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Tag: Discovery Turbo

  • Discovery Turbo’s new competition series – LAST CAR STANDING

    Discovery Turbo’s new competition series – LAST CAR STANDING

    MUMBAI: Clunkers, old buckets of bolts, and other wrecks on wheels are the unlikely “stars” of LAST CAR STANDING, a new high-stakes, high-impact automotive series that pits the proud owners of lousy cars against each other in a sequence of escalating driving challenges. Why? For the chance to restore their ride to its original glory!

     

    Premiering on February 10th, Discovery Turbo’s new competition series LAST CAR STANDING puts five drivers through four high-impact elimination rounds until there is a sole car-vivor. The stakes? The driver of the last car standing gets a $10,000 upgrade. Or, they can pass on the ten grand for a chance to compete in a playoff episode for a complete $50,000 automotive resurrection!

     

    Hosted by Christian Potenza, renowned Canadian actor (of SIDEKICK, TOTAL DRAMA fame), each episode of LAST CAR STANDING features five diverse and fun-loving drivers – each trapped in a love-hate relationship with an embarrassing clunker – who put it all on the line through four brutal rounds of competition until only one last car is standing.

     

    LAST CAR STANDING will air Monday to Friday at 10 pm starting February 10th.

  • Wayne Carini returns on Discovery Turbo with classic cars

    Wayne Carini returns on Discovery Turbo with classic cars

    MUMBAI: Discovery Turbo is lifting the hood on season six of the network’s signature series Chasing Classic Cars. Wayne Carini, host and legendary collector car archeologist, once again leads viewers into the exclusive world of high-end automobile collection where he finds, buys, restores and sells some of the finest, rarest vehicles ever made.

     

    The series will kick off on 2 December and will air every Monday at 9 pm.

     

    In the latest season, Wayne will pursue one-of-a-kind autos in secret stashes–homes, garages and barns–throughout America. He will also meet with some of the most respected collectors, restorers and artisans to bring viewers deeper into the elite inner circle of the classic car expert. From an iconic Mercedes Gullwing valued just shy of a cool million, to a duo of silky customs from legendary hot rodder Boyd Codington, to an affair with a collection of vintage motorcycles, this season has something for everyone.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, Senior Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Turbo brings for its viewers the most extraordinary and rare vehicles they love to watch. They appreciate Wayne’s exceptional knowledge of these vehicles in addition to his passion for everything on wheels. It’s this combination that makes Chasing Classic Cars one of Discovery Turbo’s most cherished series.”
     

  • Patrick Dempsey: Racing le mans on discovery turbo

    Patrick Dempsey: Racing le mans on discovery turbo

    MUMBAI: The list of legendary actors-turned-racers is as short as it is iconic: Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Garner. Discovery Turbo follows Patrick Dempsey’s attempt to join this elite group when he tackles the world’s oldest – and most grueling – automotive endurance race, France’s 24 Hours of Le Mans. The premiere television seriesPATRICK DEMPSEY: RACING LE MANS follows Dempsey as he and his team, co-owned with Italian soccer superstar Alessandro Del Piero, prepare for the vehicular equivalent of climbing Mt. Everest. From sponsor recruitment, to time trials, to juggling his family and Hollywood career, the four-part miniseries offers unlimited access to Dempsey and his Porsche 911 GT3 RSR team as they prepare to risk everything on Europe’s most historic track. PATRICK DEMPSEY: RACING LE MANS premieres on Discovery Turbo on Thursday, November 07 at 9 pm.

    “Racing is my true passion, and taking on Le Mans will be the biggest challenge of my life so far. Le Mans pushes both driver and machine to the absolute brink, testing focus, skill and endurance unlike any other event in the world,” said Dempsey. “Just getting to Le Mans is almost as challenging as the race itself. This project reflects a 360-degree-view of the entire race process – including all the ups and downs along the way.”

    Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager – South Asia and Head of Revenue, Pan-Regional Ad Sales and Southeast Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, “Discovery Turbo will give viewers an exclusive window into one of the most renowned sporting events–Racing at Le Mans. Le Mans,a 24-hour grueling endurance race,is a pinnacle of motorsports and the ultimate melding of man and machine. The thrilling action will keep Discovery Turbo viewers on the edge of their seats as they watch their favourite actor-turned-racer Patrick Dempseypushing his skills to the limits.”

    Patrick will take his turn at the wheel, alongside Porsche racing partners Patrick Long and Joe Foster at the 24 Hours of Le Mans on June 22 and 23. Since its inception in 1923, the race has tested the strength and stamina of both drivers and their vehicles. When the flag drops, racers compete against each other for a full day, as they must manage their vehicle’s maintenance and resources as they work through their own hunger and exhaustion. 

    FULL EPISODE DESCRIPTIONS BELOW

    PATRICK DEMPSEY: RACING LE MANS

    Episode 1

    Premieres Thursday, November 07 at 9 pm

    Hollywood leading man Patrick Dempsey has set himself an enormous goal – to compete at the most prestigious race in motorsports – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. Following in the footsteps of legendary idols Paul Newman, Steve McQueen and James Garner, Dempsey’s passion and commitment to racing has earned him respect within the racing community. But the road to Le Mans isn’t without sacrifice, as Patrick must strike a balance between his day job on set and his desire to secure time in the driver’s seat. Alongside demanding sponsorship commitments and a challenged car manufacturer, Patrick and partner Joe Foster navigate the minefield that lies before them as they struggle to keep their team on the road to Le Mans.

    Episode 2

    Premieres Thursday, November 14 at 9 pm

    Not only is actor Patrick Dempsey a race car driver, he’s a race team owner – and with that title comes the stress of raising money to keep his car on the track. Like Paul Newman and James Garner before him, Patrick is balancing his time behind the wheel with the demands of finding financing. With delinquent sponsors consistently coming up short, Patrick and partner Joe Foster are scrambling to keep their team solvent.

    Episode 3

    Premieres Thursday, November 21 at 9 pm

    An 11th hour deal allows Patrick Dempsey to keep his race team alive, but organizational restructuring brings in a wave of new players. Constant tweaking of the driver line-up causes some unrest among the team, and after a much-anticipated invitation to participate in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, it becomes imperative to field the most competitive team possible. Strong showings at Sebring and Laguna Seca, coupled with the addition of veteran racer Patrick Long to the Le Mans driver line-up, give the team the jolt of energy it’s been seeking for months.

    Episode 4

    Premieres Thursday, November 28 at 9 pm

    For leading man Patrick Dempsey, this is the moment of truth. After nursing his team through two tumultuous seasons with partner Joe Foster, they arrive in France to tackle the near-impossible goal they set for themselves a year ago – to compete in motorsport’s most grueling event – the 24 Hours of Le Mans. With veteran driver Patrick Long as their teammate, a podium finish in their class is within reach. But like Paul Newman and Steve McQueen before him, Patrick Dempsey must navigate the media circus that surrounds Le Mans, and stay focused on the task at hand. When the checkered flag drops, he has 24 hours to realize his dream.

  • Discovery Turbo gears to give its audience thrill of Grand Prix 2013

    Discovery Turbo gears to give its audience thrill of Grand Prix 2013

    MUMBAI: Discovery Turbo is all set to give its viewers the thrill of Grand Prix of 2013 season even before the sporting event begins in India.  The 15-part series Inside Grand Prix 2013 highlights the Grand Prix scenario of upcoming event at Greater Noida and takes viewers behind the scenes of this year’s events in Australia, Malaysia, China, Monaco, Canada, Spain, Great Britain, Germany, Hungary, Belgium, Italy and Singapore.

     

    How long does the transportation of the full F1 equipment for an overseas race take? What happens during a pit stop? How do F1 fans celebrate in Monaco or South Korea? How and where do the stars have their parties?  Premiering every night at 9 pm on Discovery Turbo, Inside Grand Prix 2013 follows the Formula One teams around the world and prepares viewers for each Grand Prix in the best way possible.

    An informative and highly entertaining F1 magazine-format series, it gets behind the scenes of elite motorsport and to the heart of action.  Premiering Sunday, 27 October, the India episode takes viewers on track at Buddh International Circuit, Greater Noida to witness the preparations for the big sporting event.

     

    The viewers will follow their favourites like Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes AMG Petronas, England and Formula 1 world champion 2008), Sebastian Vettel (Infiniti Red Bull Racing, Austria and World Champion 2010, 2011 and 2012), Christian Danner (Formula One expert, Germany), and Michael Schumacher (Seven-time world champion, Germany) as they share curiosities and personal information from the mysterious F1 world.  The drivers also introduce their respective race tracks – with all its particularities, difficulties and key points.

     

    Travel to the Albert Park circuit in Australia where Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber F1 Team, Germany) and Sebastian Vettel (Red Bull Racing) explain the euphoria behind Formula One in the country.  The episode also celebrates Sauber F1, the Swiss team’s 20th anniversary in Formula One.  Debuting at the South African Grand Prix in Kyalami in March 1993, the team finished fifth and picked up two points with J.J. Lehto.  

     

    The show both informs and entertains viewers with exclusive interviews and stories of F1 sports celebrities and stars under various themes:

     

    In Close Up, the segment will take viewers to the drivers’ recommended places, restaurants, joints, hangouts and spots where one can have a blast and describes the culture of each country.

     

    Preview will showcase drivers and introduce the respective race track with all its accuracies, difficulties and key points such as the ideal line.

     

    Personal lets viewers hobnob with drivers, team chefs and engineers and will let them satiate their curiosity of the sports stars’ personal lives. Portraits of singular drivers, impressions from their childhoods, hobbies, motor sport careers, wishes, dreams, and successful moments form a part of each episode.

     

    Technology freaks can look forward to Techno section in which the complicated world of F1 is described in detail by F1 drivers, experts and animations leaving no questions unanswered.

     

    The Set Up will give the viewers a look at what goes on behind-the-scenes.
    The Legends will throw light on more than 60 years of F1 and share their moments from achieving milestones, world records, spectacular events, tragic accidents and overwhelming.

     

    The last segment News will provide the most important and updated information concerning F1 in a crisp format.

  • Starting Sept 2, Howe and Howe Tech will air weekdays at 10:00 pm on discovery turbo.

    Starting Sept 2, Howe and Howe Tech will air weekdays at 10:00 pm on discovery turbo.

    World Record holders and identical twin brothers, Mike and Geoff Howe, design and build the coolest machines ever seen. From high-speed military tanks to the Personal Assault Lander (PAL) that can travel on water and land, Discovery Turbo’s latest series Howe and Howe Tech reveals their extreme vehicle modification projects for exclusive clientele such as the U.S. Army and Special Weapons And Tactics (SWAT).

     

    Howe and Howe Techfollows the family business of Howe brothers, as they stretch the limits of creativity and innovation by building ingenious off-the-wall machines with their loyal shop crew. The company prides itself on outside-the-toolbox thinking, resilience and never-quit attitude, and thus, continues to exceed expectations and impress industry and clients alike, from the US Government to National utility companies to Hollywood movie makers.

     

    In one such undertaking, the crew builds the Subterranean Rover 1 – a rugged off-road vehicle designed to travel deep into coal mine tunnels. Mike and Geoff however decide to go one step further and design a weapon component. This “Dragon Tail” weapon technology – a spear-like device that can latch on to and drag away suspicious vehicles – has the capacity to save the lives of U.S. soldiers in combat.

    Only the highest-skilled mechanists, welders and jacks-of-all-trades ready for just about anything Mike and Geoff throw at them can survive these endeavours. For the tumultous twins, no idea is “too crazy” to try, but the success or failure of each invention could make or break their enterprise.

     

    Catch some of the most exciting innovations in the following episodes of Howe and Howe Tech:

     

    Ripsaw Revolution: The US Army has asked the Howe brothers to modify their most famous vehicles, two high-speed tanks “Ripsaw MS1” and “Ripsaw MS2”. Ripsaw MS1 is a remote-controlled tank and Ripsaw MS2 is a manned version. The publicity is great but the rigorous test-drive for the TV cameras ruins the wheels on MS-2 and the twins have to order new ones.

     

    Ripsaw’s Mini Me: Geoff and Mike get the idea to build a miniature version of the Ripsaw, an ultra-fast military tank. They call their newest invention “Mini-Rip” and market it to the general public as a recreational vehicle. Meanwhile, the team gets an order for three more SR-1 Subterranean Rovers and Geoff has to go down to Texas to show off the Ripsaw’s amazing abilities in hopes of getting more contracts with the army.

     

    RipTide is Born – Mike and Geoff are underway on their biggest project ever: the Riptide, an amphibious tank prototype for the US Army.  Mike wants to begin ordering armor to protect its vital computer systems, but Geoff has a different idea. He wants to build his own armor. An argument ensues ending in a friendly challenge: Mike, Geoff and shop foreman Will will each design and build their own armor. To find out whose armor works best, they head out to the test pit and fire large rounds at the prototypes.  In the meantime, the Howes receive an email from a disabled Vietnam veteran named Rocky  who  inspires them to build a rugged all-terrain vehicle designed specifically for people in wheel chairs. They call it RipChair. Young engineer Josh and new welder Dee take the lead on putting this new prototype together. As the deadline looms, a last minute test run nearly wrecks the project. The crew needs to work late into the night to get their prototype ATV in tip top shape in time for Rocky’s emotional test drive.

     

    Badger Resurrected: Members of a SWAT unit have put in a request to see a field test of a fully functioning Badger, the world’s smallest armoured tank. But after the last blast test blew its tracks to pieces, the Howe brothers are left scrambling to resurrect the Badger. Adding to the time crunch, the crew still has to work on building three Subterranean Rovers for a mining company and they are way behind.

  • Rahul Johri honoured at World Brand Congress

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • Maxus wins Discovery’s media mandate

    Maxus wins Discovery’s media mandate

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

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

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

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

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

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

  • ‘Japan, India & Australia are our biggest markets in the Asia Pacific region’ : Discovery Networks Asia Pacific executive VP, MD Tom Keaveny

    ‘Japan, India & Australia are our biggest markets in the Asia Pacific region’ : Discovery Networks Asia Pacific executive VP, MD Tom Keaveny

    Discovery is upping the ante in India. Leading the infotainment genre, the company has crafted three channel launches in India this year: Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD. It has also introduced regional feeds for its flagship channel, Discovery.

     

    While media companies across the world cut down on their costs due to a global economic downturn, Discovery continued with its annual expense of $1 billion on content. The idea: Discovery drives on premium content.

     

    Japan, India and Australia are Discovery‘s top markets in the Asia Pacific region.

     

    For expanding in India, Discovery is taking the organic route. Acquisitions are not on the agenda.

     

    In an interview with Indiantelevision.com‘s Ashwin Pinto, Discovery Networks Asia Pacific executive VP, MD Tom Keaveny talks about the company‘s growth plans in the region.

     

    Excerpts:
     
     
    Could you give us an overview of the strategy that Discovery has followed to grow the business across the Asia Pacific region over the past couple of years?
    Having local people run local markets is the first thing. I know that this sounds obvious but it is important to have Indians run the business in India. They know what people want, when they watch it and why they do not watch things.

     

    Secondly, the local people schedule programming on channels according to viewer tastes and feedback; they also do localisation. In India, for instance, we launched feeds for Discovery in Tamil and Telugu this year.

     

    Then there is content creation. It started a few years ago with The Great Indian Wedding on Discovery Travel and Living (now known as TLC). We also had Shah Rukh Khan Living With A Superstar, which also was a success in Malaysia. We do local content on the basis that it can be used in other markets.
     

     
    In the US, there was a certain amount of re-organisation with a clear focus on being more cost efficient. What shape has this taken in the Asia Pacific region?
    We have always been cost efficient. In a recession, you are forced to look at costs but the areas where we carried on investing was content and branding of channels. We spend $1 billion a year on content.

     

    In India, the recession meant slower growth. Australia was having a mineral boom, and so there was ad sales growth. China grew. Japan has had inherent problems, but so much of our business here is based on distribution revenues that we were less affected.

     
     
    What impact did the economic downturn have on your growth trajectory?
    I won‘t say that we were not affected. However, other companies probably cut back more than us. We are seeing the benefits of continuing to invest in content.
     

     
    For the second quarter Discovery reported increased ad revenue growth of 38 per cent for its international networks. Does this mean that the difficult economic climate is behind international broadcasters like Discovery or do challenges and difficulties remain?
    Sales is a difficult job. But we have had ratings growth. Some of this ad revenue growth you mentioned has to do with the fact that last year was a lower base.

     

    Do I think that we have seen the end of the downturn? Well, whatever happens economically, our audiences have grown. We have had a 27 per cent audience growth in India. This has been replicated across other Asian markets.

     
     
    How much revenue comes from the Asia Pacific? Which are your top three markets?
    Japan, India, Australia are our biggest markets. Malaysia and Taiwan come next. India is growing at a good rate. However, I cannot tell you how much revenue comes from the Asia Pacific.

     
     
    ‘With new channels coming in, you would expect to see cannibalisation. But that has not happened for us. With competition, the profile of the genre has got an uplift‘
     
     

    To what extent has Discovery increased the number of feeds over the past year across Asia?
    We have launched more feeds in Australia, Malaysia, Philippines. We are going into more languages. Demand is significant. The assumption is that if you launch more networks, audiences will go down. For us it has been the reverse. The more networks there are, the higher is our viewership.
     
     

    Is fragmentation a worry for Discovery with international broadcasters launching channels in the movie, entertainment and infotainment space?
    With new channels coming in, you would expect to see cannibalisation. But that has not happened for us. When we launched Discovery Science and Turbo around the world, we did not see Discovery Channel‘s audience dip. Instead it grew. With competition, the profile of the genre gets an uplift.
     

     
    What impact do you see the three new channels having on the Indian infotainment landscape?
    I can‘t think of a market in the world where Discovery Science will be better received. India is a technology hub. It is a young nation and there is a thirst for knowledge. So having a channel dedicated to science makes sense.

     

    And Discovery Turbo can take encouragement from the fact that the automobile sector is seeing robust growth in India. But I also see it being important as a male lifestyle channel.
     

     
    Recent research showed that there is still a degree of uncertainty about the benefits of HD for television viewing. How do you see HD as a value add?
    Our content which includes natural history and wildlife fits into HD very well. We launched Discovery HD in Japan in 2005. It has only been in the past two to three years that other channels started investing in this technology. For us investing in technology is in our DNA. It is part of our psychological profile because it is a brand promise as well.

     

    We have a future proof library. For example, Shah Rukh Khan Living With A Superstar was filmed in HD. Once viewers see HD, going back is a difficult proposition. But everybody has to work towards it. It cannot be just one or two networks that are doing the heavy lifting.
     

     
    Have you done any research among the creme de la creme viewers to find out what they expect from a network like yours?
    There is congruity in terms what viewers to want to watch. Travel and cooking are key genres. Shows that combine these genres like Anthony Bourdain also work well. Grooming shows also work. Shows like Man vs Wild, Deadliest Catch, Mythbusters work globally. At the same time, you do have to take into account local tastes.

     
     
    A lot of focus has been given to Animal Planet over the past 18 months. The aim was to make the programming sharper, more edgy. Is this increased investment starting to pay dividends?
    In the digital environment, it has been one of the fastest growing channels. There is a lot of co-viewing happening. We constantly look at the schedule, find out what works and attempt to be contemporary.

     

     
    Are you satisfied with the joint venture relationship Discovery has with Multi Screen Media?
    It was the right deal to do at the right time. We have developed and grown our networks. The deal was a gamechanger and formed a template for others to follow.
     

     
    How do you get a revenue uplift from India quite in line with the success you have had with the audiences here?
    We have a two-pronged strategy in India. We launch new networks that will rate and grow audiences for us in this market. This is how ad revenue will grow. On the distribution side, there is a tipping point where analogue shuts down. Australia went quickly from analogue to digital. In India, how quick will the transition be? At what point do addressability, cable, DTH, number of channels and package costs come into play? That is something we all are trying to grapple with.

     
    Global media companies are setting up JVs with local companies in India. Is Discovery looking at something like this to grow its business in India?
    JVs are being done now by companies that were maybe 10-15 years late in getting into India. The question is whether they are doing a JV because they want to do it or because they have to. Companies that came into India early like Discovery have done it on their own terms.

    Having said that, there are times when a strategic alliance makes sense. In Japan, for instance, we have a JV with JCom. The Hub, our new channel that is set for launch, is another good fit as it brings together two strong brands in production and distribution.

  • ‘Discovery identifies India as a growth market’ : Discovery Communications India SVP Rahul Johri

    ‘Discovery identifies India as a growth market’ : Discovery Communications India SVP Rahul Johri

    Discovery Communications India is readying for a major expansion to ride on India’s rapidly growing digital pay-TV environment. The roadmap includes the launch of three channels – Discovery Science, Discovery HD and Discovery Turbo.

    The existing three channels – Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and Discovery Travel and Living – have built distinct brand propositions. And as the viewership pattern is shifting particularly in the non-fiction genre, Discovery hopes to capitalise.

    In an interview with Indiantelevision.com’s Ashwin Pinto, Discovery Communications India senior vice president Rahul Johri talks about the company’s growth plans.

    Excerpts:

    Having got the government nod, when are you planning to launch the three new channels?
    We are finalising the launch plans. Discovery Turbo will be India‘s first male lifestyle channel. Discovery Science will be dedicated to make science programming accessible, relevant and entertaining. Discovery HD, on the other hand, offers programming in 1080i with 5.1 surround sound, far superior to both NTSC and PAL. It lends itself perfectly to the type of rich and spectacular images that Discovery is renowned for.

    How are you going to tackle distribution?
    We have planned to launch Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo on both analogue and digital platforms. Discovery HD will be launched on the digital platform.

    Do you see niche channels gain as the digital environment grows?
    We currently have three distinct networks in India, each with immense brand equity. Digital platform, besides offering an enhanced viewing experience and an increased choice to viewers, demonstrates the real value of the brands and their unique propositions. Companies with strong bouquet of channels, be it mass or niche, will certainly stand to gain as the digital penetration goes up in India.

    Do you see the new channels broadening the audience base for infotainment?
    Viewers today are looking for distinct and credible content. We are witnessing a dramatic shift in the viewing patterns in India, especially in the non-fiction genre where our channels dominate.

    Considering that 60 per cent of India‘s population is under 30 years of age, this trend should only get amplified in the coming years. Each of our channels, existing and planned, has a distinct brand proposition and will resonate with viewers, advertisers and affiliates alike.

    There has been a lot of talk about how HD is changing the television viewing experience globally. But at the moment the infrastructure is not there to support this in India. How does this impact the launch plans for Discovery HD?
    India is witnessing a substantial increase in the sale of HD-technology TV sets. With the growth of digital delivery platforms, HD would emerge as a premium offering.

    Besides, we like to be ahead of the curve, be it in our programme offerings or production technologies.
    ‘Viewers today are looking for distinct and credible content. We are witnessing a dramatic shift in the viewing patterns in India, especially in the non-fiction genre where our channels dominate‘

    In terms of revenue where does India stack up vis-a-vis other Asian markets like Singapore, Hong Kong and South Korea?
    India has a considerable viewer and advertiser base and has been identified as a growth market for Discovery.

    Do you expect revenue growth this year given the economic downturn?
    It is my belief that leaders in respective categories will be least affected. Going by the current environment, we would be able to achieve our targets.

    What are the challenges that Discovery and other players in the infotainment space face this year?
    The challenge is to continuously refresh the programming to suit the viewers‘ changing demands. At the same time you have to maintain the brand‘s core propositions.

    Last year Animal Planet re-branded itself globally with a more adult-centric focus. How has this been reflected in India?
    Animal Planet revealed its fresh brand identity last year. Its new show line-up reflects intense drama, rich humour, unexpected choices and wonders of the animal kingdom.

    In order to strengthen its prime time slots, the channel introduced two new programme bands. Masters Of The Jungle at 9 pm takes viewers to meet the most celebrated wildlife experts from around the world who have dedicated their lives to animals.

    The Hunt at 8 pm presents nature‘s predators in their raw and merciless form every night. There has been a ratings increase.

    Has the look and feel been changed to reflect the channel‘s aggression?
    The new logo, communication and content allow viewers an immersive experience. Introducing new time bands, Masters of the Jungle, The Hunt and multiple new titles like Jockeys and Animal Gladiator; the channel today offers a close-up encounter with wildlife.

    What are the major programming properties coming up on the channel?
    From this month, Animal Planet‘s new series, Stranger Among Bears, will reveal the isolated life of a teacher who has received national attention for his unique but controversial relationship with the black grizzly bears for last 20 years.

    We will launch a new series in the Master of the Jungle band – Into The Pride in which the host Dave Salmoni will land himself in the middle of a ride of lions with just a walking stick. In a remarkable story of the bond between man and animal, we will present a reunion between two young men and a 500 pound pet lion in A Lion called Christian.

    Discovery Travel and Living has completed five years in India. What progress has it made in boosting lifestyle programming in the country and serving the SEC A+ demographic?
    Discovery Travel and Living has emerged as the definitive lifestyle channel in India. Surpassing all lifestyle television benchmarks, it has continuously added new genres, bringing the finest experience to its discerning audience. Even this year, it added three new genres – music, dance and relationship.

    On the Indian programming front, it explored unique Indian lifestyle themes – wedding, travel, food, fashion and hotels. It recently premiered a new series with one of India‘s leading columnists and food writer Vir Sanghvi. And in the biggest of all shows, we will present a series on India‘s biggest superstar Shah Rukh Khan, where for the first time ever viewers will be taken into his private and exclusive world.

    Has there been any change in strategy compared to previous years?
    Our focus has been to expand the existing genres like food, travel, fashion and makeover while at the same time adding new genres like music, fitness and relationship. We strengthened our prime time offerings with two strong bands – What A Life at 9 pm and Turn It On at 10 pm. Our efforts to up the weekend offerings with Brunch on Sundays and day time properties like Chew at 1 pm presented good results.

    On the advertising front, are clients more cautious in terms of committing spends?
    We value our advertisers and believe in long term associations. Just like in the past, we will continue to offer higher values to our advertisers.
     

    On the advertising front, are clients more cautious in terms of committing spends?
    We value our advertisers and believe in long term associations. Just like in the past, we will continue to offer higher values to our advertisers.

    Has there been any change in strategy compared to previous years?
    Our focus has been to expand the existing genres like food, travel, fashion and makeover while at the same time adding new genres like music, fitness and relationship. We strengthened our prime time offerings with two strong bands – What A Life at 9 pm and Turn It On at 10 pm. Our efforts to up the weekend offerings with Brunch on Sundays and day time properties like Chew at 1 pm presented good results.

    On the advertising front, are clients more cautious in terms of committing spends?
    We value our advertisers and believe in long term associations. Just like in the past, we will continue to offer higher values to our advertisers.