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Tag: discovery+

  • Discovery Science presents ‘The Gadget Man 2’ with Richard Ayoade

    Discovery Science presents ‘The Gadget Man 2’ with Richard Ayoade

    MUMBAI: Discovery Science presents the immersive and fascinating world of gizmos in its new series The Gadget Man 2 with Richart Ayoade. The six part series follows Richard Ayoade – the gadget freak who will take viewers into the whole new world of technology and unfamiliar trendy gadgets. The series will premiere on August 15 at 9 PM on Discovery Science.

     

    In each episode, Richard Ayoade will set off on a venture with few of his fellow gadget freaks like Stephen Mangan, Jimmy Carr, John Humphreys and Noel Fielding covering everything from the everyday to the extraordinary.

     

    Richard will offer his unique and engaging insight into the world of technology. He will attempt to show the viewers at home how ordinary everyday activities can be made more exciting by using the very best time saving tools available and how a simple looking gadget can even make your holidays interesting.

     

    In the series Richard will also invents a series of problem solving contraptions of his own and will be introducing the world’s most sought gadgets that will change the way we live our lives. Get ready to immerse into the world of gadgetry and lay your hands on the gadgets you would want to have.

  • JAINHITS expands dual language feeds to three more channels

    JAINHITS expands dual language feeds to three more channels

    NEW DELHI: JAINHITS, India’s only HITS platform in operation at present, is extending audio feeds in dual languages to three more channels at no additional cost to its customers with immediate effect.

     

    Disney, Cartoon Network and Pogo are the new channels to get audio language feeds. This is in addition to four channels which are already being beamed in dual languages.

     

     Earlier, this facility was available on Discovery, History, TV18, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. Through this offering, JAINHITS customers can choose to have an audio option in Hindi or English languages.

     

     JAINHITS has also announced that it will shortly be adding more channels with dual audio feeds. Later, it will also go into multi-lingual audio feeds from the current dual language feeds offered.

     

     The platform currently provides its customers with more than 250 channels and plans to increase the number of its channels to 500, in the near future.

     

     The company provides MPEG-4 quality digital cable TV services including SD/HD channels from regional, national and International broadcasters.

  • We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    We will launch more channels in next one year: Rajesh Kaul

    MUMBAI: It was in February that the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) released its regulation on the role of content aggregators and since then, several changes have taken place in the structure of the existing aggregators. While MediaPro decided to split post the regulation, good news is that aggregators IndiaCast UTV Media Distribution and TheOneAlliance are still standing strong in their respective joint ventures.

     

    Announcing the strong allegiance is the MSM Discovery (MSMD) joint venture TheOneAlliance which will continue to be the authorised sole and exclusive distribution agent for Multi Screen Media, Discovery Communications India and TV Today Network to various distribution platforms – Cable (both analogue and digital), DTH, HITS, IPTV and hotels and commercials establishments.

     

    “As per the TRAI regulation, we will now be the exclusive agents for MSM, Discovery and TV Today,” informs TheOneAlliance president Rajesh Kaul.

     

    While the distributor earlier had 28 channels in the bouquet, with Times Television Network (Times Now, ET Now, Movies Now and Zoom) moving out from the bouquet, to set up its independent distribution team, TheOneAlliance will now have 24 premium channels to distribute.

     

    “It was a mutual decision to part ways. We have a strong bouquet and we would like to concentrate on that,” adds Kaul.

     

    Apart from the current 24 channels distributed by MSMD, the network will be making heavy investments in the form of new channels such as Max 2 – a contemporary Hindi movie channel showcasing Indian cinema, Pix HD, AXN HD and a new entertainment channel from the MSM stable.

     

    “We have one of the most stable and dynamic distribution partnerships in the industry. Given the current strength and the aggressive future investment plans of our partners, TheOneAlliance will continue to excel as the powerful leader in the industry,” he says.

     

    TheOneAlliance’s plate seems to be very tempting with MSM acquiring premium sporting properties for its sports and entertainment channel, Sony Six. The channel currently broadcasts sporting events like NBA, UFC, TNA Wrestling and Australian Open tennis along with the Indian Premier League and is home of international football for the next five years with exclusive rights to telecasting the world’s largest sporting spectacle FIFA World Cup 2014 – Brasil & FIFA World Cup 2018 – Russia along with UEFA EURO 2016.

     

    It is not just MSM that is launching new channels, but Discovery Communications India too is set to increase its channel offerings with: Investigation Discovery (ID), a suspense Hindi entertainment channel, TLC HD and Animal Planet HD. 

     

    Over the course of the next one year, both the networks are looking forward to launching new channels in both SD and HD across different genres. “We have huge plans of launching many more channels in different genres in the next one year. Our bouquet will only grow from strength to strength,” says Kaul.

     

    “We believe in nurturing and fostering positive and strong relationships with our partners which is mutually beneficial to both and we are happy to extend this partnership to the future also. We are very confident that TheOneAlliance is perfectly enabled to monetise the valuable and exclusive premium content that we produce and acquire,” MSM CEO N.P Singh said through a statement.

     

    Added Rahul Johri, EVP and general manager – south Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and southeast Asia, “Discovery has a very strong partnership with Sony and we are fully committed to TheOneAlliance. It is Discovery’s endeavour to provide the Indian viewers with the finest entertainment and TheOneAlliance will continue to distribute our eight current channels and our new launches across India.” 

     

    The 24 premium channels distributed by TheOneAlliance include: SET, Max, Max 2, Sab, Mix, Pix, Six, AXN, Animax, Aath, Discovery Channel, Discovery Channel Tamil, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Kids, Discovery HD World, Sony HD, Six HD, Pix HD, Headlines Today, Aaj Tak and Tez.

  • JAINHITS commences dual language voice feeds

    JAINHITS commences dual language voice feeds

    NEW DELHI: JAINHITS has started providing voice feeds in dual languages on its platform at no additional cost for its customers.

     

    While initially, it is providing the dual language feed to four of its channels; it will later expand this proposition to other channels.

     

    Consumers will be able to avail dual language voice feeds for the channels namely Discovery, History TV18, Animal Planet and Nickelodeon. Through this offering, JAINHITS customers can choose to have audio voice feeds in Hindi or English. The language options from English to Hindi or vice versa can be switched using the remote.

     

    According to JAINHITS head Rakesh Gupta, “Spreading happiness is JAINHITS’ motto. This is one more effort to spread the happiness amongst our ISO (Independent Service Operator) partners and their customers. This is one more step towards JAINHITS’ endeavour to offer the most advanced and enriched digital cable TV services.”

     

    JAINHITS provides consumers with more than 250 channels and plans to increase it to 500 in the near future. The company provides MPEG-4 quality digital cable TV services including SD/HD channels from national, regional and International broadcasters.

     

     JAINHITS will soon roll out its full HD and multi-screen services for consumers. The key proposition of the HITS platform is its cost-effective investment for cable operators which stands at a minimum of only Rs 25,000 per month. With this, they expect to do business with 400 plus partners and install over 1000 Mini Downlink Headend’s across 640 districts of India by the end of 2014.

     

      

    The HITS platform is the only Direct-to-Network (DTN) service in India. This system has an advantage of having a centralized Conditional Access System (CAS) and Subscriber Management System (SMS). JAINHITS offers Triple Play Service throughout India – Video, Data & Voice. 

  • Discovery sets 12 May for ‘Everest Jump Live’

    Discovery sets 12 May for ‘Everest Jump Live’

    MUMBAI: Discovery Networks is set to telecast an unprecedented feat, with five nights of live programs in the lead up to Everest Jump Live, starting 6 May and culminating with the live jump on 12 May.

    The world renowned wing-suit jumper Joby Ogwyn will attempt the first flight off the summit of the mountain. Discovery will air Everest Jump Live in 224 countries and territories across the world.

    The channel will take viewers along the journey with two, one-hour pre-shows revealing Joby’s intense training and preparations for Everest. The special will then culminate with a live two-hour broadcast – showing Joby as he battles the grueling conditions on the way to Everest’s summit and ultimately takes the final plunge from the top. Joby’s custom-made wing suit will be equipped with cameras bringing a bird’s eye view as he descends more than 10,000 vertical feet at speeds of over 150 mph.

    Kicking-off the proceedings, NBC Sports’ Kyle Martino will host Everest: Live from Base Camp, and Chris Jacobs of Velocity, will provide viewers with a behind-the-scenes perspective for five nights live from the base camp at Mt. Everest. The five-night stunt starts 6 May at 8:30 am and will broadcast live in select markets across Asia, Latin America and Western Europe. Each night, Martino and Jacobs will check in with Joby Ogwyn­ to receive updates on where he is along the journey and to determine the challenges and dangers that lie ahead. This includes interviews with a variety of special guests, including the medics, Sherpa guides, other climbers and additional individuals making the event possible.

    “These nightly live programs enhance this already epic undertaking by allowing audiences a chance to share the experience and to see what it’s like to actually be at Everest Base Camp – not just for Joby, but for all those around the world who contribute to Everest’s unique culture,” said Discovery Networks International executive VP and chief content officer Luis Silberwasser in a statement. “We’re incredibly excited to bring together our diverse, global viewers to immerse themselves in an adventure like none other!”

    The live event is produced by Peacock Productions for Discovery with Gretchen Eisele, Colleen Halpin, Benjamin Ringe and Knute Walker serving as executive producers. Sharon Scott is president and GM of Peacock Productions. Howard Swartz serves as executive producer for Discovery. Discovery Education will bring the wonder of Everest to students nationwide with interactive content, digital learning experiences and resources found on its suite of digital classroom services.

    Announcing the event Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific executive vice president and general manager, South Asia and head of revenue, pan-regional ad sales and Southeast Asia, Rahul Johri said, “Discovery Channel continues to celebrate extraordinary people and topical events through its entertaining programmes. Last year, the channel telecast live event of Nik Wallenda’s incredible tightrope walk across the Grand Canyon and saw a great response from its viewers across India. In 2014, with Everest Jump Live, we will bring a remarkable experience for our viewers which will be unlike anything ever seen on television.”

    Ogwyn is no stranger to the Everest. He first summited the world’s highest peak at just 24-years of age, becoming the youngest American to make it to the top. In 2008, Joby set the world record for the fastest ascent of Mt. Everest, climbing from the base of the south side route to the summit in just nine and a half hours (it typically takes 3-4 days). Ever since then, he’s searched for the ultimate way to explore the mountain – and now he’s found it.

    “This will be the final piece of my dream. Ever since I was a kid, I’ve imagined what it would be like to fly. I can’t think of a more spectacular backdrop than Everest,” said Joby. “Everything that I’ve ever accomplished in my life has just been practice for what I’m about to do.”

    Ogwyn­ takes the plunge from atop the summit wearing a wingsuit equipped with cameras. The jump will air live in every pay-TV market for Discovery Networks International across the Asia Pacific, Central and Eastern Europe, the Middle East and Africa, Latin America, the Nordics and Western Europe, weather permitting.

  • Discovery Kids brings back ‘Akbar & Birbal’ tales

    Discovery Kids brings back ‘Akbar & Birbal’ tales

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

     

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

  • 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.

  • Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    Discovery to acquire TF1 Group’s controlling interest in Eurosport

    (Silver Spring, Maryland and Paris, France):  Discovery Communications and TF1 Group today announced that the former  would acquire a controlling interest in Eurosport International through an extension of their larger strategic partnership first announced in December 2012. The deal will increase Discovery’s interest from 20 to 51 per cent,  accelerating what was in the original agreement by nearly one year.

     

    “Eurosport is one of the strongest, most dynamic sports platforms in the world.  Over the past year, as we have been working directly with our partners from TF1, it became clear that combining the power of Eurosport’s brands and audience reach with Discovery’s network portfolio, boots on the ground, and country-specific expertise creates an unrivaled and powerful offering for viewers, advertisers and affiliates,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. 

     

    “Today’s announcement underscores Discovery’s strategy to support already strong organic growth with targeted acquisitions and partnerships. This deal will enable our industry-leading International team and its new leader, JB Perrette, to create new value for our business partners by developing and sharing programming across channel brands, and building a stronger and more diversified network portfolio. We are privileged to continue our successful relationship with TF1 Group and look forward to growing Eurosport for many years to come.”

     

     

    The flagship Eurosport network reaches 133 million homes across 54 countries in 20 languages. Eurosport’s brands and platforms also include: Eurosport 2 reaching 69 million households across 51 countries; Eurosport HD, the high definition simulcast of Eurosport, available in 32 million homes in 48 countries; Eurosport Asia-Pacific reaching 16 countries; and Eurosportnews, a 24-hour news channel and online hub, providing an up-to-the-minute sports news feed available in 48 countries.

     

     

    “With its successful track record of investing in quality content and building global brands, Discovery Communications is perfectly positioned to further expand and increase the value of Eurosport,” said Nonce Paolini, Chairman and CEO of TF1. “Eurosport’s vast sports platform coupled with Discovery’s extensive network portfolio will entertain and engage audiences and generate additional revenue streams for our business associates and distribution partners globally.”

     

    Discovery was one of the first U.S. media companies to launch channels in Europe in 1989 and has invested steadily and significantly in its international business for 25 years. The combined reach of Discovery Communications, Eurosport and the 2013 acquisition of SBS Nordics, will be 2.7 billion cumulative subscribers across nearly 200 networks spanning more than 220 countries and territories worldwide. Discovery Communications will strengthen its leadership as the #1 pay-TV programmer in the world. 

     

     

    Today’s agreement was based on an average enterprise valuation for the Eurosport Group of €902 million (approximately $1.2 billion), partly corresponding to the initial valuation and partly to a higher valuation linked to the control of the company. From this Group valuation, the value of Eurosport France (€85 million, approximately $115 million) has been deducted. TF1 expects to retain its 80% interest in Eurosport France until at least January 1, 2015. Also, today’s announcement does not impact the other two elements of the original deal – the 20% interest Discovery acquired in TV Breizh, Histoire, Ushua?a TV and Stylía channels, and a production alliance with TF1 Group. TF1 will retain the ability to exercise a put option over the remaining 49%, which would potentially increase Discovery’s ownership to 100%.

     

    The closing of the deal is subject to customary closing conditions, including regulatory approvals, and is expected to occur in the coming months.  

     

    Rothschild acted as financial advisor to Discovery Communications on this transaction, and DLA Piper served as its legal advisors. Darrois Villey Maillot Brochier served as legal advisors to TF1 on this transaction.

     

    About TF1

     

    TF1 (NYSE Euronext Paris: FR0000054900 / TFI) is an integrated media group with a range of businesses in high-growth segments. Its corporate mission is to inform and entertain. In freeview television, the Group’s channels are TF1 (the major events channel, no. 1 in France), TMC (no. 5 in France, and no.1 digital terrestrial channel), NT1, and HD1. The TF1 Group is also present in pay TV with Eurosport (the leading pan-European sports broadcasting platform, received by 133 million households in Europe), TV Breizh (France’s no 1 cable/satellite channel), Ushua?a TV, Histoire, Stylía and LCI. The TF1 group’s activities span the entire value chain in the broadcasting industry. TF1 has also created a broad range of merchandising spin-offs from its main channel. Harnessing the growth of the Internet and new technologies, TF1 produces, develops and publishes new interactive content and services for the Web, smartphones, tablet computers and connected TV. For more information please visit www.groupe-tf1.fr.

     

    About Discovery Communications

     

    Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com. 

     

    MEDIA CONTACTS

     

    For Discovery Communications:

     

    Corporate Communications

    Michelle Russo, +1 240-678-6375, Michelle_Russo@discovery.com 

     

    Elizabeth Hillman, +1 240-461-3053, Elizabeth_Hillman@discovery.com 

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Craig Felenstein, +1 212-548-5109, Craig_Felenstein@discovery.com

     

    For TF1:

     

    Corporate Communications

     

    Virginie Duval, +33 1 41 41 29 59, vduval@tf1.fr

     

    Investor Relations

     

    Christine Bellin, +33 1 41 41 27 32, comfi@tf1.fr

  • JB Perrette to step into Hollinger’s shoes at Discovery Networks International

    JB Perrette to step into Hollinger’s shoes at Discovery Networks International

    Mumbai: Discovery Communications today announced that JB Perrette will become the next President of Discovery Networks International. Perrette takes over for 23-year Discovery veteran Mark Hollinger, who announced his resignation in September.

     

    “JB is one of the smartest and most versatile executives I have worked with in the media business.  Since his time at NBC as a leader in business development, distribution and digital to all the success and value he has built at Discovery, JB has it all — strong strategic vision, operational expertise and exceptional team-building skills.  This is a demanding role like no other, which I believe requires a corporate executive with a broad background to oversee all aspects of the business across 220 countries.  Having spent half his career internationally, and with a unique mix of distribution, digital, strategy and business development experience, JB is the perfect fit to lead Discovery’s international operations,” said David Zaslav, President and CEO of Discovery Communications. 

     

    Perrette will oversee the company’s international business with current regional and functional leaders Dee Forbes, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Western Europe; Kasia Kieli, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Central & Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa; Henrik Ravn, President and CEO, SBS Discovery Media Nordics; Henry Martinez, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Latin America/U.S. Hispanic; Arjan Hoekstra, President and Managing Director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific; Doug Baker, EVP and Chief Financial Officer, Discovery Networks International; Luis Silberwasser, EVP and Chief Content Officer, Discovery Networks International; Tom Keaveny, President, International Affiliate Sales; and John Honeycutt, EVP and Chief Operating Officer, Discovery Networks International, reporting to him.

     

    “Discovery’s regional leaders are simply the best global operating team in all of media,” said Perrette. “Through strong organic growth as well as selective strategic acquisitions and partnerships, Mark and the team have built Discovery Networks International’s unrivaled footprint with powerful brands that are valued by viewers, advertisers and distribution partners around the world. I look forward to working closely with the world-class DNI team and fantastic collaborators as we capitalize on that momentum and chart the next phase of growth for Discovery.”

     

    Discovery’s international business has been growing rapidly for the past several years. In 2013, Discovery completed the acquisition and integration of SBS Nordics; acquired a 20 percent stake in Eurosport, the largest pan-European sports platform; launched TLC in the UK; and grew international ratings by 25 percent – all solidifying the company’s position as the No 1 pay-TV programmer in the world. Today, profits from the DNI business have grown to a level that matches Discovery’s overall profits just seven years ago.

     

    Since joining Discovery in October 2011, Perrette has built best-in-class digital and technology organizations helping to establish Discovery’s industry-leading presence in the digital media field. With Perrette at the helm, Discovery has become a leading provider of high-quality nonfiction media across all screens. Perrette and his team led the successful acquisitions of Revision3 and DeFranco Creative, strategic investments in Lumosity and Learnist, the launches of digital/online networks Animalist and TestTube, and the implementation of innovative live online experiences such as SKYWIRE LIVE and Animal Planet L!VE. Sean Atkins will serve as the acting head of Discovery’s Digital business as the company performs an internal and external search for its next Chief Digital Officer. In addition, the IT/EOS teams, led by Kevin Loftis and Larry Laque, will now report to Andrew Warren, Chief Financial Officer of Discovery Communications.

     

    Prior to joining Discovery, Perrette spent 11 years with NBCUniversal, where he most recently served as President, Digital and Affiliate Distribution, and Content Distribution Strategy, leading North American distribution of television and film content across platforms. He also helped launch new digital channels Sleuth (now Cloo), Chiller and Universal HD and played a leadership role in developing the industry-leading digital venture, Hulu. Perrette’s previous roles at NBC Universal included CFO of NBC Universal Cable, CFO of Bravo Media, and VP of NBC Business Development. Before joining NBC in 2000, Perrette was a member of General Electric’s top leadership development program based in London, and at CS First Boston in London and Toky

  • IBF panel hopes to standardise TV ratings system

    IBF panel hopes to standardise TV ratings system

    The Indian Broadcasting Federation (IBF), which has representation from all major channels, is setting up a committee to review the television rating systems in India.

    Presently, there are no uniform guidelines wherein agencies can rate programmes on various channels.

     

    “The IBF is putting together a technical committee to prescribe the technical specifications for a rating system which would be valid for India,” the Financial Express quoted Bhuvan Lall, executive director, IBF, as saying.

     

    The IBF has 29 members, including representatives of Doordarshan, Star, Zee, Sony, Discovery, TV Today, Sahara, ESPN, BBC, UTV, Enadu, Sabe and Sun TV, among others.

     

    The review committee, which is expected to present a final report in the next three to four months will have representatives from all major broadcasters/TV channels, Lall said.

     

    After the committee finalises its report, independent rating agencies that broadcasters subscribe to will have to conform to the guidelines in the report, according to Lall. The IBF expects the initiative to be the first step in offering a fair rating system for TV programmes.

     

    Rating of TV programmes is a major issue in the industry, and the IBF is determined to address all issues that impact the industry as a whole, Lall said.