ITV

Tag: National Geographic Channel

  • Tour De India announces John Abraham as its brand ambassador

    Tour De India announces John Abraham as its brand ambassador

     As Godrej Eon Tour De India races ahead in its second edition, the property is ready to deliver the ultimate punch of dynamism and energy with the brand ambassador. The cycling event in the country which is being promoted by Maharashtra Cycling Association, Tourism Ministry, UCI, Cycling Federation of India (CFI) and ID Sports has announced John Abraham as its brand ambassador.

     

    John, who recently made to headlines for becoming a brand ambassador for National Geographic Channel, is making all the right moves.  

     

    John’s quintessential blend of challenging his own limits make him an ideal connect with Tour De India, which stands to believe ‘You are the Engine’. Godrej Eon Tour De India has shot an advertising campaign that showcases your vigor to ride a cycle. With John Abraham as the new face, Godrej Eon Tour De India is reinforcing its strong bond and connects with cycling enthusiasts through creativity, commerce, education and technology.

     

    Speaking ahead of the race 2013, ID Sports chairman and managing director Akil Khan exults: “Committed to drive participation and aiming to make cycling, a national sport, Godrej Eon Tour de India in 2013 could not be more proud to welcome John into the Godrej Eon Tour De India family. In the first year of Godrej Eon Tour de India we saw celebrity grand prix at F1 Circuit and this year we are excited about John being a part. John symbolises all that Godrej Eon Tour De India stands for.”

    He further adds: “He is a representation with intelligence, grace and a trendsetter who has always stood by his passion for sports along with an incredible blend of warmth with a vivaciousness and untiring charm. His connect with the common man and the highest segment of personalities shows his incredible versatility and makes him fit seamlessly into Godrej Eon Tour De India.”

     

    Expressing his excitement, John Abraham asserts: “It is a pleasure to lend myself to India’s noisiest and biggest cycling event that makes its presence felt. Godrej Eon Tour De India (TDI) stands for redefining the evolution of cycling and it is a great privilege for me to be associated with it. I tend to endorse brands very selectively as I need to relate to the brand and believe in it in my heart.”

    Godrej Eon Tour De India’s new campaign underlying ethos is about the spirit of the multi-faceted achiever who is the best in the world and hence deserves the best of all that the world has to offer. It deals with all the attributes associated with John which act as a representative of this changing face of the Indian youth be it health, sporting spirit or enjoyment. Moving forward ID Sports will be announcing the presenting sponsor soon.

  • NGC to air one hour long documentary on the natural calamity in Uttarakhand

    NGC to air one hour long documentary on the natural calamity in Uttarakhand

    NEW DELHI: National Geographic Channel is known for inspiring its viewers and satisfying the innate curiosity through its innovative shows that challenge what we know and how we perceive our world. NGC has created award winning documentaries that capture events with a global impact such as the Indian Ocean Tsunami, Bhopal Gas Tragedy & Hurricane Sandy through shows like “Seconds from Disaster” & “Trapped”. These special documentaries go beyond the headlines, explore deep inside the events leading up to the catastrophe as well its aftermath and humanise the tragedy through personal accounts of survival & loss.

     

    NGC is now producing a special documentary on the recent natural calamity in Uttarakhand, which will attempt to understand why this happened and how it happened. The documentary would take viewers back to the initial terrifying moments of the catastrophe and also the rescue and evacuation efforts spearheaded by the Armed Forces, with insights from valorous soldiers who rescued thousands of trapped civilians. It would also showcase interviews with experts and scientists who will shed light on the entire disaster. As the nation still struggles to come to terms with the destructive flood that washed away everything in its path, the documentary would track the events as it unfolded.

     

    Commenting on the documentary, Fox International Channels VP content programming Swati Mohan said, “The floods in Uttarkhand are extremely unfortunate and have once again unraveled our helplessness when faced by nature’s wrath. The mass devastation and destruction caused is appalling. Through this documentary we intend to look into the calamity from multiple points of view. From exploring factors that led to the flood, to looking at the mammoth task of recovery and rehabilitation that lies ahead – the documentary will provide our viewers a deeper and better understanding of the ‘Himalayan Tsunami’.”

  • Comcast in distribution pact with Fox Networks

    Comcast in distribution pact with Fox Networks

    MUMBAI: Comcast Corporation and Fox Networks (FN) have reached an agreement for a new distribution pact to deliver Fox Broadcasting’s (Fox) and Fox Television Stations’ (FTS) wide array of entertainment, sports and local news content to Comcast Xfinity TV customers across televisions, computers, smartphones, tablets, gaming consoles and internet-enabled televisions.

    The renewal supports the companies’ mutual goal to deliver the most popular video content to customers across multiple platforms.

    The agreement provides video service to nearly 22 million Xfinity TV customers of both live and on demand programming from 20 FTS broadcast stations (13 Fox and 7 MyNet) as well as FX, FX Movie Channel, SPEED, Fuel TV, Fox Soccer, National Geographic Channel, Nat Geo Wild, MundoFox, Fox Deportes, and Fox Business Network.

    Financial terms were not disclosed. However, the agreement also includes a framework for both companies to continue to collaborate on new multiplatform offerings so that the companies can take advantage of new technologies and programming through the life of the deal, including Comcast’s advanced advertising and ad systems integration services.

    There are also longer-term plans to make available next-day full episode streaming of select Fox programming online to authenticated Xfinity TV customers for viewing whenever and however they wish to access them.

    In addition to live and on demand streaming, authenticated Xfinity TV customers will soon be able to access long-form, full episodes on Fox Now – a suite of TV apps across multiple digital platforms that are designed to provide Fox viewers with enhanced interactive and social capabilities around their favorite Fox shows.

    “This unprecedented TV Everywhere agreement enables us to take advantage of the innovative technologies and platforms we’ve developed to deliver the best content to our customers,” said Greg Rigdon, EVP, Content Acquisition for Comcast Cable. “Together with Fox, thanks to the leadership of Peter Rice, Mike Hopkins and his team, for the first time we are unlocking the value of some of Fox’s best content by making it available to Xfinity TV customers through new applications and devices.”

    Added Fox Networks President Distribution Mike Hopkins, “Neil Smit, Greg Rigdon and their team are on the cutting edge of the burgeoning ‘TV Everywhere’ space and were great partners throughout this process. This agreement will bring Fox’s brands and content to Xfinity TV customers on all platforms and we are excited to begin this journey with Comcast.”

  • Steve Askew exits Star, Laureen Ong appointed COO

    Steve Askew exits Star, Laureen Ong appointed COO

    MUMBAI: Confirming news that has been doing the rounds for a while now, Star has announced that its long serving COO Steve Askew has resigned from the company. Replacing Askew as chief operating officer is Laureen Ong, whose appointment is effective June.

    A company release issued today cites the reasons for Askew’s departure as personal.

    Star chief operating officer Laureen Ong

    Ong joins Star from National Geographic Channel where she was the founding president of the network, having spearheaded the 2001 launch of NGC.

    Prior to launching National Geographic Channel, Ong served for two years as vice president and general manager of WTTG-TV in Washington where she was the first Asian-American woman to lead a top 10 market affiliate. Ong also helped launch SportsVision in Chicago, where she served for seven years eventually becoming executive producer and VP broadcasting for the World Series-winning Chicago White Sox baseball team (in which she continues to hold an ownership stake).

    Speaking about Askew’s exit Star CEO Paul Aiello said, “Steve has been with Star for over 10 years and has played a key leadership role in virtually every aspect of our operations. He has been an instrumental force in shaping the company and growing it from a relatively small broadcaster into the industry leader it is today. We thank Steve for his tremendous contributions and wish him all the best in his future endeavors.”

  • Sushmita Sen, Ashley Judd in National Geographic documentary

    Sushmita Sen, Ashley Judd in National Geographic documentary

    MUMBAI: Bollywood actor and Miss Universe Sushmita Sen will join Hollywood actor Ashley Judd in a documentary on National Geographic channel to raise global awareness on HIV/AIDS. The NGC shoot will take place in the month of March when Ashley Judd comes to India. Judd is the PSI Global Ambassador.

    The documentary will explore why women are particularly vulnerable to HIV infection and to increase awareness of the affliction.

    PSI/India managing director Tim McLellan said, “We are honoured that Sushmita Sen has agreed to partner Ashley Judd in this documentary film for National Geographic channel. She is known for her commitment to women empowerment and this film is all about women empowerment and HIV/Aids awareness.”

    PSI/India is a not-for-profit organization working in the areas of health & women’s empowerment. It uses social marketing to achieve positive behaviour change through the promotion of ideas, products and services conducive to better health. PSI/India is also an active partner in the government’s contraceptive social marketing program

  • NGC unleashes ‘Fists of Fury’ next month

    NGC unleashes ‘Fists of Fury’ next month

    MUMBAI: National Geographic Channel will next month kick of a new show Fists of Fury. It will offer viewers a journey into the world of Martial Arts.

    The show aims to give viewers an insight into what is martial art myth and what is not, an insight into what it takes to be a martial arts champion, a countdown of the best killing weapons, revealing the reality behind the deadly martial arts using scientific breakthroughs and gripping footage.

    The show premieres on 12 February, 2007 at 10 pm. The show looks at the deadly weapons and daring warriors that have shaped legend, confounded science and astounded the world. Viewers will discover how exotic weapons are designed to kill in gruesome ways, marvel at the sheer power of the human body tested to its limits, and admire the hidden strength of a Samurai sword. Learn the secrets of martial arts’ mysterious past-and meet the face of its inspiring future.
    NGC India senior VP programming Joy Bhattacharjya said, ” Fists of Fury promises to make our viewers rethink the abilities of the most lethal weapon in the world – the human body. It is an action-packed look at some of the most ancient deadly arts, which brings to light the science behind the legends we have read about and seen in the movies. The series is sure to get every person with any interest in Martial Arts completely hooked.”

    The series will feature 10 films. They include Fight Science 1 and 2, Kung Fu Monk and Samurai Sword.

    NGC India VP marketing Rajesh Sheshadri says, “Fists of Fury is a truly sensational offering, which takes a look at Martial Arts from every possible angle. Can you kill with a single blow? What is the most potent weapon? To what it takes to win a kick-fighting championship and how a Shaolin Monk disciple is transforming an ancient Eastern tradition into a stunning Western sensation and lots more. We have a superb line-up of episodes as part of the series and are planning some exciting promotions to provide a 360 degree experience to our viewers and advertising partners.”

  • StarHub launches HDTV in Singapore

    StarHub launches HDTV in Singapore

    MUMBAI: Singapore, through pay TV platform StarHub, is the first country in Southeast Asia to launch High Definition Television (HDTV).

    This launch follows StarHub’s successful HDTV trial that kicked off with the 2006 Fifa World Cup on 10 June 2006 and ended at the close of the year. During this trial, 1000 StarHub Digital Cable customers enjoyed all 64 World Cup matches as well as quality programmes from Discovery and National Geographic Channel in full high-definition (HD) splendour.

    With HDTV, StarHub says that viewers can expect up to four times greater picture clarity. The 16:9 screen ratio will also provide a panoramic view that can be up to 33 per cent more than what they can enjoy on the standard 4:3 TV screen. As many HD programmes contain Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound, viewers with a Dolby Digital Home Theatre system can also be treated to superior audio quality, not unlike the quality available at the cinemas.

    In addition to an enhanced audio and visual experience, customers using the HD set-top box will also enjoy all innovative features that users of StarHub’s digital set-top box currently have access to. These include the Onscreen TV Guide, Programme Alert, Auto-Tune, Video Mosaic, Info Bar, Quick Surf, Chat, access to Demand TV and complimentary FunZone games.

    StarHub president and CEO Terry Clontz says, “We are very excited about our HDTV launch, and are proud that we are the first operator in Southeast Asia to introduce the service.

    “StarHub is constantly enhancing its customers’ TV viewing experience. Our introductions of Digital Cable in 2004, Demand TV in 2005 and Smart TV in 2006 are examples of how we give customers more control over what they watch, and when they watch their favourite programmes. And who knows, maybe someday we can even give customers choice on where they can view their favourite programmes too. ”

    With StarHub’s launch of its HDTV service, a new content group named “HD Plus” will be introduced. HD Plus, with a subscription fee of $15 comprises two new HD channels – Discovery HD and National Geographic Channel (NGC) HD.

    Clontz adds, “Discovery and National Geographic Channel are longtime content partners of StarHub, and both are very well-known for their production of high-quality programmes. We know that our customers will be delighted with the quality of the content, and with the superior viewing experience that HDTV brings.”

    Discovery HD Channel showcases on the channel include science, world culture, natural history, wildlife, engineering, travel and lifestyle.

    Discovery Asia MD, executive VP Tom Keaveny says, “Discovery is once again happy to be pioneering HD. We were the first international HD channel to launch in Japan in 2005, and with this launch in Singapore, Discovery HD is now available in 15 international markets and over nine million households. Discovery is committed to providing our viewers with the highest quality content available and Discovery HD will deliver an audio and visual experience that is richer, deeper and more expansive than ever before”.

    NGC HD takes viewers into the heart of the action from science, the modern world and investigations to lost cultures and natural history, National Geographic Channel in high definition will bring viewers unique insights, groundbreaking new findings and unforgettable television experience.

    NGC International executive VP, group MD– Asia PacificWard Platt said, “Today is a heartwarming moment as we witness the launch of the brand new National Geographic Channel HD in Singapore. We congratulate Singapore and StarHub for being the most innovative country and the first operator in Southeast Asia to launch a commercial high-definition television service. Singapore viewers can now truly enjoy National Geographic Channel’s unsurpassed quality programming and compelling stories in stunning visuals and cinematic surround sound.”

    Consumers must subscribe to a minimum of three Basic Groups and HD Plus, and own StarHub’s HD set-top box and a HD-ready TV set in order to enjoy StarHub’s new HDTV service.

  • Miditech production Super Cyclone premieres on National Geographic

    Miditech production Super Cyclone premieres on National Geographic

    MUMBAI: Super Cyclone produced by Miditech is set to premiere on the National Geographic Channel on 20 January at 9 pm.

    The documentary tracks file footage of never seen before devastation, powerful recreations and first person accounts. It studies this catastrophe closely, which accounted for more than 10,000 deaths and made millions homeless. The documentary builds on conclusive evidence that the toll on human life was a result of inadequate prediction of the cyclone’s landfall and intensity, as wrong areas were evacuated.

    Produced for global telecast, Super Cyclone chases cyclones along India’s coast, Australia and US Air Force base in Guam to meet scientists working on early cyclone prediction says Miditech vice president documentaries Pria Somiah. The documentary suggests that early warnings will help evacuate and reduce the effects of cyclones along vulnerable and highly populated coastal areas.

    Super Cyclone has been directed by Animitra Chakravarty and follows Nuncio Murukesh, a researcher from the Indian Institute of Oceanography who is mapping a potential cyclone in the Eastern coast of India. The film moves between scientific research in the Pacific shores of Guam and chasing cyclones in Queensland, Australia and India.

  • News Corp, Nielsen sign eight-year contract

    News Corp, Nielsen sign eight-year contract

    MUMBAI: Nielsen Media Research and US media conglomerate News Corp have announced an eight-year agreement under which Nielsen will provide audience measurement services for 49 News Corp. television entities.

    The pact consolidates more than 150 individual agreements between the companies. Financial terms were not disclosed.ovie channels.

    News Corp executive VP corporate affairs Gary Ginsberg says, “This agreement, which was more than a year in the making, affords us much greater efficiencies and simplicity in our relationship with Nielsen. We are very pleased to put our differences with Nielsen behind us and to usher in a new era of constructive and even deeper relations between our two companies.
    “Nielsen’s willingness to take concrete and ongoing steps to ensure that its measurement systems accurately count all viewers was critical to achieving this deal.”

    Nielsen Media Research senior VP business strategy Dave Thomas says, “In an era of digital television and multiple delivery platforms, we believe it makes sense for our clients to take an integrated approach for audience measurement.

    “News Corp. has long been a valued Nielsen client and we have worked tirelessly for months to craft a landmark agreement ensuring that Nielsen will continue to provide News Corp. with the highest quality measurement services for their many television platforms.”

    News Corp entities and affiliates covered under the agreement include Fox, Fox News Channel, FX, Speed, National Geographic Channel, Fox Soccer Channel, Fox Sports Net, Fox Sports en Espanol, DirecTV, Twentieth Television and Twentieth Century Fox Film Corporation.

    Nielsen Media Research also will provide News Corp with local television audience estimates for 35 Fox-owned local television stations, including Local People Meter (LPM) service for Fox television stations in markets measured by LPMs.

    As part of the agreement, Nielsen is investing approximately $50 million in programs designed to enhance the response rates of participants in its samples, with special emphasis on younger demographics and communities of color.

    Nielsen adds that it will continue its successful community outreach programs that include a variety of initiatives that promote broader awareness of the company and its role in the television industry.

  • IHC and the NGC invites entries for ‘Award for Habitat Young Visionary 2007’

    IHC and the NGC invites entries for ‘Award for Habitat Young Visionary 2007’

    MUMBAI: India Habitat Centre in association with National Geographic Channel has invited entries for the fourth annual ‘Award for Habitat Young Visionary 2007’ to be held on 30 January 2007.

    The undergraduate students from across the country can participate in the award.

    The Habitat Young Visionary Award encourages the youth to ‘Think again’ about the world they live in and share their horizons with cross sections of civil society on the IHC platform. This programme is open to all undergraduate students across India and hopes to be the first step in catalyzing the process of vision formation amongst youth.

    The Habitat Young Visionary Award involves submission of a 1500 words essay in English or Hindi on specified topics in the first stage. Based on the essay, fifteen participants will be short listed for the semifinals and would be required to elaborate and defend their vision before a panel of eminent judges. Out of this, five participants will be chosen for the finale.

    The idea of the award is not to test the oratorical aptitude of the participants but to identify cogent and novel solutions germinating in their minds to the issues faced by our country. The last date for submission of entries is 30 October 2006.

    Speaking about the unique initiative, VP – Marketing, National Geographic Channel India, Rajesh Sheshadri, said, “Through this unique effort of the India Habitat Centre, and our partnership with them, we want to reach out to the youth, which is the think tank for our future and inspire a spirit of creativity and innovative thinking”.

    “This award is a part of our conscious effort to initiate a process wherein young minds while engaged in the pursuit of academic excellence, need to dwell on the concerns of the country as a part of their perspective. With our partners, the National Geographic Channel, we look forward to encourage the youth to initiate the thought process for the change they can lead for a better society”, commented IHC Director Raj Liberhan.

    The gratification that comes with the award is also in true ‘Think again’ style and provides the finalists, unique opportunities that can shape their future. The winner of the award will get to attend a fully paid summer programme sponsored by the India Habitat Centre at the Cambridge University. The first runner-up will get a unique internship opportunity with the National Geographic Channel and the other three finalists will get a chance to intern with an established NGO.

    Participation and Selection Procedure

    Stage 1:

    Write a 1500 words essay in English or Hindi on any one of the given topics:

    1) What I do for a living is more important than how much I earn
    2) The future is ugly, we need to act now
    3) Our strengths today will shape a better tomorrow
    4) Mediocrity to excellence – Way to get there
    5) India – 60 years young and ready to go

    The essay should be the synopsis of a larger, realistic and practical vision. All entries should be typed in double space or A4 size paper. The participant is also required to enclose his / her CV in about 250 words and a bonafide certificate from the institution / college.

    Entries should reach before October 30, 2006 at the following address: Director’s office, 6th Floor, Core 5A, India Habitat Centre, Lodhi Road, New Delhi – 110003 or can be e-mailed at: ihc@vsnl.com

    Stage 2:

    Fifteen participants will be short listed for the semifinals to be held on December 4, 2006 in Delhi. The semifinalists will be asked to elaborate and defend their vision before a reputed panel of judges.

    Stage 3:

    Five participants will be short listed for the finals to be held on January 30, 2007 at India Habitat Centre, Delhi.