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Tag: Discovery Tamil

  • Discovery Communications acquires majority share in FoodFood

    Discovery Communications acquires majority share in FoodFood

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has announced an agreement to partner with India’s top culinary celebrity Sanjeev Kapoor, by acquiring a majority share in Turmeric Vision Private Limited, which owns and operates pay-TV network, FoodFood and its digital products.

    Discovery’s investment in FoodFood underscores its strategy to deepen and expand its presence in India to grow audience share across all screens, and to complement and strengthen its existing portfolio of female and lifestyle brands including TLC and ID.  Tapping into the growing appetite for food programming amongst women across India, Discovery plans to support FoodFood’s 100% focus on local programming and products, and to drive further value from the ongoing digitalisation of India. Discovery has also agreed to sell FoodFood’s advertising, effective immediately.

    India’s iconic food personality, pioneer of food programming on television, celebrated entrepreneur and author of best-selling cookbooks, Sanjeev Kapoor, will continue to star in and produce programming for FoodFood as its brand ambassador, and will remain a minority shareholder in the business.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific president and MD Arthur Bastings said, “Discovery’s investment in FoodFood further boosts our presence in this important market and broadens our portfolio by adding a category of content that people love. We are excited to partner with the exceptionally talented team, including culinary guru Sanjeev Kapoor, who singlehandedly revolutionised the food television genre in India. Sanjeev’s creative flair and personality combined with Discovery’s content and operational expertise is the perfect recipe for FoodFood’s evolution.”

    “Food is no longer just fuel for the body; it has become a social currency that is appreciated universally.We look forward to deepening FoodFood’s engagement, particularly in digital, and widening its community outside of India,” Bastings added.

    Turmeric Vision Private Limited promoter Sanjeev Kapoor said, “FoodFood is widely admired for its highly relevant, topical, varied, entertaining and delectable programming. I am delighted to become a part of the Discovery family and I am confident that this partnership will strengthen FoodFood’s reach and affinity with consumers, advertisers and distributors.”

    Turmeric Vision Private Limited will be managed as part of Discovery’s Asia-Pacific region led by Bastings. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approvals.

    Launched in 2011, FoodFood is India’s most recognised cuisine network and is available on leading DTH and cable platforms across India. It has a strategic and growing presence amongst the Indian diaspora across the world which includes UAE, Canada and USA.One of the most engaging brands on digital, the channel’s content is also viewed on its FoodFood App, YouTube Channel and website www.foodfood.com. The brand has a wide following on social platforms including Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter and Instagram.

    FoodFood’s marquee shows span a diverse range from regional Indian food to international cuisines, from health recipes to herb-infused cooking and from kids’ meals to tea time snacks. Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchen features his top 100 recipes including his signature dishes. The Fit Foodie presents low-calorie, delicious and contemporary recipes. Style Chef features simple, exotic and unusual recipes using appliances and resources readily available in every Indian kitchen. Hi Tea focuses on effortless, fool-proof recipes guaranteed to enrich family evenings.

    Discovery has been entertaining Indian audiences with its high-quality and differentiated content for the last 20 years. The company currently operates 11 channels in India: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Kids, ID-Investigation Discovery, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

  • Discovery Communications acquires majority share in FoodFood

    Discovery Communications acquires majority share in FoodFood

    MUMBAI: Discovery Communications has announced an agreement to partner with India’s top culinary celebrity Sanjeev Kapoor, by acquiring a majority share in Turmeric Vision Private Limited, which owns and operates pay-TV network, FoodFood and its digital products.

    Discovery’s investment in FoodFood underscores its strategy to deepen and expand its presence in India to grow audience share across all screens, and to complement and strengthen its existing portfolio of female and lifestyle brands including TLC and ID.  Tapping into the growing appetite for food programming amongst women across India, Discovery plans to support FoodFood’s 100% focus on local programming and products, and to drive further value from the ongoing digitalisation of India. Discovery has also agreed to sell FoodFood’s advertising, effective immediately.

    India’s iconic food personality, pioneer of food programming on television, celebrated entrepreneur and author of best-selling cookbooks, Sanjeev Kapoor, will continue to star in and produce programming for FoodFood as its brand ambassador, and will remain a minority shareholder in the business.

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific president and MD Arthur Bastings said, “Discovery’s investment in FoodFood further boosts our presence in this important market and broadens our portfolio by adding a category of content that people love. We are excited to partner with the exceptionally talented team, including culinary guru Sanjeev Kapoor, who singlehandedly revolutionised the food television genre in India. Sanjeev’s creative flair and personality combined with Discovery’s content and operational expertise is the perfect recipe for FoodFood’s evolution.”

    “Food is no longer just fuel for the body; it has become a social currency that is appreciated universally.We look forward to deepening FoodFood’s engagement, particularly in digital, and widening its community outside of India,” Bastings added.

    Turmeric Vision Private Limited promoter Sanjeev Kapoor said, “FoodFood is widely admired for its highly relevant, topical, varied, entertaining and delectable programming. I am delighted to become a part of the Discovery family and I am confident that this partnership will strengthen FoodFood’s reach and affinity with consumers, advertisers and distributors.”

    Turmeric Vision Private Limited will be managed as part of Discovery’s Asia-Pacific region led by Bastings. Completion of the transaction is expected to occur in the coming weeks, subject to regulatory approvals.

    Launched in 2011, FoodFood is India’s most recognised cuisine network and is available on leading DTH and cable platforms across India. It has a strategic and growing presence amongst the Indian diaspora across the world which includes UAE, Canada and USA.One of the most engaging brands on digital, the channel’s content is also viewed on its FoodFood App, YouTube Channel and website www.foodfood.com. The brand has a wide following on social platforms including Facebook, Google Plus, Twitter and Instagram.

    FoodFood’s marquee shows span a diverse range from regional Indian food to international cuisines, from health recipes to herb-infused cooking and from kids’ meals to tea time snacks. Sanjeev Kapoor’s Kitchen features his top 100 recipes including his signature dishes. The Fit Foodie presents low-calorie, delicious and contemporary recipes. Style Chef features simple, exotic and unusual recipes using appliances and resources readily available in every Indian kitchen. Hi Tea focuses on effortless, fool-proof recipes guaranteed to enrich family evenings.

    Discovery has been entertaining Indian audiences with its high-quality and differentiated content for the last 20 years. The company currently operates 11 channels in India: Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Kids, ID-Investigation Discovery, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery HD World, TLC HD World and Animal Planet HD World.

  • Discovery to showcase Indian content across the world, to further strengthen local programming

    Discovery to showcase Indian content across the world, to further strengthen local programming

    MUMBAI: The flagship Discovery Network is all set to optimise the content programming and channels under its stable, even as the network foresees a growth in India’s GDP in the year 2016 and plans to broaden its portfolio in the nation.

    The network is re-focusing on expanding its scale in India by coming up with better programming line-up, catering to the regional market and by going local using the local talent available in India.

    Discovery Communications, which launched in India back in 1995 with only one channel, has now grown into a conglomerate with as many as 11 channels in five languages. The leader in the factual entertainment genre, Discovery roughly has 550 advertisers on board with approximately 275 million cumulative households across India.

    The company’s portfolio in South Asia comprises Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery Kids, Investigation Discovery, and three high-definition channels namely Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

    “No other market in the entire world has shown a growth like India. We want to become a multi-genre platform and want to grow as a media company. With the fresh content line-up, we are broadening our portfolio from what it looks like and are targeting the local audience”, said Discovery Networks International president J B Perrette.

    The network believes that the strong brands under them are extremely powerful and are doing economically well for them.

    Discovery Networks is also considering launch of its over-the-top (OTT) platform in India soon once the bandwidth stabilizes and once 4G gets in place in the country. The network is dependent on the response from the market rather than following one particular model.

    The network already has two direct-to-customer OTT products offering in Europe – Dplay and Eurosport – which are doing exceptionally well for them. “The consumption of video content is rapidly increasing in Norway. The country has proved to be a beneficiary market for us”, added Perrette.

    Known for providing high quality content to its viewers across the nation, Discovery is embarking on a very ambitious content production programme with $2 billion global investment. “We are seeing enormous traffic in India. This year, we have invested $2½ billion on our content programming globally to provide good quality shows on our flagship channels”, added Perrette.

    As it is not a platform only for documentaries, the network will bring new non-fiction genres like sports, kids, non-organic fiction, etc to India. For the first time, the network will broadcast shows produced in India to the rest of the world.

    “Over the years we have increased our local productions in India, and will continue to invest in content to better serve our viewers and clients. Some of the local programmes also find resonance around the world, just like the global content which is viewed in India,” Perrette said.

    Targeting the younger generation at large, the network plans to providing content across all its platforms in an easy, simple, accessible way providing various options of entertainment.

     

  • Discovery to showcase Indian content across the world, to further strengthen local programming

    Discovery to showcase Indian content across the world, to further strengthen local programming

    MUMBAI: The flagship Discovery Network is all set to optimise the content programming and channels under its stable, even as the network foresees a growth in India’s GDP in the year 2016 and plans to broaden its portfolio in the nation.

    The network is re-focusing on expanding its scale in India by coming up with better programming line-up, catering to the regional market and by going local using the local talent available in India.

    Discovery Communications, which launched in India back in 1995 with only one channel, has now grown into a conglomerate with as many as 11 channels in five languages. The leader in the factual entertainment genre, Discovery roughly has 550 advertisers on board with approximately 275 million cumulative households across India.

    The company’s portfolio in South Asia comprises Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Tamil, Discovery Kids, Investigation Discovery, and three high-definition channels namely Discovery HD World, Animal Planet HD World and TLC HD World.

    “No other market in the entire world has shown a growth like India. We want to become a multi-genre platform and want to grow as a media company. With the fresh content line-up, we are broadening our portfolio from what it looks like and are targeting the local audience”, said Discovery Networks International president J B Perrette.

    The network believes that the strong brands under them are extremely powerful and are doing economically well for them.

    Discovery Networks is also considering launch of its over-the-top (OTT) platform in India soon once the bandwidth stabilizes and once 4G gets in place in the country. The network is dependent on the response from the market rather than following one particular model.

    The network already has two direct-to-customer OTT products offering in Europe – Dplay and Eurosport – which are doing exceptionally well for them. “The consumption of video content is rapidly increasing in Norway. The country has proved to be a beneficiary market for us”, added Perrette.

    Known for providing high quality content to its viewers across the nation, Discovery is embarking on a very ambitious content production programme with $2 billion global investment. “We are seeing enormous traffic in India. This year, we have invested $2½ billion on our content programming globally to provide good quality shows on our flagship channels”, added Perrette.

    As it is not a platform only for documentaries, the network will bring new non-fiction genres like sports, kids, non-organic fiction, etc to India. For the first time, the network will broadcast shows produced in India to the rest of the world.

    “Over the years we have increased our local productions in India, and will continue to invest in content to better serve our viewers and clients. Some of the local programmes also find resonance around the world, just like the global content which is viewed in India,” Perrette said.

    Targeting the younger generation at large, the network plans to providing content across all its platforms in an easy, simple, accessible way providing various options of entertainment.

     

  • Discovery Channel to air ‘Inside the Vatican Vault’

    Discovery Channel to air ‘Inside the Vatican Vault’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Channel, Discovery HD World and Discovery Tamil is all set to air an hour long special programme titled as Inside the Vatican Vault on 24 December 2015 at 9 pm. The show will take the viewers on an unprecedented journey into the Vatican City of Rome.

     

    The programme will showcase the use of one of the church’s oldest rites in a ceremony known as a canonization. It will also see a huge mass in St. Peter’s Square marking the canonization of two previous Popes namely John XXIII and John Paul II. The show will be seen going behind the scenes as security teams are briefed and Vatican insiders share their memories of these two saints to be. 

     

    The show will also unravel several intriguing facts about the holy city, the ancient mysteries of Sainthood, the catholic belief and faith in the power of the holy trinity, and some of the magical instances that billions of Catholics around the world believe are proof of the existence of God working through the hands of man.

  • 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.

     

  • 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 Tamil launches a month long programming initiative ‘WHERE TIGERS RULE’

    Discovery Tamil launches a month long programming initiative ‘WHERE TIGERS RULE’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Tamil brings for its viewers a month long programming line-up – WHERE TIGERS RULE, to celebrate India’s regal national animal, tigers.

     

    Premiering every night at 8 PM in April on Discovery Tamil, WHERE TIGERS RULE will present viewers with engaging programmes on the tigers’ behaviour, predatory skills, legends and issues related to its survival. Filmed in breathtaking landscapes in magnificent forests, grasslands and protected reserves, WHERE TIGERS RULE will provide an intimate look into the mysterious world of the tiger.

     

    Joining Discovery Tamil’s initiative to create awareness on tigers, the famous Indian actor, Shruti Hassan, will share her personal messages with the viewers, raising consciousness on the diminishing number of tigers and the need for conservation. Shruti has been a wildlife enthusiast and has a passion towards animal conservation in the country.

     

    Announcing the series Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, said, “Discovery Tamil in last few years have gained huge popularity in the region and amongst the Tamil speaking audience. The channel’s initiative and Shruti’s contributions will certainly create awareness about tiger conservation. The month long programming initiative, Where Tigers Rule has been customised to intensify the consciousness on the cause.”

     

    Speaking on the occasion, actor Shruti Hassan said, “I am excited to support Discovery Tamil in reaching out to millions of viewers to highlight issues concerning the plight of tigers and how their existence or extinction impacts our environment. I feel it is important for everyone to be a part of any drive like Discovery Tamil’s Where Tigers Rule that is undertaken to raise awareness on the tiger.”

     

    The month long programme Where Tigers Rule will enlighten viewers about tigers’ behaviour, predatory skills, family life and issues related to illegal poaching. All through April, the channel will air programmes to raise consciousness on the diminishing number of tigers and the need for conservation.

  • 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.