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Tag: Nat Geo

  • Nat Geo digs deep as Explorer Film Festival returns with fresh stories

    Nat Geo digs deep as Explorer Film Festival returns with fresh stories

    MUMBAI: Adventure calls again and this time, it’s cinematic. National Geographic is rolling out the yellow carpet for the return of its Explorer Film Festival, a celebration of bold ideas, breathtaking quests, and the indomitable human spirit. The much-loved festival premieres on Sunday, 9 November at 10 pm, promising an evening of storytelling that travels from the ocean floor to volcanic peaks.

    Continuing National Geographic’s legacy of inspiring curiosity, the 2025 edition spotlights Explorers scientists, conservationists, and adventurers whose work blurs the line between passion and peril. Whether it’s uncovering ancient secrets, saving species, or pushing the limits of human endurance, each film captures the thrill of discovery in its purest form.

    The global lineup reads like a love letter to exploration.

    . Love + War follows Pulitzer Prize-winning photojournalist Lynsey Addario, who has risked her life on frontlines from Afghanistan to Ukraine to reveal the human cost of conflict.

    . The Last Rhinos: A New Hope chronicles a daring scientific mission to save the Northern White Rhino from extinction through the world’s first surrogate rhino pregnancy.

    . Secrets of the Penguins dives into the icy lives of these resilient creatures, their courage, bonds, and surprising intelligence.

    . Titanic: The Digital Resurrection resurfaces the world’s most famous shipwreck using cutting-edge 3D scanning to create a digital twin of the Titanic for a hauntingly immersive exploration.

    . Explorer: Lake of Fire takes viewers into the molten heart of an uncharted volcano as scientists seek answers to one of nature’s most explosive mysteries.

    . Explorer: The Deepest Cave journeys into the Earth’s underbelly, where cavers navigate perilous underground mazes to reach the planet’s lowest known depths.

    Each film in the Explorer series isn’t just about discovery, it’s about reflection. It questions how far we’ve come, what we’ve lost, and what remains to be found.

    To drum up anticipation, National Geographic will launch a nationwide promo campaign two weeks ahead of the premiere. The teaser already hints at breathtaking visuals, edge-of-seat drama, and heart-stirring human stories, an ode to the restless spirit of exploration.

    With themes spanning love, loss, courage, and curiosity, this year’s Explorer Film Festival invites audiences to look beyond borders, dive beneath the surface, and climb into the unknown, one frame at a time.

    So, mark your calendars. On 9 November at 10 PM, switch on National Geographic and prepare to journey from the deepest caves to the coldest ice caps proof that the world’s greatest stories aren’t just out there; they’re waiting to be explored.

  • Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    Nat geo’s ‘postcards from Saudi Arabia’ paints a new picture of travel

    MUMBAI: Talk about a trip worth writing home about. National Geographic is sending viewers on an unforgettable journey with its new four-part travel series Postcards from Saudi Arabia, streaming on Jiohotstar and airing on Nat geo channel from 6 September.

    Hosted by actor and presenter Ridhi Dogra, the series peels back the curtain on Saudi Arabia’s hidden gems, from ancient wonders to modern marvels. The show takes viewers across three Unesco world heritage sites such as Jeddah’s Al-Balad, Riyadh’s At-Turaif and Diriyah, and AlUla’s awe-inspiring Hegra.

    In Aiuia, audiences encounter iconic landmarks such as Elephant Rock and Old Town, where local crafts, music and desert luxury blend seamlessly. Jeddah offers a different rhythm with souks, vibrant street art, and sunsets over the Red Sea, while Riyadh balances tradition and innovation, showcasing bustling markets, art galleries and a city on the rise.

    For Dogra, the series carried a personal resonance. “As a woman travelling through the location, I felt an unexpected sense of freedom, warmth, and welcome,” she shared. “I hope viewers, especially women, see this as an invitation to explore freely.”

     

  • 2022 International Emmy Award announces gala & nominations from 23 countries

    2022 International Emmy Award announces gala & nominations from 23 countries

    Mumbai: Nominations for the 2022 International Emmy Awards were announced by the International Academy of Television Arts & Sciences. There are 60 nominees across 15 categories, spanning 23 countries.

    “When you look at the geographic spread, diversity, and quality of our nominees, it becomes obvious that great television knows no borders and is emerging around the world,” said International Academy President & CEO Bruce Paisner. “We look forward to recognising these outstanding programmes and performances on our global stage with the International Emmy.”

    The International Academy will present a new sports documentary category for the first time at its gala in New York.

    Founded in 1969, the International Academy is a non-profit, membership organisation based in New York City, with over 700 members from over 60 countries and 500 leading media and entertainment companies representing all industries of television, including internet, mobile, and technology.

    “This year is our 50th annual ceremony, and it’s particularly important because we are back at full strength after the pandemic. Last year, we had an in-person ceremony, but it was limited to half of our usual attendance,” stated Paisner. “Especially important to note as well, we are also resuming our in-person World Festival, highlighting the nominated programs from around the world.”

    The International Academy is a unique organisation because it serves as a platform for international television and media leaders to come together to exchange ideas, discuss common issues, and promote new strategies for the future development of quality global television programming.

    “The International Emmys provide an incredible opportunity for media companies from around the globe to build bridges and connect with one another,” stated Narendra Reddy, Chief Operating Officer of The Africa Channel. “We’ve worked with the Academy to raise the profile of African content and media companies. We organised two juries in South Africa with the heads of media companies from all around the continent, which was very successful.”

    Each year, the leading television producers from around the world showcase their programming and compete to be recognised at the prestigious International Emmy Awards, where over one thousand international broadcasting, production, and distribution executives convene to celebrate the best in global television produced outside of the United States, as well as U.S. primetime programmes produced in languages other than English.

    In 2021, nominees from India included Nawazuddin Siddique for best performance by an actor in Serious Man, Vir Das: For India for best comedy, and Aarya for best drama series.

    “The quantity and quality of TV production is exploding around the world,” said Paisner. “It is clear to me that the International Academy and the Emmys play a vital role in recognising the importance of international television.”

    In addition to the International Emmy Awards, the Academy’s yearly schedule of events includes the International Emmy Kids Awards at Mip and a series of industry events such as Academy Day, the International Emmy World Television Festival, and panels on substantive industry topics.

    Winners will be announced at the 50th International Emmy Awards Gala in New York City on Monday, 21 November 2022.

    2022 International Emmy Awards Nominees:

    Arts Programming

    “Bios: Calamaro”

    Buena Vista Original Productions (Disney) / Nat Geo

    Argentina

    “Charlie Chaplin, Le Génie De La Liberté” [Charlie Chaplin, The Genius Of Liberty]

    France Télévisions / Kuiv Productions

    France

    “Freddie Mercury: The Final Act”

    Rogan Productions

    United Kingdom

    “Wonderful World: A New York Jazz Story”

    NHK

    Japan

    Best Performance by an Actor

    Sverrir Gudnason in “En Kunglig Affär” [A Royal Secret]

    SVT

    Stellanova Film / SVT / Film i Väst / Stockholm Film Fund

    Sweden

    Scoot McNairy in ”Narcos: Mexico”

    Netflix / Gaumont

    Mexico

    Dougray Scott in “Irvine Welsh’s Crime”

    Cineflix Media Inc. / Buccaneer Media / Off Grid Film & TV

    United Kingdom

    Lee Sun-Kyun in “Dr. Brain”

    Bound Entertainment / Kakao Entertainment / Studioplex / Dark Circle Pictures / Apple

    South Korea

    Best Performance by an Actress

    Celine Buckens in “Showtrial”

    World Productions

    United Kingdom

    Leticia Colin in “Onde Está Meu Coração” [Where My Heart Is]

    Globoplay

    Brazil

    Kim Engelbrecht in “Reyka”

    tpf london / Quizzical / Serena Cullen Productions / MNET South Africa / Fremantle / Heromotives

    South Africa

    Lou de Laâge in “Le Bal des Folles” [The Mad Women’s Ball]

    Légende Films / Amazon

    France

    Comedy

    Búnker [Bunker]

    HBO Latin America / WarnerMedia Latin America / Dopamine

    Mexico

    Dreaming Whilst Black

    Big Deal Films

    United Kingdom

    On The Verge

    The Film TV / Canal+ Creation Originale

    France

    Sex Education

    Netflix / Eleven Film

    United Kingdom

    Documentary

    “Enfants De Daech, Les Damnés De La Guerre” [Iraq’s Lost Generation]

    Cinétévé / France Televisions / LCP / RTS / DR / NRK / SVT / Région Ile-de-France / CNC / PROCIREP – ANGOA

    France

    “Myanmar Coup: Digital Resistance”

    NHK

    Japan

    “O Caso Evandro” [The Evandro Case: A Devilish Plot]

    Globoplay / Glaz Entretenimento

    Brazil

    “The Return: Life After ISIS”

    Sky / Alba Sotorra Productions / MetFilm

    United Kingdom

    Drama Series

    Lupin

    Netflix / Gaumont Television

    France

    Narcos: Mexico

    Netflix / Gaumont

    Mexico

    Reyka

    tpf london / Quizzical / Serena Cullen Productions / MNET South Africa / Fremantle / Heromotives

    South Africa

    Vigil

    World Productions

    United Kingdom

    Kids: Animation

    Dapinty, Una Aventura Musicolor [Dapinty, A Musicolor Adventure]

    Silverwolf Studios

    Colombia

    Fumetsu No Anata E [To Your Eternity]

    NHK

    Japan

    “Les Lapins Cretins – Invasion: Mission sur Mars” [Rabbids Invasion Special – Mission to Mars]

    Ubisoft Motion Pictures Rabbids

    France

    “Shaun the Sheep: Flight Before Christmas”

    Netflix / Aardman

    United Kingdom

    Kids: Factual & Entertainment

    Ikke Gjor Dette Mot Klimaet! [Don’t Do This To The Climate]

    NRK

    Norway

    My Better World

    Fundi Films / Maan Creative / Impact(ed) International

    South Africa

    Newsround Special – Let’s Talk About Periods

    BBC

    United Kingdom

    “Sueños Latinoamericanos” [Latin American Dreams]

    Mi Chica Producciones / Consejo Nacional De Television De Chile / Television Nacional De Chile

    Chile

    Kids: Live-Action

    “Anonima” [Anonymously Yours]

    Netflix / Woo Films

    Mexico

    Hardball – Season 2

    Australian Children’s Television Foundation / Northern Pictures

    Australia

    Kabam!

    NPO / IJswater Films / KRO-NCRV

    Netherlands

    Lightspeed

    Oak 3 Films Pte Ltd / Mediacorp TV Singapore Pte Ltd

    Singapore

    Non-English Language U.S. Primetime Program

    2021 Latin American Music Awards

    NBCUniversal Telemundo Enterprises / Somos Productions, LLC

    United States

    Buscando A Frida

    Telemundo Global Studios / Argos

    United States

    La Suerte De Loli

    Telemundo Global Studios

    United States

    Malverde, El Santo Patrón

    Telemundo Global Studios / Equipment and Film Design (EFD)

    United States

    Non-Scripted Entertainment

    La Voz Argentina [The Voice] – Season 3

    VIACOMCBS / Telefe

    Argentina

    LOL: Last One Laughing Germany

    Constantin Entertainment GmbH / Amazon

    Germany

    Love on the Spectrum – Season 2

    Northern Pictures / ABC / Netflix

    Australia

    Top Chef Middle East – Season 5

    NBCUniversal

    United Arab Emirates

    Short-Form Series

    Espíritu Pionero [Pioneer Spirit]

    TV Pública Argentina

    Argentina

    Fly on the Wall

    Al Jazeera Digital

    Qatar

    Nissene i bingen [Santas in the Hay]

    Seefood TV

    Norway

    Rūrangi

    Autonomouse / The Yellow Affair

    New Zealand

    Sports Documentary

    “Chivas”

    Amazon Studios / Film 45 / Amazon / CobraFilms

    Mexico

    “Kiyou No Kata” [Kiyou’s Kata]

    Kansai Television

    Japan

    “Nadia”

    Federation Entertainment / Echo Studio

    France

    “Queen Of Speed”

    Sky / Drum Studios

    United Kingdom

    Telenovela

    Nos Tempos Do Imperador

    TV Globo

    Brazil

    Two Lives

    Bambú Producciones

    Spain

    YeonMo [The King’s Affection]

    KBS (Korean Broadcasting System) / Netflix / Monster Union / Arc Media

    South Korea

    You Are My Hero

    Gcoo Entertainment Co. Ltd. / China Huace Film & TV Co., Ltd / Croton Cultural Media Co., Ltd. / BEIJING LE BEN FILM MEDIA / Jindun Film & Television Culture Center of the Ministry of Public Security of China

    China

    TV Movie/Mini-Series

    Help

    The Forge / All3Media International

    United Kingdom

    Il est elle [(S)he]

    Newen Connect / And So On Films

    France

    Isabel, La Historia Íntima De La Escritora Isabel Allende [Isabel, The Intimate Story Of Isabel Allende]

    Megamedia Chile

    Chile

    On The Job

    Reality MM Studios / Globe Studios / HBO / Warner Media

    Philippines

  • TV channels announce special programming line-up for Independence Day

    TV channels announce special programming line-up for Independence Day

    Mumbai: Patriotic fervour is at an all-time high as the country is looking forward to celebrating its 75th Independence Day on Sunday. Joining the celebration, TV channels across genres have come up with special programming.

    Here is what’s all in store this 15 August:

    News18 India’s ‘75 Saal Bemisaal’ 

    In addition to the live coverage of prime minister Narendra Modi’s speech from the historic Red Fort on 15 August, News 18 India has put together a bouquet of special shows (airing 14 and 15 August) to mark the event.

    Under the umbrella programming ‘75 Saal Bemisaal’, anchor Prateek Trivedi will host a special episode from Srinagar saluting the spirit of bravery and nationalism of India’s valiant BSF soldiers. The channel will also present a unique journey to the decks of INS Vikrant – the country’s first indigenous aircraft carrier. 

    Next in line will be a thought-provoking discussion where critically acclaimed actor Ashutosh Rana, lyricist Manoj Muntashir and author-historian Vikram Sampat will share their views about today’s youth and their issues, nationalism in the current context, and unsung heroes of India’s freedom struggle News18 anchor and editor Amish Devgan will host the show. Renowned poets like Pratap Fauzdar, Sudeep Bhola, Gaurav Chauhan and Hemant Pandey will add a flavour of humour to the celebrations in another programme.

    ABP News homage to martyrs: ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Humara’

    ABP News will pay tribute to the martyrs on its Independence Day-special event ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Humara’. Renowned actors Ajay Devgn and Sharad Kelkar along with writer and lyricist Majon Muntashir will be present as chief guests on the show

    ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara’ is an initiative by ABP News that captures the true spirit of patriotism. It was launched to reinforce the patriotic fervour of the nation and to uphold the values of bravery, courage, and independence. The event has been running successfully on ABP News since the past seven years, having delivered many memorable editions that have reinforced the pride of being Indian.

    This edition of ‘Jhanda Uncha Rahe Hamara’ focused on celebrating the contributions made by the armed forces and paramilitary personnel in the past one year. Soldiers from Indian Army, NDRF, Indian Air Force, CRPF, and DRDO were felicitated at the event. Top brands including Asian Paints, Keo Karpin, Nine, Paras Ghee, and Wonder Cement supported the initiative.

    The event will be aired on ABP News at 8 p.m on 14 August. There will be a repeat telecast at 4 p.m on 15 August. 

    CNN-News18 ‘GLORIUS 74’ commemorates milestone 75th year of freedom

    CNN-News18 has lined up special programming ‘GLORIOUS74’ to commemorate the country’s milestone 75th year of freedom. Through it, the channel will celebrate and honour the seven decades of Indian independence and the glorious history of its people, culture and their achievements, every day 8 p.m onwards from 9-15 August.

    The array of programming on CNN-News18 will comprise exclusive newsmaker interviews and engaging small formats to keep the patriotism quotient high. Executive editor Anand Narasimhan will host discussions with renowned personalities such as Sadhguru Jaggi Vasudev and Kailash Kher who will highlight their idea of India along with the progress and developments the country has seen over the last seven decades. The channel will also share interesting snippets from India’s journey to independence throughout the day providing an informative, interactive and innovative television experience.

    On 15 August, CNN-News18 will live telecast the prime minister’s speech from the Red Fort.

    AajTak special program ‘Jai Ho’ celebrates India’s Olympic heroes

    AajTak is celebrating Independence Day with a day-long special program ‘Jai-Ho’ honouring the 2020 Tokyo Olympics medal winners.

    Airing 14 August, ‘Jai Ho’ promises insightful and candid conversations with Neeraj Chopra Bajrang Punia, Ravi Dahiya, PV Sindhu, Mirabai Chanu, Lovlina Borgohain and the Indian men’s hockey team, in their own spaces and sporting arenas.

    NAT GEO premieres ‘Buried Seeds’ – the inspiring Indian Chef Vikas Khanna

    National Geographic will be celebrating this Independence Day with the premiere of “Buried Seeds” – the life story of Michelin chef Vikas Khanna. Directed and produced by contemporary filmmaker Andrei Severny, the film traces the star chef’s journey from his beginnings as a child with misaligned feet to the man who took Indian cuisine to the world. It is a timeless and true story of human passion and willpower. 

    Khanna narrates the incredible story of how he learned to walk and won people’s hearts with the magic of his cooking. Along the way, he becomes one of the most influential chefs in the world and a cultural ambassador of India. The film also captures the true essence of Indian culture, heritage, and customs through kaleidoscopic visuals of India, with all the beauty, bonding, and sacrifices made by an Indian family to fulfill the dream of their child.

    The film premieres on 15 August at 9 p.m on National Geographic in India.

    discovery+ launch of Mission Frontline with Sara Ali Khan

    After the success of the first chapter of “Mission Frontline” with Rana Daggubati, discovery+ will be launching the “Mission Frontline” with Sara Ali Khan on the occasion of Independence Day. The special show gives the audiences a glimpse into the lives of the Veerangana force – an all-women commando unit of India set up by the Assam Police in 2012 to tackle grave issues against women – whilst shining light upon their inspiring stories of bravery. Sara Ali Khan will be seen in a unique avatar donning the commando uniform and stepping into the shoes of a Veerangana to perform rigorous drills.

    Bolo LIVE launches campaign #Rashtragaan

    Joining the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative announced by PM Narendra Modi on 25 July, streaming app and short video content platform Bolo LIVE (formerly Bolo Indya) has launched a campaign #Rashtragaan in partnership with MyGov India. The campaign encourages Bolo LIVE’s seven million users across 14 languages to record their videos while singing the National Anthem and upload it on the app. 

  • Disney+ and Apple TV+ see success during first six months

    Disney+ and Apple TV+ see success during first six months

    MUMBAI: New OTT services Apple TV+ and Disney+ have captured significant market share in the streaming video space, rounding out the top five behind the "Big 3" Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, and Hulu, according to a recent consumer survey research by Parks Associates.

    The research firm's Market Snapshot: Disney+ and Apple TV+ highlights the impact of the entry of Disney+ and Apple TV+ in the OTT market, including insights into the factors driving their growth.

    Disney+ has skyrocketed to 25 per cent adoption among US broadband households after just six months in the market. Apple TV+, which launched around the same time, has reached nearly 10 per cent adoption. Disney+ and Apple TV+ are fourth and fifth, respectively, among SVOD services adopted by consumers.

    Data presented in this market snapshot were drawn primarily from an online survey of more than 10,000 consumers fielded between 8 March and 3 April to heads of broadband households, after the Covid2019 crisis had begun in the United States.

    Additional data from the market snapshot:

    Nearly three in ten broadband households report their use of online video services has increased because of the Covid2019 outbreak.

    81 per cent of Disney+ subscribers subscribe to Netflix, as do 72 per cent of Apple TV+ subscribers.

    Nearly one-half of Disney+ subscribers cancelled another OTT service over the last 12 months, as did roughly two-thirds of Apple TV+ subscribers.

    "Disney took a broad-based content approach to its Disney+ service, including its Pixar, Stars Wars, Marvel, Nat Geo, and 20th Century Fox properties to make it broadly appealing, far beyond its traditional audience of families with young children," said Parks Associates research director Steve Nason. "Very few Disney+ subscribers subscribe only to this service, so households are not picking up Disney in place of another service but adding to their home's other OTT services. We will see, as household budgets tighten up, if Disney+ has done enough to become an 'essential service' for its subscribers."

    Disney+ also benefited from promotions such as the introduction of the Disney+/Hulu/ESPN+ bundle and its partnership with Verizon where unlimited mobile subscribers and new internet subscribers get a free year of the service.

    "Apple TV+ promoted a small stable of original programming and is now looking to supplement that with more third-party content," Nason said. "Apple TV+'s growth is due largely to a free year of service for those who recently purchased an Apple device, which brings the firm's brand loyalists into the service. Apple TV+ does have a higher percentage of exclusive non-Netflix subscribers, plus a higher number of households that recently cancelled another OTT service, so it appears Apple does have a core group of dedicated subscribers. Apple's challenge is to expand beyond that group."

    Parks Associates is an internationally recognized market research and consulting company specializing in emerging consumer technology products and services. The company's expertise includes digital media and platforms, entertainment and gaming, home networks, Internet and television services, etc. 

  • Star Plus spotlights 26 Changemakers to shape a New India

    Star Plus spotlights 26 Changemakers to shape a New India

    Mumbai: Star Plus announces the second season of “TED Talks India NayiBaat,” a collaboration with TED, the globally celebrated nonprofit organization devoted to Ideas Worth Spreading. The new season reflects the narrative of a vibrant, fast evolving new India – bolder, brighter, braver.

    A legacy of passivity and acceptance is giving way to a society that is demanding and driving change. Armed with optimism, young millennial minds are leading the way, becoming change makers, because they believe their innovative ideas and spirits are bigger than the odds they face. “TED Talks India NayiBaat” turns the spotlight on ordinary Indians doing extraordinary work. These visionaries and everyday heroes will spark new conversations, infuse movements with energy and inspire a billion imaginations to action.

    The show will be aired over weekends in Hindi, English, Tamil, Bangla and Telugu across Star Plus, Nat Geo, Hotstar and Star World, starting November 2nd.

    Sanjay Gupta, Country Manager, Star & Disney India,said,“With TED Talks India NayiBaat, our goal is to showcase, celebrate and support the unsung visionaries who are working towards making a positive impact on society. I believe that a nation is built on the ideas and values of its people. We hope that the ideas and work of our featured speakers inspire our youth to don the role of a social change agent.”
            
    Shah Rukh Khan said, “On the show, I witnessed so much passion – people with pathbreaking ideas are disrupting the shackles of the impossible and finding solutions. TED Talks India is a mirror of the new face of India. It is all about being future ready and future focused. I am in awe of the diverse spectrum of speakers this season. On one hand, we have a 13-year-old scientist creating amazing inventions; on the other is a woman from Bundelkhand empowering thousands of Indian girls. This kind of television content is time-defining. It is the need of the hour.”

    Chris Anderson, Head of TED, added, “India has a spirit of optimism and continuous evolution that’s beautifully captured in this series. From speakers on the TED stage to hundreds of TEDx events organized across the country, TED has had a longstanding relationship with India. We’re thrilled to continue to collaborate with Star Network to showcase the brilliant ideas that can shape the India of tomorrow.”

    Tuning into the intelligent audience in this new India, aware of its potential and possibilities, Star Plus is committed to developing landmark content that is both entertaining and socially progressive. Over the years, milestone shows like Satyamev Jayate, Rubaru Roshni and the recent live telecast of Chandrayaan 2 have been some of the celebrated initiatives from the network.

    Stay Tuned for TED Talks India NayiBaat, starting November 2rd, 2019 at 9.30 p.m. on Star Plus
     

  • MIB permits Star India to rename Movies OK as Star Gold 2

    MIB permits Star India to rename Movies OK as Star Gold 2

    MUMBAI: The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting (MIB) has granted Star India permission to rename Movies OK as Star Gold 2.

    In March, Star India bagged the licence for its Star Gold 2 HD channel. Earlier, it had also got the approval to rename Star Movies Kids and Star Movies Kids HD to Star Sports 1 Bangla and Star Sports 1 Marathi.

    Also, in the month of May, MIB approved two applications from NGC Network India. NGC Network got the MIB nod to rename its licences NAT GEO MUSIC HD and NAT GEO PEOPLE HD to National Geographic Tamil and National Geographic Telugu.

  • Comcast makes sweet $65 bn offer for Fox’s entertainment assts

    Comcast makes sweet $65 bn offer for Fox’s entertainment assts

    Let the games begin. That’s the clarion call that Comcast CEO Brian Roberts has given by making an offer of $65 billion to acquire the Murdoch-owned Fox entertainment assets. Priced at $35 a share, the Comcast “superior” offer is at a 19 per cent premium over what Disney’s Bob Iger  made last year at $28 per share or $52.4 billion in an all-stock transaction.  The deal is undergoing regulatory approval and includes Fox’s movie studios, networks Nat Geo and FX, Asian pay-TV operator Star TV, and stakes in Sky, Endemol Shine Group and Hulu, as well as regional sports networks.

    Comcast is already taking steps to clearly stake its claim to the prized 21C Fox assets.  Roberts in a letter addressed to Rupert, Lachlan and James Murdoch stated that his company was going ahead with filing a preliminary proxy statement with the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) in opposition to the Disney merger proposal. He added that Comcast had been “advised this is necessary to be in a position to be able to communicate with your shareholders directly regarding the votes they are being asked to cast on 10 July We hope this is precautionary only, as we expect to work together to reach an agreement over the next several days.”

    The Comcast  offer comes a day after a US district judge Richrd Leon  approved AT&T’s $85 billion bid for Time Warner. Leon emphatically thumbed down the government’s claim that AT&T/Time Warner would be anti-competitive and harm consumers. Roberts who had already announced last month that his company would make an offer post the regulatory go ahead from the US law makers for the AT&T- Time Warner transaction.

    Most observers are expecting The Walt Disney Co to up the ante by bettering its bid possibly flagging off a bidding war.

    Roberts in a conference call with investment analysts said that Fox’s assets are financially attractive. “Fox is an outstanding company which has done an outstanding aggregating content and distribution on a global basis,” he said. “This transaction offers a good chance to add these complimentary assets to our existing NBC Universal portfolio laying the foundation for many group opportunities. We have a proven track record of integrating companies, investing in them and growing them. And we can do that for Fox assets.”

    Roberts was quite confident that Comcast’s proposed transaction will obtain all necessary regulatory clearances in a timely manner and that “the transaction is as or more likely to receive them than the Disney transaction. Accordingly, we are offering the same regulatory commitments as the ones 21CF has already obtained from Disney, including the same $2.5 billion reverse termination fee agreed to by Disney. To further evidence our commitment, we also are offering to reimburse the $1.525 billion break-up fee to be paid by you to Disney, for a total cost to Comcast of $4.025 billion, in the highly unlikely scenario that our transaction does not close because we fail to obtain all necessary regulatory approvals.”

    During the conference call. Roberts added that the acquisition of Fox’s assets would expand Comcast’s core businesses to new markets and give it leadership position in four of the markets of the US, the UK, India and Latin America. Also the third most valued media company’s  international revenue contribution to its top line would rise from nine percent to 27 per cent following the digestion of Fox assets. Distribution platforms  such as Tata Sky, Sky, Fox and X1 would accrue to its portfolio giving the company a collective customer relationship of 53 million. Additionally, OTT platforms such as Hotstar, Hulu, NowTV,and Fox Plus would help give it more content and revenue leverage.

    Roberts has urged the Murdochs to make haste as its merger proposal with Disney is coming up for shareholder vote on 10 July. And he has pointed that  “there should not be any meaningful difference in the timing of the U.S. antitrust review between a Comcast and Disney transaction.”

    Comcast CFO Michael Cavanagh told investment analysts that the media gianthad enough financial muscle on its balance sheet to be able to finance and see through the transaction quickly- within 12 months of signing. He pointed out that he expected cost synergies of $2billion to be realised post merger, keeping in mind that Comcast will acquire 100 per cent of Sky, He explained  that he expected the deal to add to the proforma company’s free cash flow per share and earnings per share. Cavanagh expected the company’s debt to be at four times net debt EBIDTA in 2019.

    Roberts told investors that he was waiting for a revert from the Murdochs and the Fox board. He also stated that he has known them for a long time and that “there was disappointment when 21CF decided to enter into a transaction with The Walt Disney Company, even though we had offered a meaningfully higher price.”

    Meanwhile, late in the day, Fox acknowledged that it had received a new offer from Comcast and in keeping with its fidicuary duties the Fox board said it will carefully review it.

    It added that it hasn’t decided whetther it would postpone or adjourn the 10 July meeting to vote on the Disney proposal. 

    It’s over to the Murdochs and The Walt Disney Co. 

  • Swati Mohan quits Nat Geo, to join Netflix

    Swati Mohan quits Nat Geo, to join Netflix

    MUMBAI: Nat Geo and Fox Networks Group India country head Swati Mohan is serving her notice period that ends in June. She will be joining global streaming platform Netflix as marketing director.

    Under her leadership, Nation Geographic underwent a rebranding exercise in 2016, wherein, among other things, ‘Channel’ was dropped from the nomen clature. This was a part of a global exercise that took place. Earlier this year, lifestyle channel Fox Life also got a brand and content refresh in order to remain in tune with the changes in the category.

    Mohan has over 16 years of experience in the industry, with a wide spectrum of work across companies, including Group M, O&M, FBC Media and Endemol.

    Recently, Netflix also appointed Srishti Behl as director, international originals, Netflix India, in order to build its original content portfolio in the country.

    Also Read:

    Netflix hires Shrishti Behl to build original Indian slate

    Tata Sky brings Netflix content for customers

  • 2017 for infotainment and lifestyle channels

    2017 for infotainment and lifestyle channels

    MUMBAI: The infotainment and lifestyle genres can’t compete with GECs when it comes to ratings but that doesn’t dampen the spirits of channel heads. New shows are constantly launched to engage the tight community of viewers that channels in the category command.

    According to Broadcast Audience Research Council (BARC) data, the lifestyle genre managed to grab more attention than the infotainment genre in 2017. There was a 15 per cent growth in the year 2017 as compared to the previous year. Infotainment genre had garnered 17.6 million impressions in the year 2016, whereas in 2017 the ratings increased to 20.2 million impressions. In 2016, the lifestyle genre had 4.2 million impressions and in 2017 it had 5.2 million impressions. Lifestyle segment grew by 24 per cent, which is more than the infotainment segment’s 15 per cent growth.

    Discovery managed to hold on to its strong position with an effective programming line-up. Sony, in partnership with BBC, launched Sony BBC Earth. The latest entrant in the market fared quite well whereas the other infotainment channels fought steadfastly, refusing to give an inch away.

    In the lifestyle category, food is what got Indian audiences drooling with Living Foodz giving others a hard time in displacing it from the throne. 

    Let’s delve into what infotainment and lifestyle channels did last year and see how they entertained audiences.

    INFOTAINMEN

    Discovery

    Discovery Channel India had enough shows lined-up for the whole year. The channel premiered Christiano Ronaldo– The world at his feet and Sleeping Giant– An Indian football story, as well as Taking Fire- live from Afghanistan-a story of a band of brothers deployed to defend one of the US’ farthest fling outposts at the gateway to one of the deadliest places on earth: the mouth of the Taliban-held Korengal Valley in Northeast Afghanistan.

    The channel aired a special short capsule feature series highlighting the work done under Namami Gange programme during Independence Day. A four-episode series Breaking Point: Commando School Belgaum gave viewers a glimpse of the thirty-five days gruelling course that the officers must undergo to be a part of India’s elite commando force. The series has been produced by Sparkle Works Films.

    HistoryTV18

    History TV18, a JV between TV18 and A+E Networks, came up with OMG! Yeh Mera India by Krushna Abhishek again-the third season showcasing another set of unique stories from across India such as an orphanage for animals like leopards, jackals, crocodile and porcupines, a barber who cuts and styles hair by igniting it with a gas lighter and a physically challenged ace-cyclist.

    The network also launched Serial Killer Earth was a 10-part series that explored mother nature while Barbarians Rising was an epic saga of the fall of the Roman Empire. History TV18 also launched a weekly video series– BossWomen to tell stories of Indian women, with an aim to collaborate, create and celebrate positive, inspirational, lesser-known, role model worthy women of India.

    Sony BBC Earth

    Launched in March 2017, Sony BBC Earth came up with many shows—Taj Mahal, Eiffel Tower, Big Ben, Sydney Harbour Bridge, Monumental Challenge etc. Also premiered were Spy in the Wild and three other shows—Extreme Mountain challenge, Extreme River challenge and-Deadly 60- Pole to Pole featuring Steve Backshall.

    LIFESTYLE

    Living Foodz

    The channel partnered All Things Nice, a wine and spirits consultancy, for the fifth edition of celebrating India’s finest to recognise the winners of the Indian Wine Consumer’s Choice Awards 2017 in association with lifestyle partner Living Foodz.

    Utsav-Thalis of India takes viewers on a journey across 18 cities and offers a peek into India’s rich culinary heritage. The show explores each region and unravels fascinating anecdotes about its people, the regional delicacies, local ingredients. 

    Another show that grabbed eyeballs during the year for the channel was Femme Foodies. Conceptualised in-house by Living Foodz, the show is based on the unique concept of ‘gourmet on wheels’.  

    FYI TV18

    This year, FYI TV18 launched a wedding-based show My Big Bollywood Wedding, exploring behind the scenes settings of the traditional and modern in today’s ‘Bollywood’ wedding culture amongst Indian – Americans. Small Budget Big Makeover featured the stories of different families across India and each makeover unravelled the story behind the change.

    TLC

    The network owned by Discovery Communications, focussing on educational and learning content, premiered a bold new short-format series The Poetist,— aiming to give a platform to leading female artists from across sections of society to use their art to express and stand up for what they believe in.

    Travelxp

    The network opened a window in 2017 for the viewers of Slovakia Czech Republic and Germany, through its fully localised launch on Slovak Telekom. Travelxp is already fully localised in Serbian and Croatian apart from the primary English feed.

    Viewers weren’t short of new shows to pick from this year. Let the appetite keep growing in 2018 as well.