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Tag: Discovery Channel

  • Discovery channel to air Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti

    Discovery channel to air Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti

    MUMBAI:  Discovery Channel will celebrate India’s traditional harvest festival with the premiere of a special programme Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti.  One of the most auspicious festivals in the Hindu calendar, Makar Sakranti is known by different names in different regions like Lohri in Punjab, Pongal in Tamil Nadu, Uttarayan in Gujarat, Bhogi in Andhra Pradesh, Sankranti in Karnataka among others. Each festival is celebrated largely to observe the harvest season in different parts of India, the start of a new life.

     

     Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti will celebrate the festival that embodies the spirit of goodwill, brotherhood and reunion with family and will premiere on 14 January 2016 at 9 pm on Discovery Channel.

     

     According to Discovery Networks Asia Pacific EVP & GM-South Asia Rahul Johri, “Discovery Channel captures and presents India’s vibrant culture and traditions through its path breaking local programming. We are very happy to bring to our viewers a special series Spirit of India – The Festivals that will highlight the rich traditions and diversity of cultures in India. The episode Makar Sankranti will highlight how the traditional harvest festival is celebrated differently in different parts of India.”

     

     Makar means Capricorn and Sakranti means transition, a day when the sun enters the house of Capricorn leaving the house of Sagittarius. This auspicious occasion is celebrated in myriad cultural forms, with great devotion, fervor & gaiety. Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti will showcase how these festivals are rejoiced in India.

     

     The state of Punjab enjoys the spirit of Makar Sakranti through Lohri, a festival which is celebrated with great devotion, fervor and gaiety. Lohri is celebrated with the community coming together to engage in many activities like community bonfire, dancing bhangra and gidda to the fast beats of the dhol, flying kites and competing with one another. Even children follow Lohri Loot, a custom which has children going to the neighbouring houses to collect eatables peanuts, jaggery among others. In the evening offerings are made to the fire (agni) to seek his blessings and those of the sun for a bountiful harvest and a prosperous beginning to the year.

     

    Uttarayan is celebrated in Gujarat and it is the time of the year when kites dominate the sky. People across Gujarat come together with excitement to display their exotic kites of various designs. People make variety of delicacies like undhiyu, sweets to enjoy the festival together.

     

    In Tamil Nadu, Pongal is celebrated on the same date and the celebrations continue for four days. Pongal means boiling over and Tamilians start the day with the ritual of boiling pot of milk. Just as the sun is crucial to the Indian farmer, Indian agriculture would be lost without its cattle. On this day, villagers bathe their cattle and paint their horns in bright colours.  In the evening the cattle are all gathered together for a celebration where they are garlanded and revered, andare fed pongal, jiggery, fruits and sugarcane. 

     

    Discovery Channel through its special Spirit of India– Makar Sankranti will celebrate the rituals and celebrations of Makar Sankranti across India that is symbolic of a common thanksgiving to nature represented by the Sun God. 

  • Discovery Channel HD World to air ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ featuring Obama

    Discovery Channel HD World to air ‘Running Wild with Bear Grylls’ featuring Obama

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to premiere Running Wild with Bear Grylls – a one hour special programme, which will feature the President of U.S. Barack Obama.

    It will air Discovery Channel HD World and Discovery Tamil on 31 December at 10 pm.

    The film will see the President trekking through the Alaskan wilderness with survival expert Bear Grylls while on a visit to observe the effects of climate change on the area. The duo will be on a journey across a glacial outwash and through a dense forest on their way to Alaska famed Exit Glacier.

    The feature will show the President’s love for his family, to his overwhelming duties as the president of United States, seeing the effects of climate change first hand; showcasing his culinary and selfie clicking skills, no subject will be off limits. Bear Grylls will enlighten the President a true taste of the Alaskan wilderness, which will leave the audience informed about the global warming and its effects.

    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific EVP & GM-South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Running Wild with Bear Grylls has been one of the most successful and special shows on Discovery Channel. Bringing two of the most prominent and world famous personalities makes  Running Wild with Bear Grylls and Barack Obama an unprecedented experience for Indian viewers.”

  • Discovery bags 11 awards at Asian Television Awards

    Discovery bags 11 awards at Asian Television Awards

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel won an award in the category for cable and satellite channel of the year, while Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific bagged the cable and satellite network of the year award the Asian Television Awards 2015 in Singapore on 3 December, 2015.

     

    Discovery also grabbed awards in the categories of best documentary series for Abalone Wars 3, best natural history or wildlife programme for Revealed: Rann of Kutch and best cinematography for The Minority. The network has altogether bagged 11 wins and commendations.

     

    Speaking about the wins Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific president and managing director Arthur Bastings said, “Bagging the two top awards in the cable and satellite category is a huge honour. Discovery has spent the last 21 years telling great local stories across Asia Pacific. From natural history to extreme jobs, we are focused on delivering content that resonates and deepens our connection with viewers. The recognition across various categories is testament to the strength and quality of our productions, talent, and teams. This only inspires us to further raise the bar and embrace opportunities of a fast-changing media landscape.”

     

    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri added, “This recognition reflects Discovery’s ingenious and differentiated approach to connect and entertain the discerning Indian viewer.”

  • Discovery Communications inks long-term distribution deal with Lionsgate

    Discovery Communications inks long-term distribution deal with Lionsgate

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications and Lionsgate have entered an exclusive long-term agreement wherein the latter will distribute programming from Discovery’s network portfolio across packaged media platforms in the United States.

     

    The agreement encompasses DVD and Blu-ray distribution of Discovery’s portfolio of series and specials spanning its network brands, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Investigation Discovery.

     

    The first release under the agreement will be the 23 February, 2016 Blu-ray and DVD release of Racing Extinction, the landmark documentary, which had its worldwide premiere yesterday on Discovery Channel in more than 220 markets. The film, directed by Academy Award-winning filmmaker Louie Psihoyos, tells the story of a team of artists and activists on an undercover operation to expose the hidden world of endangered species and the race to protect them against mass extinction. Spanning the globe to infiltrate the world’s most dangerous black markets and using high tech tactics to document the link between carbon emissions and species extinction, Racing Extinction reveals stunning, never-before seen images that truly change the way we see the world.

     

    “We’re thrilled to expand our relationship with Discovery, home of some of the most exciting brands on television, and delighted to bring their diverse and growing portfolio of programming to our home entertainment consumers. Racing Extinction is a powerful and topical documentary by an acclaimed filmmaker that has taken television audiences by storm, and it reflects the world-class quality of Discovery’s great pipeline of content,” said Lionsgate home entertainment president Ron Schwartz.

     

    “We’re delighted to partner with Lionsgate, which operates one of the industry’s leading home entertainment businesses, and eager to leverage their marketing prowess and distribution expertise for titles across our portfolio. Lionsgate is a strong partner and Racing Extinction is an ideal title to launch our partnership and create new opportunities for both our companies,” added Discovery Communications SVP digital distribution and partnerships Rebecca Glashow.

     

    In addition to Lionsgate’s own film and television pipelines and the Discovery Communications content announced today, the company’s home entertainment business distributes content from other leading third-party suppliers including STUDIOCANAL, Miramax, A24 and Roadside Attractions.

     

    The agreement extends the strategic relationship between the two companies announced last month, under which Discovery Communications agreed to purchase five million common shares of Lionsgate. Liberty Global also purchased five million common shares, resulting in each company having an approximately 3.4 per cent shareholding of Lionsgate’s current outstanding shares. Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav and Liberty Global president and CEO Mike Fries also were named to the Lionsgate board of directors.

  • Discovery channel to air a programme on ‘Mumbai Railway’

    Discovery channel to air a programme on ‘Mumbai Railway’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is all set to air a programme on the UNESCO’s world heritage site, Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST) in Mumbai. The programme titled as Mumbai Railway will show behind the scenes of CST’s super-sized transport operation to reveal how the station’s staff and technological systems cope as they are stretched to maintain Mumbai’s lifeline on a daily basis. The four part series will premiere on 7 December every Monday at 9 pm.

     

    The programme will take the viewers through the lives of the men and women who keep the Mumbai railways running; from the station managers, to the controllers in the operations room, the engine drivers, guards, policemen and porters amongst others. The show will offer due credence to the people behind the functioning of the railways and showcase how the team works on a stern time limit before the train resumes its journey. The programme will also offer the viewers to discover the locations around the city which contribute to the massive industrial kitchen which supplies the meals and the new, automated laundry which washes and presses bed sheets.

     

    Talking about the new programme, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM-South Asia Rahul Johri asserted, “Discovery Channel has been entertaining and inspiring viewers in India for the last 20 years with the finest range of factual programmes. Mumbai Railway will bring forth compelling story of the megacity Mumbai – its station and its transport challenges. The series will showcase the diverse network and its amplified scale like never before.”

     

    The programme will explore the scientific, technological, historical, and human-interest stories from across Mumbai’s sprawling suburban network. The programme will showcase how Mumbai Railways has come to become the pulse of the Mumbai commuters irrespective of the heavy monsoons, the crazy rush and the cringing space constraints.

     

    Mumbai Railway will also showcase the future for CST and Indian railways including expanded capacity by making train and platforms longer, building new lines and bringing into server a new double decker train.

  • Discovery channel to air ‘Racing Extinction’ globally; to aid the channel’s campaign

    Discovery channel to air ‘Racing Extinction’ globally; to aid the channel’s campaign

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel will broadcast director Louie Psihoyos’ film Racing Extinction in India on 2 December at 9 pm. The channel will premiere the movie in 220 international markets across the world within a span of 24 hours.

     

    Racing Extinction is an ambitious mission to clearly and artfully put into focus the human impact on the planet, while inspiring humanity to embrace the solutions that will ensure a thriving, biodiverse world for future generations.

     

    The film will also serve as a catalyst for the ongoing campaign utilising the hash tag #StartWith1Thing to serve as Discovery’s call to action to create a global movement behind the television event. In partnership with Discovery and the Ocean Preservation Society (OPS), the co-executive producer of the film Paul G. Allen and his Vulcan Productions have launched an action campaign around Racing Extinction to empower audiences to join the fight to save these animals while there is still time. 

       

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel presents path-breaking and immersive programmes that serve a purpose beyond entertainment.  Racing Extinction is a gripping film that vividly demonstrates the serious threats our beautiful planet faces today. We believe that the film will invoke passion amongst Indian viewers and will inspire everyone to preserve it for a better tomorrow.”

     

    The director Louie Psihoyos added, “With the help of Discovery I believe we can create a tipping point to create the change we need to preserve a planet that can sustain life for all species.” He further adds, “There has never been a more important time in the world than to be alive now — the decisions we make in the next few years will impact the Earth and animal species for millions of years.”

     

    In the ground breaking film the director and his group assembles a team of artists and activists on a new undercover operation to expose the world of endangered species trafficking and the race to prevent mass extinction. The 90-minute film reveals few never-before seen images that will change the onlookers’ perception of the world.

  • Discovery channel to explore the richness of Odisha with a new broadcast

    Discovery channel to explore the richness of Odisha with a new broadcast

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel has launched a new programme Go India: Odisha which will showcase the picturesque landscape, the rich culture, the age-old traditions and the ancient monuments of Odisha. The broadcast premieres on 21 November at 7 pm. The show will be hosted by former Miss India- International, Gurleen Grewal.

     

    On a quest to experience the culture of Odisha, Gurleen Grewal meets the renowned Odissi dancer, Sujata Mohapatra, and takes a few quick lessons on dance steps and mudras of the Odissi dance form.

     

    Gurleen will also be seen meeting National award-winning craftsmen, while she apprentices as their assistant, and tries her hand at the beautiful pattachitra paintings along with world-famous ikkat weaving tradition. 

     

    To experience the thriving Buddhist tradition in Odisha, Gurleen will visit the largest Buddhist monastery, at Jirang in the Chandragiri district. While Gurleen is at the monastery, she gets a chance to watch a stunning masked dance performance, leaving her completely mesmerised.

     

    According to former Miss India International Gurleen Grewal, “Go India: Odisha is a captivating programme that explores the beauty and history of Odisha, a state which has so much to contribute to the Indian art and culture scene.  It is a detailed travelogue that will offer viewers a journey to discover the unknown and unique attractions of the state on Discovery Channel.”

     

    Go India: Odisha will feature birder and photographer Panchami Ukil who takes Gurleen bird-watching at Chilika Lake, Asia’s largest brackish water lagoon. Viewers will get to spot some, otherwise elusive, Irrawady dolphins at the Chilika lake. The viewers will also get a chance to visit Bhitarkanika National Park where extremely rare birds and massive estuarine crocodile are spotted.

  • BARC Week 44: Ten Sports, Nick, MTV, Mastii and Discovery Channel leads their respective genre

    BARC Week 44: Ten Sports, Nick, MTV, Mastii and Discovery Channel leads their respective genre

    MUMBAI: Ten Sports led the sports genre, while Nick continues to lead the kids genre according to BARC data on All India (U+R).
     
    On the other hand, MTV continues to lead the youth genre, while Mastii bagged the first position in the music genre and Discovery Channel became number one in the infotainment genre in week 44.

     

    SPORTS

     

    In the sports genre, Ten Sports led the pack with 108191 (000Sums) followed by Star Sports 1 in the second spot with 51664 (000Sums) and Star Sports 3 stood in the third spot with 49885 (000Sums). In the fourth slot, Sony Six scored 22473 (000Sums), whereas Star Sports 2 with 17788 (000Sums) was on the fifth berth.  
     

    KIDS

     

    In the Kids genre, Nick continues to lead with 95856 (000Sums) followed by Pogo TV in second spot with 79774 (000Sums) and Cartoon Network with 67044 (000Sums) in the third place. Hungama with 50135 (000Sums) and Disney Channel with 44512 (000Sums) held the fourth and fifth place respectively.
     

    YOUTH

     

    MTV led the pack in the youth genre with 26237 (000Sums) followed by Bindass at second place with 12601 (000Sums) and Zing on the third spot with 11965(000Sums). Zoom secured fourth place with 8743 (000Sums), whereas Channel V was at fifth place with 6339 (000Sums).
     

    MUSIC

     

    In the music genre, Mastii captured the numero uno position with 118074 (000Sums) followed by B4U with 80223 (000Sums) and 9XM with 73265 (000Sums). Sony Mix grabbed the fourth slot with 42461 (000Sums), whereas 9X Jalwa with 38397 (000Sums) was in the fifth place.
     

    INFOTAINMENT

     

    Discovery Channel garnered the first place with 5897 (000Sums) followed by National Geographic Channel in the second spot with 3896 (000Sums) and History TV18 with 3854 (000Sums) in the third slot. Animal Planet secured the fourth spot with 3628 (000Sums) and Nat Geo Wild stood on the fifth berth with 1557 (000Sums).

  • BARC week 42: Star Sports 3, Mastii, Discovery Channel, MTV Nick dominate

    BARC week 42: Star Sports 3, Mastii, Discovery Channel, MTV Nick dominate

    MUMBAI: Star Sports 3 became the number one in the sports genre, while Nick continues to lead the kids genre according to BARC data on All India (U+R).

     

    On the other hand, MTV led the youth genre, while Mastii bagged the first position in the music genre and Discovery Channel became number one in the infotainment genre in week 42.

     
    SPORTS

    In the sports genre, Star Sports 3 led the pack with 224753 (000Sums) followed by Star Sports 1 in the second spot with 213763 (000Sums) and Ten Sports stood in the third spot with 93026 (000Sums). In the fourth slot, Star Sports 2 scored 22473 (000Sums), whereas Sony Six with 19590 (000Sums) was on the fifth berth.  
     

    KIDS

    In the Kids genre, Nick continues to lead with 108422 (000Sums) followed by Pogo TV in second spot with 96734 (000Sums) and Cartoon Network with 84656 (000Sums) in the third place. Hungama with 52018 (000Sums) and Disney Channel with 51671 (000Sums) held the fourth and fifth place respectively.
     

    YOUTH

    MTV led the pack in the youth genre with 15523 (000Sums) followed by Zing at second place with 10547 (000Sums) and Bindass on the third spot with 9563 (000Sums). Zoom secured fourth place with 6759 (000Sums), whereas Channel V was at fifth place with 4306 (000Sums).
     

    MUSIC

    In the music genre, Mastii captured the numero uno position with 114892 (000Sums) followed by B4U with 86558 (000Sums) and 9XM with 81097 (000Sums). Sony Mix grabbed the fourth slot with 44524 (000Sums), whereas 9X Jalwa with 38156 (000Sums) was in the fifth place.
     

    INFOTAINMENT

    Discovery Channel garnered the first place with 5688 (000Sums) followed by National Geographic Channel in the second spot with 4328 (000Sums) and History TV18 with 3582 (000Sums) in the third slot. Animal Planet secured the fourth spot with 3305 (000Sums) and Nat Geo Wild stood on the fifth berth with 1524 (000Sums).

  • BARC week 41: Star Sports 1, Nick, Mastii, Discovery Channel, MTV top their genres

    BARC week 41: Star Sports 1, Nick, Mastii, Discovery Channel, MTV top their genres

    MUMBAI: According to the BARC data on All India (U+R) basis, Star Sports 1 became number one in the sports genre, while Nick continues to lead the kids genre. On the other hand, MTV led the youth genre, while Mastii bagged the first position in the music genre and Discovery Channel came out top in the infotainment genre in week 41.

     

    SPORTS

    In the sports genre, Star Sports 1 led the pack with 162592 (000Sums) followed by Star Sports 3 in second slot with 154779 (000Sums) and Ten Sports on third spot with 98566 (000Sums). In the fourth slot Star Sports 2 scored 22473 (000Sums), whereas Sony Six with 19590 (000Sums) was on fifth berth.  

     

    KIDS

    In the Kids genre, Nick continues to lead with 97227 (000Sums) followed by Pogo TV in second spot with 89903 (000Sums) and Cartoon Network with 79384 (000Sums) in the third place. Disney Channel with with 49298 (000Sums) and Hungama with 45675 (000Sums) held the fourth and fifth respectively.

     

    YOUTH

    MTV led the pack in the youth genre with 14219 (000Sums) followed by Zing on second with 10274 (000Sums) and Bindass on third 9645 (000Sums). Zoom secured fourth place with 6698 (000Sums), whereas Channel V was at fifth place with 4383 (000Sums).

     

    MUSIC

    In the music genre, Mastii captured the numero uno position with 113588 (000Sums) followed by B4U with 96364 (000Sums) and 9XM with 78800 (000Sums). 9X Jalwa grabbed fourth slot with 46876 (000Sums), whereas Sony MIX with 38591(000Sums) was in the fifth place.

     

    INFOTAINMENT

    Discovery Channel garnered first place with 6433 (000Sums) followed by National Geographic Channel in the second spot with 4138 (000Sums) and Animal Planet with 3326 (000Sums) in the third slot. History TV 18 secured the fourth spot with 3128 (000Sums) and Nat Geo Wild was on the fifth berth with 1382 (000Sums) respectively.