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Tag: Discovery Kids

  • Discovery’s six point agenda for 2015

    Discovery’s six point agenda for 2015

    MUMBAI: The network has tripled itself in India in the last five years, and today operates in six unique genres through its robust portfolio of 11 networks reaching a cumulative 260 million homes in five languages.

    We are talking about Discovery Networks, which extended its brand experience by launching Discovery Channel Magazine. It has expanded the business fuelled by marquee initiatives – new channels, unmatched India productions and marketing innovations.

    And going forward, the network is going to focus on six points – maintain leadership across genres, maximise viewership, build on the strength of Discovery Kids; establish ID as a ‘must watch’ channel; deliver on ‘male-centric’ brand promise of Turbo; continue to produce path-breaking India content, continue to innovate; and deliver value to advertisers and relentlessly explore new opportunities for growth.

    The year 2015 brings with it a heap of opportunities, but the path was laid in 2014 itself. The network revamped its channel, Turbo, to skew more towards men. The repositioning came in as a response to research conducted over the past couple of years.  “The viewers’ feedback and our constant research suggested a vacuum in English entertainment genre for men. Indian television has primarily been dominated by female led programming. The refreshed Turbo channel is an upscale men’s television network that provides high-octane programming for its viewers.  Turbo broadens its content with more genre mix to offer variety to its male audience.  It also enhances its value proposition for its viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” says Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific south Asia and southeast Asia executive VP and GM Rahul Johri.

    One of the key reasons to rebrand was to widen the channel’s appeal. Its core strength will be variety.  “Turbo will be the only specialised content channel in the English genre, reflecting the promised benefits of digitisation.  The Indian television landscape is ever changing and we have stayed ahead of the curve by recognising the evolving trends and addressing them by creating new television genres and distinct audience segments,” he adds.

    With each brand having its own identity and evolution process, the network is continuously evaluating all its channels, and when need arises, it shall plan if others too need to be revamped or not.
    Not only this, a surprise move for many in the industry, the network was able to get its recently-launched channel ID-Investigation in Tata Sky’s Hindi channel base pack. The move was to cater to Hindi speaking masses.  “The channel’s specialised content dedicated to crime and investigation has wider appeal.  In three months of its launch, ID has gained tremendous popularity, and has become an ideal ‘channel of choice’ for the base pack,” explains Johri when asked the reason behind the move.

    Others like Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Science have wider demographic appeal and thus, are the preferred channels for viewers in the factual entertainment genre.  These channels too are in the base packs of DTH platforms.

    Nonetheless, with TheOneAlliance, the distribution JV between Multi Screen Media (MSM) and Discovery Network, being dissolved with effect from 1 January 2015, after 12 long years, the network is pulling all strings to make the coming year a remarkable one.

  • Discovery Kids’ viewership jumps by 66 per cent

    Discovery Kids’ viewership jumps by 66 per cent

     NEW DELHI: It’s time for celebrations at Discovery Kids. It has claimed that its biggest launch of the year  – Kisna – has done wonders amongst the kids. Result, increasing the channel’s viewership by 66 per cent.

     

    Produced by internationally acclaimed Filmmaker Ketan Mehta, Kisna’s wit and valour has captured the imagination of kids from across India including UP, Delhi and Bangalore. (Source: TAM, CS-4-14, All India, Week 39-42 2014, 1400- 1600 Hrs).      

            

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific EVP and GM – south Asia and south east Asia Rahul Johri said, “We are delighted with the response of Discovery Kids biggest series of 2014 – Kisna. The successful premiere demonstrates the distinct appeal of Discovery Kids and its new franchise – Kisna.”

     

    It is the story of an adventurous and amusing young boy from Anandnagri and his adversary the wicked Raja Durjan of Andhernagri. During the series, Kisna clashes with Raja Durjan and each time squashes his evil plans of spreading fear in his hometown. The strongest fail to match Kisna’s superpowers and his group of friends as they resolve every problem with courage and ingenuity.

     

    It is telecast every afternoon at 2 pm as he battles all the evil with his humour and bravery and stands between the wicked forces of Trikaal and Raja Durjan and his beloved city.

     

    Discovery Kids is available in Hindi, English and Tamil languages across India on both analogue and digital platforms including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Reliance DTH, Airtel Digital and Videocon D2H.

  • Discovery going all out to promote ‘Kisna’

    Discovery going all out to promote ‘Kisna’

    NEW DELHI: The Discovery Kids channel is going all out to popularise its new animation series ‘Kisna’ as it is an India-based series and is a ‘driver show’.

     

    told indiantelevision.com on the sidelines of a press meet on the launch of the new series by, and series maker Rahul Johri and renowned filmmaker Ketan Mehta that the percentage of marketing was very high for this show.

     

    Discovery Channel Asia Pacific VP marketing Rajiv Bakshi  said while the series has already been promoted for almost a month on all Discovery channels, it will now be promoted on other channels as well as on billboards and through school activities. While Facebook was being used to promote the series among adults so that they could encourage the young to see it, the social network was not available to those under 18 years of age.

     

    Filmmaker Ketan Mehta said that the aim of the series was to impart education and entertainment at the same time. He said the name ‘Kisna’ had been used because it had an association with everyone in the subcontinent, but the series would be contemporary and every episode would also have some education value. Thus, it was not the story of Lord Krishna.

     

    The series, produced by Cosmos Entertainment and Maya Digital Studios, would be telecast from 19 October at 2 pm every Friday in English, Tamil and Hindi. It would be repeated at 6 pm.

     

    Discovery’s current portfolio in India includes 11 channels – Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Tamil, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World – apart from a Discovery Channel Magazine.

     

    Apart from the three High Definition channels – Discovery World, TLC World and Animal Planet World – Investigation Discovery (ID) was launched early this month and carries true stories of crime and their investigation. Though the stories are all American, they have been dubbed in Hindi.  Each story is complete in itself.

     

    Kisna is the story of an adventurous and amusing young boy from Anandnagri and his adversary the wicked Raja Durjan of Andhernagri. During the series, Kisna will clash with Raja Durjan and each time squash his evil plans of spreading fear in Kisna’s hometown.

     

     Mehta said, “Kisna is a fascinating story told through captivating characters. Kisna’s endearing personality combined with his superhero powers will make him a favourite character amongst the kids. We are delighted to partner with Discovery Kids, a renowned brand that delivers fun and enriching entertainment.”

     

    Discovery Kids is available in Hindi, English and Tamil languages across India on both analogue and DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Reliance DTH, Airtel Digital and Videocon d2h.

  • Discovery kids in association with WWF-INDIA organises Wild Wisdom Quiz 2014

    Discovery kids in association with WWF-INDIA organises Wild Wisdom Quiz 2014

    NEW DELHI: Discovery Kids partnered with WWF–India to host this years’ Wild Wisdom Quiz, Asia’s largest wildlife quiz for children.  An annual event by WWF-India, the quiz aims to increase environmental awareness in India through various themes associated with conservation. The quiz is supported by the Ministry of Environment, Forests and Climate Change (MoEF & CC), Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE), and powered by Perfetti-Mentos and Canon Pixma.

     

    Discovery Kids & WWF-India’s Wild Wisdom Quiz 2014 was conducted across 30 cities in India. Over 12,000 students from 425 schools participated in the quiz.   Each city level winning team (30 teams) will now compete in the National Finale to be held at the WWF Auditorium, New Delhi on 1 October during Wildlife Week.   The top 3 teams will win a trip to Adventure Nation’s Camp Tusker near Rajaji National Park, in the Shivalik Hills. The finale will be broadcast on Discovery Kids, the most distinguished television brand offering learning based entertainment.

     

    Announcing the association, Rahul Johri, Executive Vice-President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Discovery Kids stimulates learning and imagination of children through its programmes and its on-ground initiatives such as Wild Wisdom Quiz 2014.  The nationwide quiz aims to create a strong connect amongst students towards nature and wildlife.Such initiatives help children in understanding the fragility of our natural environment and the importance of its protection.” 

     

    Ravi Singh, CEO, WWF-India said, “WWF-India is pleased to partner with Discovery Kids to host Wild Wisdom 2014. The quiz is one of its kind in the realm of wildlife and conservation and has in the last six years built a large constituency of children who are now more connected to the natural world. The quiz goes beyond being just a competition and stokes children’s sense of wonder towards nature. The overwhelming response from schools, teachers and children alike, over the last few years has made the Wild Wisdom Quiz a success and we believe that we will be able to take this quiz to an increasing number of schools and children every year, helping create future conservationists who will take the mission forward.”

     

    Discovery Kids & WWF-India’s Wild Wisdom Quiz focused on ‘Forest Biodiversity’ as the theme for 2014.  The quiz reached out to more than 15,000 schools and invited participation from children at various levels – Middle School level (Classes 6-8); Junior School quiz (Classes 3-5) and online version for High School students (Classes 9-12).  

  • Discovery to launch 100 premiere series in India

    Discovery to launch 100 premiere series in India

    NEW DELHI: In a country where general entertainment channels (GECs) rule the roost; Discovery Network is a blueprint of how to succeed for the numerous niche channels.

    Discovery Channel, the flagship network of Discovery Communications, was launched in 1985 in United States and since then has offered viewers an engaging line-up of high-quality non-fiction entertainment from blue-chip nature, science and technology, ancient and contemporary history, adventure, cultural and topical documentaries.

    Today, Discovery Channel reaches to more than 612 million subscribers in Asia Pacific.

    In India, it is the biggest non-fiction network. Discovery Channel in the country is beamed in English, Hindi, Telugu, Tamil and Bangla as against the US, which has feeds in English and Spanish. 

    Discovery’s current portfolio in India includes 11 channels – Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Tamil, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World – apart from a Discovery Channel Magazine.

    Apart from the three High Definition channels – Discovery World, TLC World and Animal Planet World – Investigation Discovery (ID) was launched early this month and airs true stories of crime and their investigation.

    Discovery executive vice president and general manager – south Asia Rahul Johri boasts that Discovery has upped its ante on its Indian channels by producing over 100 hours original content in the past two years. He highlights that Discovery has two billion subscribers worldwide through 196 networks in 45 languages, of these, India accounts for 600 million subscribers and reaches 300,000 cities and villages in the country.

    However, what is worth noting is that the network isn’t breathing easy.

    Three new Indian productions will soon be launched on Discovery Channel. Gujarat’s Rann will come alive in one of a kind programme Revealed: Rann Of Kutch, which will showcase the region’s geology, history, culture, people and wildlife. Apart from that, a first ever, start-to-finish account of the staggering logistical feat of putting together the world’s largest election will be presented in Revealed: World’s Biggest Election; and lesser known facets of India’s vibrant cultural practices, fascinating living traditions, unique art forms and amazing natural phenomena will be captured in India Living Traditions. The programmes being unveiled also include Medical Miracles India, which will have exclusive footage from all parts of the country.

    In 2012, Discovery forayed into fiction through Discovery Kids. The channel along with leading filmmaker Ketan Mehta will see its first animation-based Indian series Kisna in October.

    Johri reveals that the network is investing $1.5 billion in the original programming globally.

    For dubbed content, Johri says that the network takes meticulous care as it goes through two layers of checking and re-checking before being approved. The dubbing team had around 500 professionals.

    The latest entry, ID, too might see an addition of Indian content in the near future.

    Johri underscores the company’s expansion drive through wide-ranging premiere content.

    The network is planning to launch more than 100 high quality multi-genre series catering to the interests, passions and demands of children, youth, women, men and families.  This will capture a wide-spectrum of categories ranging from adventure, survival, cuisine, travel, space, gadgets, natural history, fashion, pets, auto, engineering and reality amongst others.

    Johri claims that the channel has the highest number of programming per day with 12 to 15 shows per day. He adds that shows like Rashtrapati Bhavan saw the highest channel share, while the programme on the Uttarakhand floods – Himalayan Tsunami – was the highest rated in 20 years, and the programme on National Defence Academy had a viewership that was 325 per cent more than Rahul Gandhi’s interview on Times Now.

    Johri says, “We have tripled our networks in India in the last five years. Today, we operate in six unique genres through our robust portfolio of 11 networks reaching a cumulative 240 million homes in five languages.  We will continue to strengthen our leadership and make investments in content, communication and availability across all our networks and deliver an unmatched experience to millions of viewers across urban and rural India.”

    The channel survives as a pay channel and on advertisements and has never crossed the limit of 12 minutes of advertising and two minutes of promotions in an hour. “We have more than 200 local and national advertisers for the Tamil channel,” he claims.

    India today has 1.5 million HD sets, and continues to increase. Johri believes that the addition of the HD channel will help Discovery to dominate the market since the future is in HD. All the programmes were being shot in HD much before the launch of the channels in India.

    Johri adds that though it is the only channel to has a licence for 3-D television, it has not launched any channel, so far, as a very few people have 3-D television receiving sets.

    The network has seen tremendous growth from the time he joined it, 13 years ago. Johri feels that he is fortunate enough to contribute to this growth and bringing the channel to the third position. He recalls that 2010 was the turning point for the channel as it saw the launch of Turbo, Science and the first HD channel apart from the Tamil and Telugu feeds.

    He is optimistic about the future of the niche channels and content generated for it. He says, “People want specialised content and so every channel is trying to go niche in its own way. India is the fast growing market in terms of television in the world.”

    When asked if there were any plans for a sports channel since Discovery had acquired Eurosport International, without revealing much Johri says that it is too early to predict anything and any action in this will be taken after thorough study.

     

  • Da Vinci Learning, a hurdle away from launching

    Da Vinci Learning, a hurdle away from launching

    MUMBAI: It was in October last year that the news of one more edutainment channel – Da Vinci Learning – hitting the Indian shores broke.

     

    Since then, it has been a long wait for the channel which is still waiting for its license.

     

    With two other ‘edutainment’ channels – Zee Q and Discovery Kids – already on air, the channel didn’t let the wait period go futile. This one year it has primarily focused on the channel’s pre-marketing activities. One of the first activities was the channel’s partnership with DTH operator Airtel DTH and MSOs Digicable and Siticable to give viewers an opportunity to sample its content portfolio.

     

    “Recently, we initiated an activity, basically in print, where our content was inserted in activity papers printed by ‘Primary Plus’, which has tie ups with 2000 schools across India. The objective has been to reach out to our core TG through all mediums possible and showcase the wonderful world of Da Vinci Learning to them,” says the channel’s country manager Mohit Anand.

     

    The channel is hoping to get the license by the end of August, though it is still hesitant as it all depends on the new government. “If we are able to secure our license in August then we are confident that we will be able to launch our 24 X 7 channel by early October,” optimistically says Anand.

     

    Last year, when the launch announcement of the German media company Da Vinci Media GmbH launching a channel in India was made, it was in the initial stage of completing all the legal and other statutory compliance. 

     

    It has crossed two of the three stages of government approvals. “We have successfully received Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval (which was stage one) and subsequently established out wholly-owned subsidiary (second stage) and brought in the requisite funds as per the FIPB approval into the country. Post this we have applied to the Information & Broadcasting Ministry, Government of India, for a broadcast license,” elaborates Anand.

     

    The edutainment channel, targeted at kids in the 6-12 years age group, will offer knowledge-based programmes in an engaging manner. Currently, the focus is on the top 12 metros and will be available on digital platforms only across leading DTH players as well as MSOs.

     

    The channel will be in English, however, it is also evaluating other languages in India so that it can have a certain number of shows in vernacular languages to relate to a variety of its TG.

     

    To keep the buzz alive, it organised its first pre-launch event in the national capital on 12 July, where it aimed to familiarise the viewers to the world of learning through innovative live experiments, fun pool games and interactive quiz activities for kids as well as parents. Similar activities will be held in Mumbai and Bangalore, soon.

     

    It has partnered with Fourth Dimension which will handle the complete ad sales for it including the entire gamut of operations as far as ad sales is concerned right from conceptualisation to execution. For creative duties, it will be done in-house as the company follows it globally. Talks are still on to finalise on the media agency.

     

    “Apart from that, almost all the activities that we do across other markets will be replicated here in India as well,” informs Anand.

     

    Launched world-wide on 15 September 2007 by its parent media company Da Vinci Media GmbH – the edutainment channel – is aired across 29 territories in 15 different languages.

  • Discovery Kids to air new season of ‘Sally Bollywood’

    Discovery Kids to air new season of ‘Sally Bollywood’

    MUMBAI: In its endeavor tobring enduring characters and compelling stories, Discovery Kids presents a brand new season of its popularseries SALLY BOLLYWOOD.  The series revolves around Sally Bollywood, a 12 year old young Indian girl who lives in the city of Cosmopolis. Little Sally is the smartest girl in school and knows how to solve a mystery because she’s learnt from her investigator dad Harry Bollywood. Watch SALLY BOLLYWOOD on July 1st, Monday to Saturday at 2pm only on Discovery Kids.

     

    SALLY BOLLYWOOD advocates the power of imaginative minds through solvingchallenging cases. A unique India offering, the series has a distinct Bollywood flair that willappeal to kids across the country.Packed with exciting escapades, Sally and her team set out to investigate and solve mysteriesthat unfold right in the heart of her school or neighbourhood.

     

    Inspired by her father, Harry Bollywood, who is a private detective, Sally started her own investigation service that is run with the assistance of her best friend and technology whiz, DoweeMcAdam. When she’s not helping her community out – whether it’s investigating how her classmate’s hair turned green or finding the culprit behind a tampered exhibit at the local museum – Sally loves to sing and dance in Bollywood style.

     

    Rahul Johri, Executive Vice President and General Manager, South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific said, “Discovery Kids offers differentiated content that strikes an instant chord with kids and parents alike. Sally Bollywood is one of kids’ favourite television characters that combineshumourand intelligence.”  

     

    Discovery Kids covers a variety of programming ranging from iconic global content to multiple India-themed series. Committed to offer a comprehensive viewing experience and cater to diverse demands of Indian kids, Discovery Kids programming formats include highest-quality animation and engaging live action series under multiple genres such as adventure, mythology, nature and science.

     

    Discovery Kids is available in Hindi, English and Tamil languages across India on both analogue and DTH platforms including Tata Sky, Dish TV, Reliance DTH, Airtel Digital and Videocon D2H.

  • Discovery to launch three new channels

    Discovery to launch three new channels

    GOA: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific has announced the launch of three new channels in India at the ongoing GoaFest. Widely recognised for enhancing the television viewing experience in India over the last two decades, Discovery will launch a refreshing new concept Hindi entertainment channel named ID – Investigation Discovery.

    One of the pioneers in high definition genre in India, the company will also expand its HD offering with the launch of two differentiated gold standard channels – TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

    The company’s expanded portfolio of 11 differentiated channels reflects India’s potential and resonates the core promise of digitisation in India.
     

    ID will be India’s first Hindi entertainment channel dedicated to offering compelling true stories of mystery, crime and suspense. The channel promises to ‘always reveal’ intriguing twists and turns that culminate into thrilling conclusions. Providing fascinating stories of human nature, the channel’s alluring series, in-depth specials and thought-provoking one-offs will challenge viewers’ perceptions and expand the Hindi entertainment genre.

    Rahul Johri executive vice president and general manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia said, “The launch of three new channels    ID, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World demonstrates Discovery’s commitment to entertain Indian viewers and offer high-quality and differentiated programming. ID is one of the great success stories in US cable and we are thrilled to present the impactful and entertaining investigative programming to viewers in India.” 
     

    “Steering the premium audience in the country, TLC HD World promises to celebrate every moment of life by offering the finest experiences from across the world. With its dedicated 24-hour programming, the channel will indulge the audience through its captivating content on destinations, personalities and trends underscoring its ‘live more’ promise,” stated the release.

     
    Offering the gold standard in high definition, Animal Planet HD World will bring alive the warm and intimate bond that exists between humans and animal kingdom. “Surprisingly Human, it will broadcast premiere content, scheduled as per Indian viewers’ preference with gripping on air packaging,” the release added.

    Discussing the growth potential of high definition in India, Johri said, “The launch of the two new high definition channels TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World has further extended Discovery’s leadership in the HD genre. Both the new networks, along with existing Discovery HD World, will enrich television viewing experience and satisfy the emerging demands of audience, advertisers and affiliates.”

     Discovery’s existing portfolio in India includes eight channels: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Tamil, TLC, Discovery Kids, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World.

  • Discovery Networks Asia Pacific promotes Rahul Johri

    Discovery Networks Asia Pacific promotes Rahul Johri

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has promoted Rahul Johri to the role of executive vice president and general manager, South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia.

     

    Johri continues to spearhead the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in the South Asian region, as well as leading and managing the advertising sales and solutions deals for the Asia-Pacific pan-regional business with a focus on expanding distribution and growing local ad sales for Southeast Asia.

     

    “During his time at Discovery, Rahul has built a very successful Indian business for us, and recently expanded his role to include revenue leadership for the Southeast Asia business and pan-regional sales efforts. This promotion recognises his continuing leadership and contributions to Discovery,” said DNAP president and managing director Arjan Hoekstra.

     

    Johri joined Discovery in June 2001 in the ad sales division, based in New Delhi. Since then, he has been promoted through the organisation to his previous role of senior VP and GM of South Asia and head of revenue, pan regional ad sales and Southeast Asia, where he spearheaded the operations and overall growth strategy of DNAP’s portfolio in those markets. 

     

    He was also responsible for revenue generation, portfolio expansion, affiliate partnerships, viewership, content creation and talent management. He pioneered Discovery’s localisation drive in India and launched multiple language feeds across different brands.  Most recently, Johri oversaw the launch of Discovery Kids in India.

     

    Johri is a Board Director and VP of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF).  In January 2013, he was honoured as ‘CEO of the Year’ at the Broadcasting Industry Awards, for his outstanding contribution to the Indian television industry.

     

    Johri holds an MBA in marketing as well as a degree in chemistry, and is an alumnus of Sherwood College, Nainital.

  • Discovery Kids brings back ‘Akbar & Birbal’ tales

    Discovery Kids brings back ‘Akbar & Birbal’ tales

    MUMBAI: Every child in India has grown up on tales of Emperor Akbar and his trusted adviser Birbal and the tradition has continued passing from generation to generation, enthralling young and old listeners alike.

     

    Discovery Kids brings back those tales with its new series Akbar & Birbal airing everyday at 2:00 p.m. The channel will take its viewers to the era of Mughals where they will witness amusing exchanges between Akbar and Birbal.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Pan-Regional ad sales and southeast Asia senior VP and GM -South Asia and head of revenue Rahul Johri said: “Discovery Kids would continue to bring engaging content that inspires children to believe in traditional wisdom and also inculcate moral values in them. Expanding our bouquet of indigenous titles, Akbar & Birbal will entertain the viewers with its clever wit and exciting storytelling.”

     

    Birbal who was in the court of the Mughal emperor Akbar was considered to be one of the best loved figures in the folklore of India. He will be seen outsmarting everyone even the Emperor sometimes by his exceptional wisdom, presence of mind and his excellent problem solving skills.

     

    Entertainingly narrated in three languages English, Hindi and Tamil, this multilingual series will encourage language development in children and also make the experience of listening to stories more enjoyable by offering popular stories in a familiar language. The series consists of beautifully animated and captivatingly narrated stories which bring to life traditional wisdom.