ITV

Tag: History TV18

  • Pranav Bakshi gets promoted to pilot Network18’s Connected growth engine

    Pranav Bakshi gets promoted to pilot Network18’s Connected growth engine

    MUMBAI: Network18’s digital dynamo Pranav Bakshi has just bagged a bold new title — chief growth officer, Network18 Connected — as he takes charge of accelerating content, audience, and revenue across connected TV, social platforms, and strategic partnerships.

    But this isn’t just a new nameplate on the desk. With his finger on the pulse of where audiences are headed (and not where they’ve lingered), Bakshi is gearing up to rewire how content is created, consumed and commercialised across the media conglomerate’s vast portfolio.

    “This role is about leading the charge, not catching up,” said Bakshi. “It’s about scaling platforms, monetising content smartly, and building future-proof digital ecosystems.”

    Having previously helmed digital video strategy for over 45 Network18 brands — from CNN-News18 and CNBC-TV18 to Firstpost, Moneycontrol and History TV18 — Bakshi’s remit covered everything from CTV to creators, from off-platform growth to platform partnerships.

    Before his Network18 innings, Bakshi brought the firepower at Times network, heading digital video, strategy, partnerships, and social media for a bouquet of brands with a collective follower base of 60 million. He’s also worn hats at NDTV, TOI, Taj Hotels and even Maersk, with a track record of marrying content with commerce and strategy with scale.

    With his elevation, expect Bakshi to keep the content taps flowing — but this time, through smarter pipes, faster funnels, and next-gen platforms. The build, as he says, continues.

  • History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    History TV18 unveils Dark Marvels-Exposing history’s deadliest creations

    MUMBAI: Innovation has always been a double-edged sword. It has propelled humanity to greatness, but it has also unleashed some of the most terrifying instruments of destruction. History TV18’s latest docu-series, Dark Marvels, premiering on 15 February at 11 pm, takes viewers on a spine-chilling journey through the deadliest inventions ever created. From medieval war machines to execution devices, this series pulls back the curtain on humanity’s dark ingenuity.

    Each episode of Dark Marvels unveils the horrifying mechanics behind history’s most lethal inventions, exploring the sinister minds that brought them to life. Expect expert analysis, 3D recreations, and gripping archival footage that expose the motivations and deadly efficiency of these devices. Whether it’s the ruthless guillotine, the electric chair masquerading as humane punishment, or the monstrous super cannons of Nazi Germany, this is history as you’ve never seen it before.

    History TV18 president – content & communication Arun Thapar shares, “At History TV18, we believe in making History compelling, visually stunning, and thought-provoking. ‘Dark Marvels’ is a provocative addition to our after-dark lineup, exploring the razor-thin line between brilliance and brutality. The series uncovers how human ingenuity has often been wielded for dominance, destruction, and control.”

    This isn’t just a walk through war-torn battlefields or ancient torture chambers—it’s an unflinching look at the creativity that birthed terror. From the Roman Colosseum’s blood-soaked arenas to the silent menace of booby-trapped tombs, each episode leaves no stone unturned.

    Brutality or brilliance? You decide. But one thing’s for sure—‘Dark Marvels’ is not for the faint-hearted.

    Watch the Trailer 
     

  • Akshay Kumar presents the story of ‘World’s Tallest Statue’ in History TV18’s upcoming documentary

    Akshay Kumar presents the story of ‘World’s Tallest Statue’ in History TV18’s upcoming documentary

    Mumbai: History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ on 8 March at 8 p.m. Presented by actor Akshay Kumar, the 40-minute documentary celebrates the spirit of unity that binds the nation together and pays homage to Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel, the architect of united India, who led the integration of 562 fragmented princely states into one nation post-independence.

    The documentary also features insights from Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who as the Chief Minister of Gujarat, had envisioned this project.

    The documentary follows a step-by-step journey of the making of the Statue of Unity. From 2013, when the then chief minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi announced his intention to honour Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and laid the foundation stone in Kevadia (Gujarat), to completing the tallest statue in the world at 182 meters, a number that represented total constituencies in Gujarat’s State Legislative Assembly.

    Among other lesser-known facts revealed in the documentary, PM Narendra Modi shares a unique initiative he undertook to procure iron for the statue, where over six lakh villages donated an old iron farming tool each, echoing Sardar Patel’s call to farmers during the fight for independence. Soil from all parts of the country was similarly used to bring the statue together, symbolizing unity in its creation.

    As the film progresses, the team behind the Statue of Unity takes the audience on an awe-inspiring journey. They delve into its ideation, construction, and the opportunities it created for the locals, as Kevadia transformed into Ekta Nagar.

    The documentary features success and upliftment stories of locals who have benefitted from the project, with their town becoming a major tourist destination.

    The documentary progresses with a tour of some remarkable tourist attractions in the vicinity of the Statue of Unity, adorned with the beauty of flora and fauna. With stunning visuals, sleek graphics and never-heard-before stories, the documentary puts the focus on the bustling tourist destination that has seen footfalls up to 50,000 in a single day, becoming a beacon of light for the locals and a modern marvel of pride for New India.

    “Being part of ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ has been an incredibly humbling experience for me. It’s about honouring the great spirit of unity that resonates within every Indian. Sardar Patel’s vision and leadership continue to inspire us, reminding us of the strength that comes from our unity as a nation. I hope this documentary serves as a reminder of our shared heritage and the power of coming together for a common purpose,” says Actor Akshay Kumar, the presenter of the documentary.

    Aanand L Rai, the director of the documentary adds, “Revolutions are created by people when they come together for a bigger purpose, guided by visionaries who lead and inspire. Sardar Patel was one such visionary who advocated the significance of unity in the process of nation-building. The film reflects on the legacy of the pioneer of united India and showcases the inspiring transformation of Gujarat’s humble Kevadia into an international tourist destination.”

    ‘Statue of Unity: Ekta Ka Prateek’ premieres on History TV18 on 8 March 2024 at 8 p.m. It will also be made available on the factual entertainment leader’s YouTube channel.

  • “In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect lakhs of stories”: Network 18’s Avinash Kaul

    “In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect lakhs of stories”: Network 18’s Avinash Kaul

    Mumbai: History TV18 has launched the much-awaited Season 10 of “OMG! Yeh Mera India.” on 6 February 2024. This show, known for its immersive storytelling, has marked a significant milestone as it celebrated a decade of inspiring narratives.

    Each episode offers a fascinating glimpse into the number of facets of Indian society, blending entertainment with education to offer a comprehensive portrayal of the nation’s essence.

    To commence the celebration of its tenth season, History TV18 decided to do things this time uniquely as it held its event at a luxury yacht along with the host Krushna Abhishek and others.

    It is no surprise that factual entertainment in India hasn’t been on the rise due to a myriad of reasons like less spending on this genre as compared globally and budget constraints. This genre stands quite unique due to the extensive research that goes into its shows and episodes.  

    Indiantelevision on the sidelines of this event, caught up with Network 18 (broadcast) CEO & A+E Network MD Avinash Kaul, where he spoke on various aspects of this show from its evolution, research, it’s longevity and many more…

    Edited excerpts

    On the main motive of creating this show

    It’s a show that was started eight years back, and now it’s in its tenth season. The whole idea was that when you look at general entertainment channels, a lot of things are covered like singing, dancing, a bit of comedy, some bit of magic, but not everybody looks at everything else that Indians do. The factual part. The factual part could mean that you could have, for example, we have featured a person who uses fire to cut hair. We also have featured a person who made an airplane on his terrace.

    Now where would you put all of these stories? It doesn’t fit into a regular talent show, it’s a passion that a person is doing for their entire life. They believe that it is creating history in their own way like a person who had the largest family in India, that was in the first season of OMG. When there was a school where there were no fees, accepting all the rubbish that you can collect that pays for the piece. In this season, we are showing a village, which is known as a ‘Hockey Village’ of India where more than 40 people who have played professional hockey have come from that village. Every house has a person who’s been on the hockey team.

    Now these stories, where else will you pick it up? Because no mass entertainment channel is picking up. News channels are too busy covering politics, crime and everything right now. So there was a space for creating everyday Indians, when they create history, chronicling all of those and immortalizing those stories. That is why this show started. Now the show is in its tenth season, which means that it has been so popular that we had to do it more than once a year. And that’s what is continuing now and hopefully will continue in the future.

    On the kind of research and production efforts went into each episode

    It’s extremely detailed, the research is all here through. The team here works in very detail, trying to capture the authenticity of the story and different length and breadth of the country wherever it is coming from. So there’s a year-long thing, and then the production teams come over and then go into every state wherever the person is shooting the story. There’s a lot of rigor in doing all of this.

    On the show contributing to the channel’s programming and overall content strategy

    As an overall content strategy, it’s the most vital part because it is everyday Indians creating history. So it’s very vital and part of the original programming that we do in India, it’s the biggest winner that we have. It’s the longest standing factual entertainment show in the country.

    On the reaction of audience since the show’s inception

    It is fabulous, because we’ve got sponsored interest, the reason we are in our tenth season is because viewers have given a whole lot of love. On digital, it is across billions of impressions. So that tells you how viral it is. Each and every story is viral. We have now covered 400 stories and are extremely well.

    On factual entertainment failing to rise in India due to lack of original Indian content

    That’s the irony because India and even the OTT platforms are still binging on crime and those kinds of genres. In a mature market when the audience grows, then obviously these things play. So I’m hoping that now more and more documentaries, more and more factual entertainment will also come on OTTs. Because of the channel’s business, there hasn’t been much acceptance of what history has or in large measure some parts, bits and pieces or competition but not really that much. I’m hoping now in the next wave of content, it will be factual entertainment content on OTT as well.

    On the longevity of the show

    See stories are unlimited. There are 400 stories only that we have done so far. In a country of 1.3 billion people you can expect thousands of stories or lakhs of stories. So it’s only as much as we want to do we can cover on. So we hope that it continues for many, many years.

  • HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    HistoryTV18’s docuseries: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple returns

    Mumbai: History TV18’s award-winning docuseries, India: Marvels & Mysteries returns in a brand new season, with noted Indophile and author William Dalrymple. The quest to uncover forgotten facts, revisit centuries-old stories lost to time, begins anew. The show explores historical sites, revisits cold trails and shines the light on unanswered questions about India’s incredible past and her many wonders, like never before. It also offers new perspectives on mighty empires, characters from Indian history, our ancestors, and their knowledge of complex phenomena. The series comprises half-hour thematic episodes, each with multiple stories that traverse the length and breadth of India, spanning millennia. India: Marvels & Mysteries with William Dalrymple starts on the 4t January, 2024 with new episodes every Thursday and Friday at 9 PM, exclusively on History TV18.

    The show will take audiences on an immersive exploration of India. Each episode in the seven-part series promises an unforgettable experience. Dramatic recreations with actors in period costumes bring to life amazing stories and untold histories behind India’s enigmatic structures – from jaw-dropping marvels and celebrated monuments to relatively little-known sites, across dynasties and periods. The stories engage, inform and entertain, with brilliant visuals filmed all over the country, illustrative graphics and archival images. The fact-rich storytelling strives to distinguish between legend and legacy, supported by a stellar cast of expert commentators, led by historian and world-famous author, William Dalrymple. The show’s ambition is to transport a new generation of viewers into the richness and diversity of India’s past, inspiring a renewed appreciation for the sites, structures and marvels that are India’s incredible heritage.

    Speaking ahead of the show’s launch, William Dalrymple commented, “History provides a road map by which we can understand where we stand in the present and how we got here. Without it we are lost. It was a huge pleasure to work with HistoryTV18 on this beautifully shot series and I can’t wait to hear people’s astonished reactions to some of the forgotten treasures we’ve dug up.”

    Travelling across the country, the show gives an account of some of the country’s grandest architectural wonders, as well as of historical locations whose past is shrouded in mystery. Expert insights provide the context and the modern-day significance of each story and the historical figures in them, while the dramatisations are sure to keep audiences engaged.

    Speaking about the docuseries Arun Thapar president – AETN18 content & communication says, “We are absolutely thrilled to have William Dalrymple on the show. His perspectives and insights have been invaluable. Our association with a writer of Dalrymple’s calibre and renown, epitomises HistoryTV18’s commitment to great storytelling and world class content produced in India.”

    The show promises a wondrous trip through time, in what is possibly the oldest and most diverse country in the world, whose enduring legacy has been shaped by the confluence of cultures, know-how, and artistic traditions. From India’s temples and forts to entire medieval cities and even structures from prehistory, the show packs in a lot.

    Temples for instance have played a central role in the cultural, social, religious and economic life of communities and regions across India, for all of recorded history. The series makes some noteworthy inclusions. The grandeur and complexity of some of these sacred structures is a testament to their significance. It also points to the surprising level of knowledge that existed in the ancient times in which these were built. The show explores what is known and more interestingly, what is not.

    Prepare to be enthralled by the ethereal beauty of the Chaturmukh Jain Temple at Ranakpur, an unrivalled architectural marvel adorned with over a thousand pillars and sculptures. Witness the stunning collection of sculptures from the 16 and 17 centuries in a little-known temple in Thirukurungudi, Tamil Nadu. Be transported to the world’s largest monolithic structure crafted from a hill to create a temple. Experience the mystical power of Gods carved into a rock face in remote Tripura. All this and a lot more is on offer in HistoryTV18’s one-of-a-kind original series.  

    Enter the world of two of India’s charismatic women rulers and the iconic structures they built – Rani Udaymati’s stepwell in Gujarat and the elegant mausoleum built by mughal empress Noor Jahan.

    Time travel to mighty Mewar, with its warrior king and its exceptional citadel and then further south into the Deccan under a tyrant, to encounter tales of tragedy and horror that serve as reminders of the murderous ways of medieval times. Visit Bijapur, once seat of a surprising sultan and home to one of the world’s largest domes. Pass through the highest gateway and lose yourself in the tales of two medieval cities. These were once the crown jewels of the dynasties they served, but now they are abandoned and part of world heritage. Venture into the unknown to unearth the stories behind mysterious Hire Bennakal and Narthiang, whose origins have been lost to time and whose secrets may endure forever.

    The seven-part documentary series promises viewers an unparalleled experience. Merging re-enactments, authentic storytelling, an exploration of legends and popular narratives, along with an examination of known facts, the show breathes new life into historic places, as never before.

    Arun Thapar adds, “India: Marvels and Mysteries with William Dalrymple is a selection of compelling stories about the creative genius of ancient and medieval India, her great wealth of knowledge and the many wonders that have endured into the present. The show delves into history across empires and dynasties, peopled with remarkable characters who played a part in shaping the story of India.”

    India: Marvels and Mysteries, Premieres 4 January 2024 9 PM,

    Every Thursday-Friday, only on History TV18

  • History TV18 unveils new documentary on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’

    History TV18 unveils new documentary on India’s Jal Jeevan Mission, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’

    Mumbai: History TV18 has announced the premiere of its new documentary, Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’, releasing on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. The 40-minute documentary unravels the remarkable story of India’s ambitious ‘Jal Jeevan Mission’, a nationwide initiative aimed at providing permanent water connections to 16 Crore rural households by 2024. The mission is set to quench the thirst of millions of Indians and prevent the impending water crisis in the country.

    Narrated by renowned journalist Richa Anirudh, ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ takes viewers on an inspiring journey that traces the beginning of India’s water revolution, which started in Gujarat. The film features personalities like Bharat Lal, (Former JJM Mission Director), Ashok Gulati (Agricultural Economist and Professor at ICRIER), Vini Mahajan (Secretary, Jal Shakti Ministry – DDWS), Sunita Narain (Environmentalist – Centre for Science and Environment) and R. K. Sama (Project Director – WASMO, Gujarat), who highlight the tireless efforts of India’s ‘water warriors’, including the inspiring ‘Jal Sahelis’, dedicated ‘Pani Panchayat members’ and ordinary citizens who are making valuable contributions towards water security for all.

    ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ transcends geographical boundaries as it travels from the parched valleys of Ladakh to traditionally water-stressed regions like Bundelkhand and Vidarbha. It explores the difficulties encountered in areas in and around the Thar desert, and urban coastal landscapes in cities like Chennai.

    While the film highlights the daily struggles of people due to water scarcity, it also showcases the historic milestone of laying water pipelines that reach even the most remote and inaccessible corners of India, transforming ‘Har Ghar Jal se Nal’ into a people’s movement.

    The documentary provides audiences with insights into India’s innovative ‘Water Model,’ a blend of traditional water wisdom and cutting-edge technology. It highlights the revival of traditional water sources, the construction of check dams and watersheds for rainwater harvesting, and the significance of ‘catching the rain where it falls, when it falls.’ The film also explains how technology is empowering individuals and communities while creating new opportunities for livelihood and financial security. It features large-scale projects for water management, desalination, and greywater treatment, as well as satellite mapping, climate-smart farming, and sustainable housing.

    The Jal Jeevan Mission is not only shaping a sustainable and water-secure future for India but also serving as a global model for future initiatives.

    ‘Jal Dhaara: Har Ghar Jal’ premieres on History TV18 on 23 October, 2023 at 8 p.m. and will also be made available on the factual entertainment leader’s YouTube channel.

  • History TV18 to telecast a special anthology titled ‘India@75’ on 1 August

    History TV18 to telecast a special anthology titled ‘India@75’ on 1 August

    Mumbai: History TV18 has announced a special anthology titled India@75 starting 1 August every night at 7:05 p.m in commemoration of India’s 75 year of independence.  

    The month-long programming will highlight stories from travel, culture, history, military prowess and stories of inventiveness and possibility. The programming will feature shows such as travel series Journeys in India hosted by Emmy-winning writer Bill Ball, Flavours of Punjab, Rajasthan and Southern India, India 75 Wonders, Special Operations India: Surgical Strikes, Kargil, Firepower: Defending India, Indian Army: 24 Hours, and India: Marvels & Mysteries.

    A+E Networks managing director and TV18 CEO – broadcast Avinash Kaul said, “At History TV18, we are proud to commemorate this landmark anniversary of Indian Independence with India@75. India is a land of contrasts. A rich tapestry of incredible stories, ancient heritage and modern marvels, natural wonders, and inspirational individuals. We are excited to showcase the essence of India through our month-long programming, featuring some of the best local and India-focused content. India@75 is an ode to India and her story – one that is still being scripted every day and that continues to inspire and fill our viewers with a sense of pride.”

  • HistoryTV18 premieres season 8 of #RoadTrippinWithRnM

    HistoryTV18 premieres season 8 of #RoadTrippinWithRnM

    Mumbai: After seven successful road trips across the country,peerless flavour-hunters and entertainers extraordinaire, Rocky Singh and Mayur Sharma have their bags packedand are heading for hills in Season 8 of HistoryTV18’sdigital exclusive #RoadTrippinWithRnM.

    Starting from the national capital, New Delhi, the life-long buddies will drive across the heartland of Uttar Pradesh and up the hills to picturesque Uttarakhand, to experience this young state’s ancient cultural history, natural beauty and spirituality, while helping themselves to generous helpings of all the great food on offer, on the journey. Viewers can follow the road trip from 25th May to 5th June, in near real time, across the social media accounts of HistoryTV18 and Rocky and Mayur.

    In November of 2000, and are of 53,483KM was carved out of Uttar Pradesh to create Uttarakhand, the 27th state of India with Dehradun as its capital.However, the region’s history stretches far beyond antiquity.Ancient cave paintings and artefacts show that this beautiful landhas been inhabited since prehistoric times. Crowned by the Himalayas up north, Uttarakhand is where the Ganga and several other sacred rivers originate. Covered with forests, blessed with rich fauna and flora, the stateis a tourism and pilgrimagehotspot. FromCorbettto Kedarnath and Badrinath, Uttarakhand offers a long list of amazing destinations, attracting visitors from all over India and abroad. On the New Season of #RoadtrippinWithRnMthe audience will get a taste of the off-beat and the little-knownsin mountain state, as well as must-have experiences.

    While in Nainital,the two travellers shallmake a stop at the iconic ‘Sakley’s Restaurant & Pastry Shop’, in Haridwarthey will show and tell viewers why ‘Mathura WalonkiPracheenDukaan’ is the stuff of legend. In Corbett National Park, they be on the lookout for its famous inhabitants andin gorgeousBinsar they will reveal one of Uttarakhand’s best-kept secrets – Mary Budden Estate – a century-old luxury retreat. The travel itinerary also includesBhimtal, Mussourie, Ranikhet, Dehradun with many a feast and flavour thrown in, before the inevitable descent into the plains.

    Commenting on the launch of Season8, ArunThapar, President – Content and Communication AETN18 said, “Starting off in between lockdowns, as a show capturing the joys of a road trip and India’s incredible beauty and diversity, #RoadTrippinWithRnM has set a new benchmark of sorts for travel and food based original content. The content is created on-the-go, then processed and posted on social media in record time. The 800Million+Impressions, 220Million+Video Views and nearly 8Million Engagements are a testament to the series’ success.We thank our viewers for their love and trust, Rocky and Mayur’s easy camaraderie, subject matter expertise and trademark humour, along with HistoryTV18’s programming excellence in crafting differentiated, novel and immersive content experiences coupled with  our best-in class reach on social media, makes #RoadTrippinWithRnM a category defining mobile-first offering.”

    Speaking on the new season Rocky says, “A roadtrip means the open road, wind in your hair as you stand under a blue sky, being one with the journey and the experience. Laughter, new sights at every turn, a new roof over your head every night, new tastes and flavours. The world unfolds as the journey begins…music and a friend and not a care in the world … just the roadtrip! You coming along? The mountains beckon!”

    Mayur adds, “What could be better than a roadtrip through the magnificent hills of Uttarakhand. Leaving the scorching plains for the winding roads, cool misty mornings, bonfire-lit evenings and delicious hill cuisines is our plan. Come share our journey, of food, fun and friendship on Season 8. This one will be really, really cool. Really ;)”

    Follow #RoadTrippinWithRnM season 8 on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube starting 25th May.

     

  • This Independence Day, watch ‘India’s Forgotten Army,’ the untold story of India’s role in World War I, on History TV18

    This Independence Day, watch ‘India’s Forgotten Army,’ the untold story of India’s role in World War I, on History TV18

    NEW DELHI: At the start of the war in 1914, over thirteen lakh Indian soldiers began to be shipped overseas to fight alongside the British Army. Of them, 75,000 were never to return home, killed in combat on faraway battlefields. Using rare archival footage, first-person narratives, and expert testimonials, the impeccably-researched one-hour documentary investigates India’s role in the first global conflict. It also recognises and documents the sacrifices of thousands of Indian families, thus restoring to India’s unsung heroes, their glorious and rightful place in history.

    As the guns fell silent towards the end of 1918, the First World War had raged for almost five long years. It had come to be known as The Great War, “the war to end all wars.” It had caused devastation at such a large scale that most people believed that humankind would never want to go to war again. Millions of soldiers of various nationalities had fought and died on both sides. However, very little is known about the Indian soldiers deployed on foreign soil all over the world. At the time, the leaders of India’s freedom struggle had hoped that sending our men to support the British war effort would make it possible to gain greater autonomy for India. But those hopes proved futile. Instead, imperial Great Britain even denied India due recognition for her role in winning the war. The men were forgotten. Their enormous sacrifices lost to time, unrecorded by history. Indian Member of Parliament and former Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Shashi Tharoor, says in the film, "No country lost as many people from any colony in the Empire, as we did and yet, I'm sorry to say, it was given very little attention. Indians sacrificed an enormous amount, and some of their letters, all of which were censored, are deeply moving."

    ‘India’s Forgotten Army,’ premiering on 15th August, Saturday 9 PM, is an attempt to trace and document the courage and sacrifice of Indian soldiers, shipped to distant shores to live and fight in deplorable conditions. The film also uses first-person accounts to tell the story of the war and the circumstances that Indian soldiers faced, as revealed in the letters they wrote to their families, more than a hundred years ago. Viewers will also hear from the descendants of those who fought in The Great War, along with leading personalities. The documentary takes viewers to the sites of battles, memorials and war archives around the world, bringing together military experts and historians, to uncover hidden facts and retell forgotten stories. The documentary has been adapted from the book, ‘World War Sikh: Memoirs Of An Indian Cavalryman 1913-45’ by Rana T.S. Chhina.

    Avinash Kaul, Managing Director A+E Networks | TV18 and CEO-Broadcast for Network18 said, "In our continuing endeavour to offer top-drawer Indian and international content, History TV18 brings to its viewers the remarkable, untold story of the Indian soldiers who fought in the First World War. Their military prowess helped shape the course of human history.  We salute them and their families for their incredible bravery and sacrifices."

    Watch the premiere of ‘India’s Forgotten Army,' on Independence Day, 15th August, Saturday, at 9 PM, only on History TV18.

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  • A+E Networks | TV18’s Avinash Kaul on branded content, investment & growth of infotainment genre

    A+E Networks | TV18’s Avinash Kaul on branded content, investment & growth of infotainment genre

    MUMBAI: Producing original shows on issues of contemporary local significance like surgical strikes, national elections, Ganesha festivals, marvels and mysteries of India; that’s how History TV 18 aims to stand out in the niche segment of infotainment channels in India.

    “Very consciously we are going towards the direction of original local content because that is what will make our brand stand out in India,” says A+E Networks | TV18 MD and Network18 CEO Avinash Kaul in an interaction with Indiantelevision.com. He also spoke on the need for creating original content in infotainment space, challenges faced by the genre, impact of NTO on niche genres, economic slowdown, channel’s growth trajectory and plans for 2020.

    Kaul believes that factual and lifestyle channels offer the best branded content options. “Factual entertainment is something which enables all kinds of genres to flow, and all kinds of brand stories to be told. So that's the proposition that we are trying to go with. It is a very robust platform because of its availability in multiple languages. The channel cannot compete with the ratings of GECs but it enables a brand environment where brand story can be beautifully curated. As a branded content it's the perfect way forward because the ratings are far higher than news but are much lower than GECs but the mass reach is still there.”

    Speaking on some of branded shows done by the channels, Kaul says, “Our programming and marketing team has over 250 years of experience and have pioneered some of the biggest, tailor-made sponsored initiatives that have set benchmarks across industries. This, combined with our digital presence, might have resulted in several clutter-breaking advertiser-funded projects.”

    To mention a few – Hamdard’s One for All a digital-first initiative- stories of people who have contributed towards the betterment of society; Renault presents Ride to Conquer is about four influencers from different walks of life who go on a drive for self-exploration; and Imagine your Korea- an initiative to get more Indians familiar with S Korea as a travel destination.

    He further says, “From a ratings standpoint, obviously we are doing very well. FYI TV18 is the number one lifestyle channel in India by a huge margin. It's roughly around 60-65 per cent of the market. It beats even channels like FoodFood and Living Food, TLC Fox Life, Good Times, all of them. So it's fairly strong in the ratings ecosystem. As far as History TV18 is concerned it usually comes in number two after Discovery in the factual entertainment genre, which given the fact that Discovery is in the country for more than 30 years, and beating the likes of NGC and others by itself is remarkable.”

    History TV18 has also released unseen differentiated programming in the Indian market. Kaul says that shows like Pawn Stars, Baggage Battle and Storage Wars from international houses resonated well, despite a lot of people having thoughts that it may or may not work as well in India.

    The channel also has a show called Forged In Fire which is about people making knives and people making swords, which is a reality show. “Now, that's not something that one would see on a normal channel or any other factual entertainment channel and that's one of the top-rated shows,” he opines.

    OMG! Yeh Mera India has two main sponsors Hyundai and Havells. “Even though History TV18 channel was a late entrant in the factual and entertainment genre, we were the early adopters of local content in India. We have OMG! Yeh Mera India Season 6. In three and a half years we have done six seasons. So which means in a year we do more than one season. So that gives you a sense of the amount of response that we get from this show, not only on TV, which is obviously top-rated but also on digital,” informed Kaul.

    Due to the current business environment due to NTO, Kaul feels there is certain softness in the market. Because of this, the channel has kept some originals on hold for FYI TV18.

    The biggest challenge faced by the genre is investment in original content. In India, the market share of infotainment is very low whereas, in the West, the genre holds the second position after sports. Kaul attributes this to investment in original content. Indian TV channels did not pick up the trend and the late entrants had to begin it, putting more pressure on them. He further says, “If it had been done at the right time, I think the genre would have leapfrogged to a totally different place.”

    With regards to content, Kaul said, “The only thing that is well exploited in India is Mythology but not History. So if history could be done, that could really change the entire complexion. Because even if you see the OTT platforms, by the time they come to factual entertainment, it is another three four years as they are first creating mass production, like Sacred Games and other things which are basically something which will smack and people will get used to it. After building those libraries they will invest in these other shows. So I think that journey will take time. Until that time, we are only custodians of making shows like that. We can do it only one show at a time or two shows at a time.”

    Revealing the plans for 2020 Kaul says, “The plan is to stay on course. I think this is the time to not get derailed from our plans but to continue building X amount of local content. My opinion is that if we stay on course and if we maintain our business, tightly we will deliver on our business. So that's what the key thing is that we're delivering on our business goals overall, I think we should be able to ride out this rough patch.”