ITV

Tag: Discovery Networks

  • Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    Network18 appoints News X’s Karishma Dhawan

    MUMBAI: The factual entertainment genre in India is witnessing several changes — revamps, channel launches and senior level movements. After hiring former Discovery Networks programming head Arun Thapar as its EVP and head of content, Network18 has appointed Karishma Dhawan as the cluster head of History TV18, FYI TV18 and international business.

    In her second stint with the network, she will handle ad-sales, client servicing and sales management of the entire network.

    Dhawan will report to the group’s recently appointed executive vice president of English news cluster and network sales head for north and south Priyanka Datta as well as VP of head sales for Forbes India and international business for English news channels of the network, Preeti Sahni. The two executives report to TV18 president for revenue and Forbes CEO Joy Chakraborthy.

    With more than 13 years of experience of generating revenue beyond the regular vanilla advertising, she has handled brands such as HT City, Indian Express, Radio City, Trav Talk and CNN IBN, etc. She has also handled concept sales on profit and generated revenue through organising events, media partnerships and AFPs, and integrations.

    Prior to taking this role, she was with NewsX as the sales head since March 2016. She handled the national responsibility for all the regional sales team (revenue, sales grooming, hiring etc.)

    She was hired as the assistant VP and regional head of HistoryTV18 in April 2013. In her tenure of around three years with the group, Dhawan was responsible for revenue generation as well as grooming and creating next level managers.

  • Discovery fights against illegal wildlife trade in Asia through PSA

    Discovery fights against illegal wildlife trade in Asia through PSA

    MUMBAI: In support of an ongoing commitment to save the world’s most endangered species, Discovery Networks has announced the launch of an originally created public service announcement (PSA). Narrated by actor Edward Norton, the announcement will air on Discovery’s channels across Asia Pacific to help raise awareness and stem the illegal trade of endangered species products.

    Discovery first announced this at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in September. It was part of a multiplatform campaign to raise awareness and reduce demand for illegally sold animal products.

    “As we are all well aware, the illegal trade in wildlife is pushing species to the brink of extinction. We urgently need to change attitudes and mobilize people to stop this tragedy. But crucially, we also need the next generation to be more responsible consumers and caring custodians. To accomplish this, we need to join forces across public and private sectors. That’s why we’re so pleased to work with Discovery Communications in efforts to halt the illegal trade in wildlife. The trade is accelerating the destruction of our natural world, but we can stop it together,” said UN Environment head Erik Solheim.

    For the airing of the PSA in Africa and Asia Pacific, Discovery is partnering with United Nations (UN) Environment and the Wild for Life campaign, which launched in May 2016. WildforLife aims to mobilise millions of people to participate in the process of making commitments and taking action against illegal wildlife trade.

    Discovery Networks APAC president and MD Arthur Bastings added, “Discovery is a purpose-driven company and we have been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness of species conservation for over 30 years. Protecting and showcasing the beauty that our planet has to offer is deeply important to us and we are thrilled to be able to share this important message with audiences in Asia. The support of our partners in this effort has been invaluable and we are hopeful that together we can help put an end to this global issue.”

    The call is for global communities to be more informed when making purchases. Ignorant buying unknowingly fuels the illegal wildlife trade as the desire to own something rare and unusual – from souvenirs and novelties to trinkets and fashion – has resulted in the poaching, slaughter and decimation of many animal species.

    US ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said, “The Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade is an opportunity for the global community to work together to implement solutions to address wildlife trafficking. By hosting this conference, the Vietnamese Government is engaging world leaders, non-government organisations and the private sector to collectively make a positive difference for the planet.”

    According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, wildlife trafficking today is estimated to be the fourth largest illegal trade in the world after drugs, human, and weapons trafficking, worth some $19 billion annually (excluding fish and timber).

  • Discovery fights against illegal wildlife trade in Asia through PSA

    Discovery fights against illegal wildlife trade in Asia through PSA

    MUMBAI: In support of an ongoing commitment to save the world’s most endangered species, Discovery Networks has announced the launch of an originally created public service announcement (PSA). Narrated by actor Edward Norton, the announcement will air on Discovery’s channels across Asia Pacific to help raise awareness and stem the illegal trade of endangered species products.

    Discovery first announced this at the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) in September. It was part of a multiplatform campaign to raise awareness and reduce demand for illegally sold animal products.

    “As we are all well aware, the illegal trade in wildlife is pushing species to the brink of extinction. We urgently need to change attitudes and mobilize people to stop this tragedy. But crucially, we also need the next generation to be more responsible consumers and caring custodians. To accomplish this, we need to join forces across public and private sectors. That’s why we’re so pleased to work with Discovery Communications in efforts to halt the illegal trade in wildlife. The trade is accelerating the destruction of our natural world, but we can stop it together,” said UN Environment head Erik Solheim.

    For the airing of the PSA in Africa and Asia Pacific, Discovery is partnering with United Nations (UN) Environment and the Wild for Life campaign, which launched in May 2016. WildforLife aims to mobilise millions of people to participate in the process of making commitments and taking action against illegal wildlife trade.

    Discovery Networks APAC president and MD Arthur Bastings added, “Discovery is a purpose-driven company and we have been at the forefront of efforts to raise awareness of species conservation for over 30 years. Protecting and showcasing the beauty that our planet has to offer is deeply important to us and we are thrilled to be able to share this important message with audiences in Asia. The support of our partners in this effort has been invaluable and we are hopeful that together we can help put an end to this global issue.”

    The call is for global communities to be more informed when making purchases. Ignorant buying unknowingly fuels the illegal wildlife trade as the desire to own something rare and unusual – from souvenirs and novelties to trinkets and fashion – has resulted in the poaching, slaughter and decimation of many animal species.

    US ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius said, “The Hanoi Conference on Illegal Wildlife Trade is an opportunity for the global community to work together to implement solutions to address wildlife trafficking. By hosting this conference, the Vietnamese Government is engaging world leaders, non-government organisations and the private sector to collectively make a positive difference for the planet.”

    According to the Wildlife Conservation Society, wildlife trafficking today is estimated to be the fourth largest illegal trade in the world after drugs, human, and weapons trafficking, worth some $19 billion annually (excluding fish and timber).

  • TLC gung-ho about Aalim’s Bollywood hair style show; more Indian originals coming up

    TLC gung-ho about Aalim’s Bollywood hair style show; more Indian originals coming up

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications’ lifestyle channel – TLC, armed with consumer feedback and international research, is back with the second season of “Style Inc. with Aalim Hakim.” With a reach of over 70-80 million households in India, the lifestyle channel is attempting to give viewers another peek at what is the latest in terms of hair styling in India.

    The series will provide a gateway to the life of Bollywood’s new male brigade from 20 October every Thursday-Friday at 10 pm. The repeat telecast will be on Saturday-Sunday at 6 pm on TLC and TLC HD World.

    The second season of the series has heart throbs Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff and Sanjay Dutt opening themselves up to Aalim. Viewers can watch Aalim transform their favourite stars for movies, photo shoots and ad films, as well showcase the unique relationship they share with Bollywood’s go-to stylist.

    The six-episode show has roped in FitBit and Usha International as advertisers on board so far, and talks are on with a few more brands.

    “TLC is a unique, standalone channel. It can’t be compared with any other channel. We have always tried to capture the trend of the country. Once, travel was a trend and then grooming was, and makeover used to be; now styling is in vogue. We believe that the audience is looking for content on beauty and style right now. We want to invest in this genre which is unique,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific vice president, female and family entertainment products, south Asia Rajiv Bakshi.

    He further stated that, “We are overwhelmed with the tremendous response the series has received on social platforms. Style is the new buzzword, and no one does it better than the new generation of Bollywood actors. The kind of Bollywood stars who would be appearing on the show can offer tips about maintaining one’s hair. It is a layered show, and not a straightforward one.”

    Depending on the success of this season, the team will explore further possibilities. “We want to build a franchise,” added Bakshi.

    Hakim added, “It is so exciting to witness this shift in India towards styling and grooming. I am super-charged to be doing the second season of “Style Inc. with TLC.” Fans will get to see Bollywood’s youngest and most stylish stars and get to know their style mantras.”

    Targeted at the young millennials in the 15-35 age-group across India – who have a deep interest in styling but don’t know where to get it done from – the show will tell them the difference between a good and a bad haircut. “We are certainly targeting urban India. From the south, Bangalore is a very important market for us, and Hyderabad too has a good viewership. There is enough appetite in the north and the south,” voiced Bakshi.

    The channel is launching eight to 10 shows in the next three months based on the genres of dating, relationship, food, travel, and a couple of series coming in from India.

    Bakshi stressed that TLC is not limiting itself to a particular show genre. “We have always tried to do something more than what the audience demands. The approach of what they would want to watch which could be unknown to them is what we want to capture.”

    With a countable number of channels in this space, Bakshi opined that there was enough place for new players.

    “It is an attractive and feasible genre, and the market is dynamic. Certainly, as a market, it can obviously take more channels. The passion towards a certain kind of TV will overtake passion towards traditional TV. And, we believe, lifestyle is one of the areas of interest,” Bakshi concluded.

  • TLC gung-ho about Aalim’s Bollywood hair style show; more Indian originals coming up

    TLC gung-ho about Aalim’s Bollywood hair style show; more Indian originals coming up

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications’ lifestyle channel – TLC, armed with consumer feedback and international research, is back with the second season of “Style Inc. with Aalim Hakim.” With a reach of over 70-80 million households in India, the lifestyle channel is attempting to give viewers another peek at what is the latest in terms of hair styling in India.

    The series will provide a gateway to the life of Bollywood’s new male brigade from 20 October every Thursday-Friday at 10 pm. The repeat telecast will be on Saturday-Sunday at 6 pm on TLC and TLC HD World.

    The second season of the series has heart throbs Ranveer Singh, Arjun Kapoor, Varun Dhawan, Siddharth Malhotra, Aditya Roy Kapur, Ayushmann Khurrana, Tiger Shroff and Sanjay Dutt opening themselves up to Aalim. Viewers can watch Aalim transform their favourite stars for movies, photo shoots and ad films, as well showcase the unique relationship they share with Bollywood’s go-to stylist.

    The six-episode show has roped in FitBit and Usha International as advertisers on board so far, and talks are on with a few more brands.

    “TLC is a unique, standalone channel. It can’t be compared with any other channel. We have always tried to capture the trend of the country. Once, travel was a trend and then grooming was, and makeover used to be; now styling is in vogue. We believe that the audience is looking for content on beauty and style right now. We want to invest in this genre which is unique,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific vice president, female and family entertainment products, south Asia Rajiv Bakshi.

    He further stated that, “We are overwhelmed with the tremendous response the series has received on social platforms. Style is the new buzzword, and no one does it better than the new generation of Bollywood actors. The kind of Bollywood stars who would be appearing on the show can offer tips about maintaining one’s hair. It is a layered show, and not a straightforward one.”

    Depending on the success of this season, the team will explore further possibilities. “We want to build a franchise,” added Bakshi.

    Hakim added, “It is so exciting to witness this shift in India towards styling and grooming. I am super-charged to be doing the second season of “Style Inc. with TLC.” Fans will get to see Bollywood’s youngest and most stylish stars and get to know their style mantras.”

    Targeted at the young millennials in the 15-35 age-group across India – who have a deep interest in styling but don’t know where to get it done from – the show will tell them the difference between a good and a bad haircut. “We are certainly targeting urban India. From the south, Bangalore is a very important market for us, and Hyderabad too has a good viewership. There is enough appetite in the north and the south,” voiced Bakshi.

    The channel is launching eight to 10 shows in the next three months based on the genres of dating, relationship, food, travel, and a couple of series coming in from India.

    Bakshi stressed that TLC is not limiting itself to a particular show genre. “We have always tried to do something more than what the audience demands. The approach of what they would want to watch which could be unknown to them is what we want to capture.”

    With a countable number of channels in this space, Bakshi opined that there was enough place for new players.

    “It is an attractive and feasible genre, and the market is dynamic. Certainly, as a market, it can obviously take more channels. The passion towards a certain kind of TV will overtake passion towards traditional TV. And, we believe, lifestyle is one of the areas of interest,” Bakshi concluded.

  • Discovery Networks appoints Jay Trindad as senior VP & GM for northeast business

    Discovery Networks appoints Jay Trindad as senior VP & GM for northeast business

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia Pacific has hired Jay Trindad as senior vice president and general manager for its northeast business. He will be based in Tokyo and will report to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific managing director and president Arthur Bastings.

    “As we inject digital into our DNA, I am thrilled to have someone of Jay’s calibre join our team,” said Bastings. “His expertise in pure-play digital and consumer-centric innovation is invaluable as we evolve and take Discovery to the next stage of growth, particularly in northeast Asia, where we are looking to meaningfully invest and take full advantage of the region’s sophisticated and widespread wireless infrastructure.”

    The hire highlights the company’s wide bet on digital as a driver of business in coming years.

    At Discovery, he will focus on delivering compelling brand experiences to the millennial audience by redefining Discovery’s suite of products, the company said in a statement.

    International president J.B. Perrette in part landed his post thanks to his expertise in digital, having been on the launch team of US VOD platform Hulu. Korean country manager Hee-Man Lee and his team will be folded into the new group, which will also include Japan. Whereas, Discovery’s Japanese chief Louis Boswell, will now lead the cable giant’s southeast Asia operations.

    Hoekstra subsequently joined Vice Media to roll out its linear channel, Viceland, across Europe.

    Trindad has a varied CV, having worked at search giant Google for ten years, recently leading a push to promote the Google Chrome browser in Asia; translation platform Gengo; and mobile payment gateway Square Inc.

    He was most recently VP, digital at McDonald’s Japan, where he led strategy and increased customer engagement through digital initiatives.

  • Discovery Networks appoints Jay Trindad as senior VP & GM for northeast business

    Discovery Networks appoints Jay Trindad as senior VP & GM for northeast business

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia Pacific has hired Jay Trindad as senior vice president and general manager for its northeast business. He will be based in Tokyo and will report to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific managing director and president Arthur Bastings.

    “As we inject digital into our DNA, I am thrilled to have someone of Jay’s calibre join our team,” said Bastings. “His expertise in pure-play digital and consumer-centric innovation is invaluable as we evolve and take Discovery to the next stage of growth, particularly in northeast Asia, where we are looking to meaningfully invest and take full advantage of the region’s sophisticated and widespread wireless infrastructure.”

    The hire highlights the company’s wide bet on digital as a driver of business in coming years.

    At Discovery, he will focus on delivering compelling brand experiences to the millennial audience by redefining Discovery’s suite of products, the company said in a statement.

    International president J.B. Perrette in part landed his post thanks to his expertise in digital, having been on the launch team of US VOD platform Hulu. Korean country manager Hee-Man Lee and his team will be folded into the new group, which will also include Japan. Whereas, Discovery’s Japanese chief Louis Boswell, will now lead the cable giant’s southeast Asia operations.

    Hoekstra subsequently joined Vice Media to roll out its linear channel, Viceland, across Europe.

    Trindad has a varied CV, having worked at search giant Google for ten years, recently leading a push to promote the Google Chrome browser in Asia; translation platform Gengo; and mobile payment gateway Square Inc.

    He was most recently VP, digital at McDonald’s Japan, where he led strategy and increased customer engagement through digital initiatives.

  • Discovery APAC EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri quits

    Discovery APAC EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri quits

    MUMBAI: After a stint spanning 15 years, Discovery Networks Asia? Pacific executive vice president (EVP) and general manager (GM) South Asia Rahul Johri has stepped down from his post with effect from 24 February, 2016.

    However, Johri will continue to work with Discovery till the end of the year as senior advisor to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific president and managing director Arthur Bastings.

    In the meanwhile, Discovery has commenced the search for Johri’s replacement. In the interim period, Bastings will additionally manage the South Asia business and day-to-day affairs from India.

    In his 15-year stint with Discovery, Johri was in charge of the South Asia region for eight years. 

    Bastings said, “We are fortunate and grateful to have had a leader of Rahul’s calibre and vision. At the helm, he created an unmatched portfolio that is immensely valued by viewers and trade partners. As we pick up where Rahul left off, India remains one of our most important growth markets. Coupled with its digital transformation and a massive population of millennials hungry for content, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and have aggressive plans to sharpen and enhance Discovery’s product palette to whet the ever-increasing appetite of this demographic.”

    Johri added, “I have had the good fortune to work in one of the finest media companies in the world. After 15 years with Discovery, I believe it is time for me to explore new opportunities. I am confident that the current management team under Arthur’s strong leadership will continue to fuel Discovery’s growth in the region.”

    Some of his achievements during his tenure include tripling the channel portfolio to 11 distinct brands, strengthening Discovery’s factual entertainment programming while developing new genres like lifestyle and kids content, launching a new Hindi entertainment channel and creating a premium viewing experience through its three high-definition channels.

  • Discovery APAC EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri quits

    Discovery APAC EVP & GM – South Asia Rahul Johri quits

    MUMBAI: After a stint spanning 15 years, Discovery Networks Asia? Pacific executive vice president (EVP) and general manager (GM) South Asia Rahul Johri has stepped down from his post with effect from 24 February, 2016.

    However, Johri will continue to work with Discovery till the end of the year as senior advisor to Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific president and managing director Arthur Bastings.

    In the meanwhile, Discovery has commenced the search for Johri’s replacement. In the interim period, Bastings will additionally manage the South Asia business and day-to-day affairs from India.

    In his 15-year stint with Discovery, Johri was in charge of the South Asia region for eight years. 

    Bastings said, “We are fortunate and grateful to have had a leader of Rahul’s calibre and vision. At the helm, he created an unmatched portfolio that is immensely valued by viewers and trade partners. As we pick up where Rahul left off, India remains one of our most important growth markets. Coupled with its digital transformation and a massive population of millennials hungry for content, we are excited about the opportunities ahead and have aggressive plans to sharpen and enhance Discovery’s product palette to whet the ever-increasing appetite of this demographic.”

    Johri added, “I have had the good fortune to work in one of the finest media companies in the world. After 15 years with Discovery, I believe it is time for me to explore new opportunities. I am confident that the current management team under Arthur’s strong leadership will continue to fuel Discovery’s growth in the region.”

    Some of his achievements during his tenure include tripling the channel portfolio to 11 distinct brands, strengthening Discovery’s factual entertainment programming while developing new genres like lifestyle and kids content, launching a new Hindi entertainment channel and creating a premium viewing experience through its three high-definition channels.

  • GRB Entertainment brings new entertainment shows, docus to MIPCOM

    GRB Entertainment brings new entertainment shows, docus to MIPCOM

    MUMBAI: LA-based distribution and production company, GRB Entertainment will taking a host of new shows to MIPCOM 2015, including several factual entertainment programs, reality series, and documentaries.

     

    Produced for CMT, the show Angel Among Us follows the incredible stories of people who believe they were saved by angels from tragedies like car crashes and terrorist attacks.

     

    Another show FBI Takedowns, produced for Discovery Networks, takes viewers along for thrilling manhunts as FBI agents track the world’s most wanted criminals. On the other hand, Ain’t That America produced for MTV2 will feature rapper/comedian Lil Duval exploring the most outrageous viral videos showing how dangerous and stupid people can get.

     

    Go behind-the-scenes of New York’s #1 radio station on This is Hot 97, with guests Kanye West, Macklemore, Rick Ross and Waleamongst others has been produced for VH1. Another show produced for CMT is My Big Redneck Family, which follows America’s favourite redneck family and their everyday shenanigans and parenting misadventures.  

     

    MANswers is a comedic late-night series that answers the burning questions men have been dying to ask, but never felt comfortable asking their friends. The show has been produced for Spike.

     

    GRB Entertainment international distribution SVP Mike Lolato said, “GRB pushes the envelope when it comes to factual entertainment and our MIPCOM slate demonstrates our catalog’s diverse mix. We are pleased to offer programs highlighting everything from angels to rednecks, from music to football, from crazy Americans doing dangerous stunts to thrilling FBI manhunts and much more. GRB’s new shows have earned great ratings in the US and are sure to please audiences around the world.”

     

    Apart from these series, GRB is also bringing two new documentaries to MIPCOM. From Morgan Spurlock, the producer of Super Size Me, comes Meet The Hitlers exploring the question – what if you had the most notorious name in the world? This documentary examines the relationship between a person’s name and their identity by exploring the lives of people who are linked by the name Hitler.

     

    All Eyes on Brazil is a unique documentary covering the 2014 FIFA World Cup, and how the event dramatically impacted cities around World Cup host country Brazil.