many in India have for women. Hopefully, we will remember the price that was paid for the valuable freedom that we enjoy today. And feel proud to be Indian. We, at indiantelevision.com surely are and even proudly carry it in our name.

    Indiantelevision.com’s young team of journalists spoke to senior professionals from the advertising, broadcasting, cable TV and marketing sectors to get a fix on their feelings on India’s 67th Independence Day. And also to gather from them on what their favourite patriotic song or movie is. Read on to feel patriotic:
    O&M India executive chairman & NCD Piyush Pandey

    I am very proud to be an Indian. I think India is a very significant country with many diverse cultures and we have come a long way. In the future, I wish the country to be in a much better shape than what it is currently.

    Mile Sur Mera Tumhara is my favourite patriotic song and truly depicts the light of Indian culture and unity amongst Indians.
    NDTV executive vice chairperson Narayan Rao

    I feel good that we live in an independent country but it shouldn’t be taken for granted.
    I’d like broadcasting to be world class and for journalism to have high standards, credibility and ethics.
    My favourite song is Saare Jahan Se Achchha.
    Publicis director, CCO south Asia Bobby Pawar

    Yes I am proud and happy as well that I am living in an independent country as an independent man.

    I really don’t have any ideas about where the industry is headed. If I did know, then I probably would make millions on it. However, I am very optimistic about the growth in the industry.

    My favourite movie is my friend’s Prasoon Joshi’s film Rang De Basanti and the title song from the same movie is my favourite song.
    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific, sr VP & GM, head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales & south asia, Rahul Johri

    I am proud of being an Indian and happy about it. I think in the coming years the broadcasting industry will evolve as the market evolves. I see many more options on offer for viewers and I see the broadcasting industry only growing further.

    My favourite patriotic song is the video Ye Mera India by Saleem and Suleiman which is on Animal Planet.

    Zee, chief content and creative officer Bharat Kumar Ranga
    I renamed myself from Mukesh to Bharat, when I was in the fourth standard. I fell in love with Manoj Kumar’s character as Bharat inUpkaar. So when I was filling my form for fifth standard, I renamed myself as Bharat. This is how deeply I feel about India. Though firangi competition is welcome, but in India only Indians will rule. I am among those, who believes in the country.

    It is in India, that media enjoys the stature of being the fourth pillar. It started with print and went on to books and films. There was a certain independence given to broadcasters, but that was not utilised to the maximum. Though India has done well in a lot of sectors, but growth in media has not been great. We need to break away from daily and weekly competitions to unleash the power of media.
    My favourite patriotic song is Mere Desh Ki Dharti from the movie Upkaar, I still get all 

    charged up hearing the song. Purab and Paschim was one movie which aptly brought out the power of India, and that is my favourite patriotic movie.

    Draftfcb+Ulka advertising ED & CEO Ambi M G Parameswaran
    I am proud to be an Indian. And I value my freedom. 

    As a nation, the change I would like to see is that the slowdown, which we are witnessing, goes away. I know it will be another 12-18 months before that happens, but then we will see double digit growth after that. The GDP growth needs to regain momentum, business confidence need to rise, rural development really needs to happen, and food prices need to come down.

    My favourite patriotic movie is the Tamil film Kappalottiya Thamizhan.
    Star Den Media Services, CEO Gurjeev Singh Kapoor
    We feel proud to be independent and we celebrated Independence Day at our workplace too on 14 August. Everyone was wearing small paper flags across their hearts proudly. We decked up the office with balloons and placed a small flag on every workstation.

    In broadcasting, freedom of expression is critical and this has rarely happened in the past, but it is witnessing a change. Things have gone through a revolutionary change and kudos to the industry for bringing in this welcome change.

    I love patriotic movies, but Saat Hindustani (1969) and Shaheed (1965) figure among my favourites.

    Zee News CEO Alok Agrawal
    I feel good as an Indian. We are living in a democratic country. There are lots of things we need to do to improve. We all have some amount of influence that we can use.
    We are launching an entire new initiative Bharat Bhagyavita. Our responsibility as media is to inform and empower people with knowledge and make them aware of their rights and encourage them to do something about what’s going on.

    Nothing comes to mind. I don’t go by defining a favourite. Any patriotic song is fine. I like almost all songs.

    Media Consultant, Sanjeev Hiremath
    For me patriotism is a feeling and cannot be defined in a song, though I really love the Hollywood movie ‘Independence Day’.

    In the 67th year of Independence, the biggest achievement for India is that it is no longer considered as a developing nation. A lot of Indian companies are now investing in overseas business. Our GDP is robust and we are above world average. I am proud to be an Indian and the reason is its diverse culture. My only concern is that though individually we are progressing, the country collectively isn’t. Even today 70 per cent of the population lives on 1.50 dollars a day. It makes me sad. The political scenario needs to improve.

    What is good about the cable and satellite industry is that we are not 10 years behind when we compare ourselves to other countries. We have been making gradual progress and now with DAS, in the next two years we will be up close with the world cable and satellite industry.
    Playtime Creations TV producer Hemal Thakakar

    As an Indian we feel proud that we had so many great men and women who gave their lives for freedom we enjoy today. Somewhere I think we have failed them and have misused freedom which they got for us. I hope, pray and wish we correct that.

    For broadcasters, future is shining. Digitisation is beginning of new horizon as our country gets hungry for more entertainment and infotainment. New avenues are discovered and looking at the Indian diaspora and the fact that we are a young nation, the broadcast industry is going to get a major boost.

    My favourite song is the title track from the film Swades and Kandho Se Milte Hain Kandhe.

  • ‘River Monsters’ returns to Animal Planet on 27 May

    ‘River Monsters’ returns to Animal Planet on 27 May

    MUMBAI: Animal Planet’s show ‘River Monsters’ featuring biologist and fishing detective Jeremy Wade returns for a new season on 27 May every night at 8.00 pm.

    He has spent 25 years exploring the planet’s remotest rivers and lakes, hunting for monster-sized fish. The show aims to go where no wildlife programme has gone before, revealing the creatures that lurk in the murky depths of inland waterways.

    Wade travels worldwide to solve freshwater fish tales and lures in watery culprits that allegedly attack mankind. This season, he finds himself in places he’s never explored as he travels to the far reaches of the globe – from serpentine underwater caves to remote rivers filled with freshwater crocodiles. Jeremy searches for the giant cousin of the piranha that – with its gnarly teeth and gnawing jaws – has turned from vegetarian to meat eater, with a particular interest in male genitalia.

    Viewers can follow him to Thailand where the adventurous angler goes in search of what is thought to be the largest freshwater fish – the giant freshwater stingray. Also known locally as the “wish-you-were-dead” fish, this UFO-shaped marine monstrosity is said to measure about 16-feet long and seven-feet across and is approximately 1,300 pounds; but what could really kill is its 18-inch barbed, bayonet-like tail that could whip extremely painful venom through an unfortunate passerby. But even that is not going to stop Jeremy from tracking down this mysterious monster. Jeremy’s adventures take him all over the world to solve freshwater fish mysteries in locations such as Congo, South Africa, Uganda, Ethiopia, Alaska, and Florida.

    Wade said, “This season, I get into even more unfamiliar territory. The destinations are diverse, the stories strange, and the fish every bit as fearsome but in unexpected ways. I encountered fish with invisible powers, others that live to a century, the largest true freshwater fish so far and the longest struggle I’ve had with a live fish to date.”

    Wade discovers a freshwater fish that can grow as long as a whale, a species of shark that lives in freshwater 100 miles from the sea, and a fish with teeth as big as a lion’s as well as other creatures and moments captured on film for the first time. Pushing his mental and physical limits to the maximum, join the extreme fisherman as he attempts to capture these amazing creatures and tell their tales.

  • Animal Planet US launches shows for the Internet

    Animal Planet US launches shows for the Internet

    MUMBAI: Infotainment broadcaster Animal Planet in the US is tackling the Internet in a big way. It has announced its first slate of original web series on AnimalPlanet.com that builds on and features the personalities on TV franchises like ‘Finding Bigfoot‘, ‘Tanked‘, Pit Boss and ‘Call Of The Wildman‘ and more.

    With short-form digital companions planned for seven of the network‘s most popular returning TV series, the programming includes:

    Shorty‘s Top Dog: The PIT BOSS, Shorty Rossi, always has his main man and service dog, Hercules, by his side. But which four-legged friend will be Hercules‘ successor when the time comes for this top dog step down? This ten-episode series, available now online, follows Shorty as he travels to Mexico on his quest to find his future “number two.”

    Tanked Aftershow: Kicking off on 22 Marc, the Aftershow catches up with TANKED‘s Wayde King, Brett Raymer and the ATM team and captures the behind-the-scenes stories about the ambitious aquarium projects they take on in each show. The 20-episode series will premiere each Friday on AnimalPlanet.com

    ‘Hell Cats Revisited: How Do You Like Meow?‘: What happens to those troubled cat owners and difficult felines after ‘My Cat From Hell‘s Jackson Galaxy leaves? In ‘Hell Cats Revisited‘, debuting April 6, Galaxy catches up with the families featured in current premieres and some of the most hellish cats from previous seasons to see if life is still heavenly after expert advice from Galaxy.

    ‘How to Catch a River Monster‘: From 7 April, this returning online series features ‘River Monsters‘S‘ Jeremy Wade revealing how he captures the elusive, finned creatures featured in the network‘s most-watched series. Wade provides the ultimate guide to fishing for monsters, revealing the tricks of the trade that help him hone in on some of the world‘s most mysterious freshwater fish.

    Discovery VP of digital media Miguel Monteverde said, “Animal Planet viewers turn first to our network for their favorite series and stars, and we look forward to helping them connect on an even deeper level with our new online series. From our long-form ‘surprisingly human‘ franchises on the living room TV to complementary short-form web originals on smaller screens, our mission is to delight Animal Planet‘s wildly passionate audiences across all platforms”.

  • Discovery in licensing deal with AOL On Network

    Discovery in licensing deal with AOL On Network

    MUMBAI: AOL has announced a strategic partnership with non fiction media company Discovery. The partnership brings short-form videos from Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, Science Channel, Military Channel to The AOL On Network’s library of more than 470,000 premium videos.

    Content from Discovery’s networks will be programmed into The AOL On Network’s 14 channels and shared across the AOL On video hub, AOL’s owned and operated properties and publisher partners, bolstering the company’s science, technology, lifestyle and history offerings. Now fans on these sites will be able to enjoy excerpts from their favourite shows and series, like Discovery Channel’s ‘MythBusters’ and annual ‘Shark Week’ to TLC’s ‘Say Yes to the Dress’ and Animal Planet’s ‘River Monsters’ as well as other titles from Discovery’s programming library. Additionally, The AOL On Network and Discovery will offer content from Discovery and Revision3’s recently launched online video series, DNews.

    Discovery senior VP, digital distribution, partnerships Rebecca Glashow said, "Discovery Communications always has been committed to engaging audiences on all consumer distribution platforms, which are supported by a strong business model. This partnership with The AOL Network not only introduces new audiences to our award-winning programming, but allows loyal fans access to clips from all of their favorite shows. It is a terrific complement to our current array of multi-channel video services."

    The AOL On Network senior VP Ran Harnevo said, "We’ve long been advocates of the idea that content providers need to distribute their offerings to multiple platforms in order to maximise exposure and ROI. Over the last few months, we’ve seen this vision rewarded through market traction and recognition, although there’s no better validation than when an industry leader like Discovery turns to us to help distribute their video content around the web."

    Launched in April 2012, The AOL On Network brings AOL’s entire video offering under one umbrella and reaches more than 68 million unique visitors per month. It is one of the top 10 video platforms on the web according to comScore and is number one in content-only categories including TV, Lifestyle, Home, Beauty/Fashion/Style, Food, Education, Travel Information, Autos, Health, Maps, and Technology. The network claims to attract nearly 700 million video streams per month.

  • BT Vision in deal with Universal Networks for live streaming channels

    BT Vision in deal with Universal Networks for live streaming channels

    MUMBAI: BT Vision in the UK has signed a contract with Universal Networks International, the international channels division of NBCUniversal. This will see leading channel brands, Universal Channel, Syfy and E! Entertainment added to its linear line-up, which will launch in the coming weeks.

    The three channels will be streamed live and, early in 2013, BT Vision customers will also be able to watch specific programmes on-demand.

    Universal Channel’s drama offering includes UK premieres of US crime franchises ‘Law&Order: Special Victims Unit‘ and ‘Criminal Intent‘, as well as ‘Rookie Blue‘ and ‘Flashpoin‘t.

    Syfy’s blend of programming comprises drama, movies, reality and factual entertainment from the fantasy, supernatural and science fiction genres. The channel’s content includes dramas ‘Haven‘ and ‘Warehouse 13‘, futuristic thriller ‘Continuum‘ and paranormal investigation series ‘Fact or Faked‘.

    Recently refreshed with a new on-air look and “Pop of Culture” tagline, E! is the destination channel for fans of celebrity, entertainment news and popular culture. The channel’s popular original programming includes the reality show ‘Keeping Up With The Kardashians‘; the Joan Rivers’ hosted weekly celebrity fashion report, ‘Fashion Police‘ and ‘Live from the Red Carpet‘, offering viewers unparalleled access to the awards season’s red carpet action.

    The three new channels join BT Vision’s linear offering, which now includes Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Real Time, British Eurosport 1 and 2, FX, National Geographic, National Geographic WILD and UKTV’s Gold, Watch and Alibi. BT will be announcing more new channels shortly.

    BT CEO TV Marc Watson said, “Universal Channel, Syfy and E! make a fantastic contribution to our channels offering at launch. They offer the best quality drama, hit supernatural thrillers and popular entertainment shows that viewers love. As we expand the number of channels available soon for BT Vision customers, we hope that there will be something there for everyone. We will cater for drama lovers, comedy addicts and sports fans in equal measure. We are not finished yet and we will be announcing some more much-loved channels to complete our roster.”

    Universal Networks International UK MD Laurence Dawkin-Jones said, “We are delighted to be able to bring BT Vision customers three of our core channel brands and the range of high-calibre programming they boast. From exclusive hit dramas to the world’s most-talked about reality series, our channels will make a unique and compelling contribution to the BT Vision offering.”

  • Rahul Johri honoured at World Brand Congress

    MUMBAI: Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri has been awarded the ‘Media Professional of the Year‘ award at the Global Awards for Brand Excellence 2012.

    This accolade is a reflection of Discovery‘s performance and growth in South Asia region under Rahul Johri‘s leadership and his contribution in building a robust and varied portfolio of eight unique channels, led by the leading non-fiction network Discovery Channel.

    Having joined the broadcaster in 2001, he currently leads its South Asia operations. He is responsible for the overall growth strategy of India‘s highest quality factual and lifestyle portfolio including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, Discovery Tamil and Discovery Kids. He has also been the driving force behind networks‘ pioneering localisation strategy and the launch of multiple language feeds across brands and expanding their nationwide penetration. His recent initiative, the launch of the game changing channel in the kids genre Discovery Kids, has received industry wide applaud, according to the World Brand Congress.

    He is also credited with commissioning a range of acclaimed series including – ‘Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan‘, ‘What Not to Wear: India‘, ‘Oh My Gold!‘ and ‘Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar‘. He also spearheaded Discovery‘s association with Yash Raj Films for the latest release ‘Jab Tak Hai Jaan‘ and with the Indian Army for its women officers‘ expedition to Mount Everest in 2012.

    Johri said, “I am grateful to the jury of the World Brand Congress for honouring me with this prestigious distinction. This award is a recognition of the excellence of my team who have contributed significantly in my journey to build Discovery as one of the most respected networks in South Asia.”

    World Brand Congress project director Dr. R.L.Bhatia said, “World Brand Congress is pleased to confer to Rahul Johri ‘Media Professional of the Year‘ award for his outstanding contribution to the industry. Rahul‘s strategic thinking to translate the vision into action has contributed to the jury decision. Rahul has the positive spirit and tenacity to make change in a hyperactive business environment”

    Johri is a board member and Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF) treasurer. He is also a member of the media and entertainment committee of CII and member of the Media & Entertainment Division of Ficci.

  • Maxus wins Discovery’s media mandate

    Maxus wins Discovery’s media mandate

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has moved its media mandate from ZenithOptimedia to Maxus India.

    The agency will be responsible for handling all Discovery channels in India including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and the most recent addition to the mix – Discovery Kids.

    A Discovery source confirmed the development. He also stated that Discovery Kids will be a key priority area for the Network this year.

    This is Maxus India’s third major account win this year, after Mathrubhumi and Mannaparum Finance who decided to consolidate their media businesses with the agency.

    Discovery Communications is a global nonfiction media company with a reach of more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 200 countries and territories and has more than 140 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as US joint venture networks OWN – Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub and 3net – the first 24-hour 3D network.

    It is also a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia-Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 534 million cumulative subscribers in 34 countries with programming customised in 15 languages.

  • ‘It is a good time to launch specialised channels as they help break through the clutter’ : Rahul Johri – Discovery India senior VP

    ‘It is a good time to launch specialised channels as they help break through the clutter’ : Rahul Johri – Discovery India senior VP

     Discovery is in restructuring mode. Earlier this year, it announced a reshuffle at the top to handle India operations. And the India office, which was reporting directly in to the Discovery headquarters at Silver Spring, Washington DC, will now come under Singapore as part of the integration strategy.

     

    On the content front, Animal Planet introduced a Hindi feed in April to increase penetration. Discovery Travel and Living is eyeing to put its personality-driven shows at the 10 pm slot.

     

    The company is also adding new channels like Discovery HD to grow the market in India.

     

    Indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Pinto caught up with Discovery India senior VP, GM Rahul Johri to find out more about the company’s aggressive plans in India.

     

    Excerpts:

    What is the main reason behind the restructuring that took place in Discovery recently?
    Discovery went into local markets in Europe a few years back, and this yielded very good results. Applying the same model, the Asia Pacific region has been broken up into six – the Saarc countries which include India, China, Japan, North Asia, Australia/New Zealand and South East Asia (Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia, Singapore).

     

    In India, people have moved up a level. I have management responsibility for India while Rajiv Bakshi looks after marketing. Then there is a regional managing director who sits in Singapore.

     

    We now work and coordinate with Singapore. The response time is much quicker.

     

    Earlier when we reported to Washington, the time zones were different. Also, what is a priority for us may not be as important for them. Now operations are easier in terms of taking decisions and getting clearances.

    How does the new operational structure help Discovery India?
    Discovery Asia has a strong infrastructure. This will now be more accessible to us. We can approach opportunities on an Asia wide basis as opposed to simply focussing on one country. For instance if a local production is being done out of India or Singapore, it can then be expanded to include other Asian countries. Solutions can be provided to enable this. On the client side also, we can provide solutions more easily so that they get visibility across the region and not just in one country.

    What are the key focus areas for India?
    Collaborating with the other regions in Asia to drive growth will be important. Sharing of content and resources will be key. We will also strengthen the branding of our channels by making the content more definitive. We will keep refreshing content across all the channels so that audiences get what they want to watch.

    Are you looking at growth through launch of more channels?
    Yes! As the Indian television market matures, it is a good time for specialised channels to launch as they help break through the clutter.

     

    We have 14 channels and we will bring what we feel will click the best. Discovery HD is definitely a channel we are keen on bringing to India. Discovery Science is another channel that we feel would work well here. Of course, it is also important for cable to go digital. Otherwise getting carried gets difficult.

    Discovery has launched Planet Green, a new channel for environment, in the US. Do Are there plans to launch in India?
    The channel has just launched in the US. A band of the channel will launch in Southeast Asia. We will see how viewers respond to it. We will test the programming in India and then decide on whether or not to launch the channel here.
    ‘Starting Hindi feed worked for our two channels as there is a lot of commentary. This won’t work in Discovery Travel and Living‘

    In terms of revenue, how important is India within Asia?
    India is one of the top markets along with Japan, Australia and New Zealand. Subscription plays a key role everywhere. In India there has been strong growth in ad sales.

    How is Animal Planet faring after going Hindi?
    The most important thing was the Hindi feed being introduced in April. Now we are able to compete better with National Geographic. Going Hindi was, thus, a progressive step. We play to the core strength of the channel which is focussing on the animal kingdom. We also have hosted shows.

    Will you be doing a Hindi feed for Discovery Travel and Living?
    No! It worked for our other two channels as there is a lot of commentary. In Discovery Travel and Living, though, it will not be natural to see, for instance, two Chinese people speaking in Hindi.

    How has Discovery Travel and Living evolved as a brand since launching four years back?
    DTL is perceived as being a distinctive lifestyle channel for upmarket viewers. People are now familiar with our anchors like Nigella Lawson. They also identify with individual shows like our biker content. We keep refreshing our programming. We bring new shows regularly.

    What have been the programming highlights for the channel this year?
    We did a show with Manish Arora. We are doing two more India productions which will premiere later this year. Our big show now is Cheese Slices. Food is a popular genre for us. So we will kick off a show, Indian Food Made Easy, which will be hosted by Anjum Anand.

     

    We will be launching a multimedia campaign to push our 10 pm slot. This is because our viewers tune in a little later. Personality-based shows will air at this time, seven days a week. The message of the campaign is that at this time you will see hosts like Nigella Lawson, Ian Wright and Anthony Bourdain; the campaign theme will focus on the most recognisable faces on the channel. This will be the largest campaign ever done for the channel.

    Is the aim to bring in appointment viewing?
    This is one of the goals. The campaign will showcase our biggest properties. We are hoping that it will help expand the reach of the channel and drive in new viewership. It is important that our campaign not focus on just one show. By pushing a band, the recall will be high among viewers.

    In what way is the programming strategy being fine tuned for local audiences?
    When we started, we had very little India content. We now produce shows from India. Every global show that is being produced, has a segment on India. So if Anthony Bourdain does a new season, he will visit India as well. This is how the relevance of India is growing. Ian Wright used to just host Globetrekker which is about backpack travel. Most of our viewers do not do that. So we tweaked it and now Wright does VIP Weekends. He visits the best hotels globally.
    Has the thematic weekend concept worked?
    It has done well and the thematic weekends are continuing. But over time our aim is to build a theme across a day – rather than having one theme continuing everyday. Our aim is to strengthen the genres. For instance if you take shows like Anthony Bourdain and Cheese Slices, it is not just about food. It is also about travel, visiting new places. Different genres get intertwined.

    What do you look for in a local show?
    We always look out for good local concepts. Our aim is to have a definitive show in a certain genre. Once we have decided on this, then we go with the best talent. So we roped in Manish Arora to do a fashion show. He is suited for television as he is so colourful.

     

    Our shows have to have an individual and distinctive personality. They need to be of the same class and quality as the other shows that we air. There can’t be any compromise as the same shows travel abroad and showcase India to the world.
    What are the other time bands that DTL is developing outside the 10 pm slot?
    We are also looking at the midnight to 1 am time slot. People watch us at that hour. I think that some channels are missing out on viewership by not concentrating on this audience. They simply run repeats at this hour. Many people work till late and then watch television.
    Is it difficult to get clients to commit serious monies for Discovery Travel and Living with the economy in a downturn?
    Our market is on an upswing. Our TG has not been impacted by the downturn. We have over 600 brands with us including L’Oreal and the car companies. Volkswagen is starting a marketing campaign and they are using our channel as a vehicle. Packaged good companies also advertise with us. Companies that want to target the premium audience cut out wastage completely when they come to us.

    What are the tentpole properties coming up for Discovery?
    Ultimate Olympics is a show that we will air. It looks at the work that has gone behind putting the Olympic Games together. The show gets over a day before the Games start. Another show that will air is Download. This focusses on stories from the internet like the competition between EBay and Amazon.

     

    We will also celebrate Nasa’s 50th anniversary with a show When We Left Earth. Nasa has given us footage of the Apollo Missions. This is the first time that Nasa has done this.
    What is Discovery’s new media strategy?
    We already have our website. For the mobile, 3G has to happen; the phones have to support rich media content. Right now one is still with ring tones and music tones.

  • CNN’s global warning: Planet In Peril

    MUMBAI: CNN will air a two-part special series Planet In Peril on 24 and 25 October at 6:30 pm. The show which took nearly a year to make takes viewers to four continents and 13 countries where environmental change is not a theory, or possibility, but a crisis happening in real time. Filmed in high-definition, this four-hour documentary tackles the threats to the world’s environment.

    Bringing viewers the stories behind the statistics, CNN anchor Anderson Cooper, chief medical correspondent Dr Sanjay Gupta and Animal Planet host and wildlife biologist Jeff Corwin will focus on four main issues that threaten the planet and its inhabitants: climate change, deforestation, species loss and overpopulation.

    Broadcast to a combined audience of more than 300 hundred million households on CNN International and CNN/US with an in-depth companion site on www.cnn.com/planetinperil, the documentary brings first-hand accounts of environmental strife as Cooper, Corwin and Gupta travel across the globe to explore these changes and reveal what they mean for each region and the world at large.

    Cooper and Corwin travelled to Brazil to examine connections between the rapid deforestation of the Amazon River Basin and changes in the world’s climate, embedding with “poacher police” amid raids of illegal logging camps. In Thailand and Cambodia, they walk the markets where endangered animals are bought and sold to find out how their removal can affect entire ecosystems. Additionally, they travelled to Greenland to report on its melting ice sheet, where Cooper witnessed one of the world’s newest islands, discovered when the ice receded.

    Taking viewers beyond the broad headlines, Corwin visits Alaska to help viewers understand how North America’s largest carnivore, the polar bear, is quickly losing its habitat and exists at the edge of extinction. Cooper and Corwin report from Yellowstone Park to show how park officials reintroduce species to their native environment.

    With his extensive medical expertise, Gupta brings a deep understanding of the environmental pressures on the human population. In China, Gupta examines how the world’s most populous nation consumes its natural resources and the toll it takes on its people and the entire world. He also reports from Central Africa to show how climate change is drying up one of the world’s largest lakes and the impact that is having on a region already in crisis.

  • Discovery revenues cross $3 billion

    Discovery revenues cross $3 billion

    MUMBAI: Global media firm Discovery has announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended 31 December 2006.

    Its revenue increased 16 per cent for the quarter to $899 million and 13 per cent for the year to $3.01 billion. DCI’s operating cash flow increased five per cent for the quarter to $194 million and 5% for the year to $722 million. Total revenue increased due to increases in distribution revenue of 16 per cent for the quarter and 20 per cent for the year and increases in ad revenue of 14 per cent for the quarter and five per cent for the year.

    In the US revenue increased 16 per cent for the quarter to $516 million and 10 per cent for the year to $1.93 billion. Operating cash flow increased 22 per cent for the quarter to $181 million and 13% for the year to $727 million. The increases in revenue were due to growth in distribution and advertising revenue across the portfolio.

    Distribution revenue increased 13 per cent for the
    quarter and 18 per cent for the year due to an 11 per cent increase in paying subscription units during the year and contractual rate increases. DCI experienced ratings increases during the year at three of its largest networks, the Discovery Channel, TLC and the Travel Channel. Net ad revenue increased 14 per cent for the quarter and two per cent for the year primarily due to higher ad sell-out rates and higher audience delivery on certain channels.

    Operating expenses increased by 13 per cent for the quarter and nine per cent for the year due to an increase in programming expense. Programming expense increased due to the company’s continued investment across all U.S. networks in original productions and series and specials.

    Its revenue from abroad increased by 17 per cent for the quarter to $256 million and 19 per cent for the year to $879 million. Operating cash flow decreased 29 per cent for the quarter to $24 million and increased eight per cent for the year to $116 million. The increase in revenue was due to growth in both distribution and ad revenue.

    Net distribution revenue increased 22 per cent for the quarter and 23 per cent for the year due to a 13 per cent increase in paying subscription units combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets. Growth in paying subscription units was primarily due to growth in Europe and Latin America. Net advertising revenue increased 13% for the quarter and 14 per cent for the year primarily due to higher viewership in Europe and Latin America combined with an increased subscriber base in most markets worldwide.

    Operating expenses increased 26 per cent for the quarter and 21 per cent for the year due to increased programming costs. Programming costs increased due to the launch of several networks along with a new free-to-air channel in Germany branded as DMAX. SG&A expenses increased due
    to infrastructure expansions in Europe and Asia and an increase in marketing expense resulting from marketing campaigns in Europe and Asia for the launch of new channels.

    Revenue in the commerce, education and other divisions increased by 15 per cent for the quarter and nine per cent for the year. The quarter over quarter increase was due to a 29 per cent, or $3 million, increase in education revenue combined with a 13 per cent, or $14 million, increase in commerce revenue.

    Last year David Zaslav took over as Discovery’s president and CEO. Discovery recently announced a series of structural and personnel changes in order to grow further. A number of positions were eliminated like the post of Discovery US president.

    As part of Discovery’s effort to build a lean and aggressive organisation, network general managers will have full authority and accountability to grow their brands. Discovery will be organized into five network brand groups reporting to the CEO: Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Travel Media, Animal Planet/Discovery Kids Media and Discovery Health Media Enterprises.
    The leaders of the network brand groups will assume additional authority over key business functions including production, marketing, new media, communications and research and will have dedicated brand support from ad sales and business development.