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Tag: Travel Channel

  • Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Soudah Development & Warner Bros Discovery International sign partnership to promote Soudah Peaks’ rich heritage

    Mumbai: Soudah Development and Warner Bros. Discovery International signed a one-year partnership agreement to promote and celebrate the distinctive nature, culture, and heritage of Soudah and parts of Rijal Almaa, a region situated in southwest Saudi Arabia. This collaboration will focus on raising awareness of Soudah Peaks – an upcoming luxury mountain tourism destination set 3,015 meters above sea level, on the highest peak in Saudi Arabia – and showcase its unparalleled beauty and diversity to a global audience.

    The partnership agreement entails the production of three short-form documentaries that will highlight Soudah’s natural landscapes, cultural heritage, ancestral traditions, architectural aesthetics, local community and its wide range of unparalleled offerings including historical sites and monuments.

    These short forms will be airing this summer across Europe, US, Middle East, Africa, and India on WBD’s TV channels Discovery Channel, Travel Channel and Eurosport 1 and 2. Additionally, the short forms will air on digital across Discovery Youtube channel, on VOX MEDIA’s social networks and Discovery Channel Weibo in China.

    Soudah Development CEO Eng Saleh Aloraini commented on the partnership: “We are delighted to join forces with Warner Bros. Discovery to unveil the exceptional beauty and cultural significance of the Soudah region, along with the Saudi Arabia, on a global scale. This collaboration marks a pivotal step in our endeavor to position Soudah as a unique luxury mountain tourism destination, and we are confident that it will captivate travelers from around the world.”

    The Soudah region is home to a variety of fauna and flora, varied topography, and unique agricultural practices such as beekeeping, all of which will be highlighted in the content produced.

    Warner Bros Discovery, sports & lifestyle international brand partnerships head Mike Rich said: “Partnering with Soudah Development presents an exciting opportunity for us to showcase the unique appeal of the Soudah region through our influential media platforms. We are thrilled to bring captivating stories of Soudah’s natural wonders and cultural heritage to our viewers. We eagerly anticipate a successful collaboration ahead.”

  • Discovery & Scripps reported to be discussing merger

    MUMBAI: Media companies Scripps Networks and Discovery Communications are reportedly in merger talks, supposedly revisiting a probable deal that did not materialise around three years ago.

    Channels of Scripps, which has a market value around US$ 8.8 billion, are — HGTV, Travel Channel and a significant major stake in Food Network. It has been seeking a purchaser when it is under pressure to grow, Reuters reported sources as saying. Discovery, which has around US$ 15 billion market value, telecasts a channel by the same name, as well as others such as Animal Planet and TLC, the WSJ added.

    Reuters sources added that Viacom Inc also was in discussion to buy Scripps. All three companies denied comment.

    A deal between Scripps and Discovery may lead to creation of a US$19-billion cable network that primarily concentrates on non-scripted shows.

    Discovery CEO David Zaslav had said that there were discussions about potential deals at a time when broadband and cable companies were merging and need content to de-commoditise and differentiate that pipe. RBC Capital Markets’ Steven Cahall had said that a combination of the non-fiction programmers made good sense.

    Also Read :

    Scripps TV looks for opportunities to grow, seeks to extend debt maturity

    Scripps Network not to renew deal with Netflix

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

  • Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Scripps Networks leads pay-TV lifestyle programming, brand affinity: Study

    Singapore: In a recent pay-TV study of viewer behaviors and lifestyle habits in Asia-Pacific, Scripps Networks Interactive found its channel portfolio significantly outranked its competitors in the food, home and travel lifestyle categories. The channels, which include Asian Food Channel, Food Network, HGTV and Travel Channel, have a highly engaged audience, who have an affinity to lifestyle brands and content. They are more receptive to advertisers, trusting the channels as an authority in the lifestyle ahead of other pay-TV networks.

    “It is without a doubt that our channels offer a unique proposition for clients looking to break through today’s competitive media landscape to form meaningful relationships with their consumers,” said Derek Chang, Head of International Lifestyle Channels, Scripps Networks Interactive. “The results of the study confirm our audiences are up-scale, affluent, and engaged in both lifestyle programming and its associated products, be that in their kitchen, home or in the holiday they choose.”

    The study, which was commissioned by Scripps Networks in Singapore and conducted by Kadence International, surveyed more than 4,000 respondents, 25-55 year olds who frequently watch lifestyle programming in Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan, Thailand and Vietnam.

    Survey highlights include:

    Asian Food Channel (AFC):
    • AFC is 47% more likely to be recognized by viewers for local Asian food and cooking content than its channel competitors

    • 50% of AFC viewers visited a restaurant, city or destination featured during a show as compared to 28% of other pay-TV viewers

    HGTV:
    • 87% of HGTV viewers have performed some form of renovation in the past 12 months as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • HGTV inspires viewers and is their go-to channel for all things renovation, taking the lead when it comes to topics such as “Home Renovations” (47%), “DIY Renovations” (46%) and “House Hunting” (45%)

    Food Network (FN):
    • 91% of FN viewers are willing to pay more for quality ingredients and meals

    • FN has a 31% lead against the nearest competitor channel as being one that presents inspirational cooking content

    Travel Channel:
    • 87% of Travel Channel viewers are likely to travel to a destination featured on a travel show as compared to 69% other pay-TV viewers

    • 74% of Travel Channel viewers agree that advertisements are a good way for them to learn about new products

    * This study was conducted between April and June 2016. It combined over 4,000 online interviews and 12 group discussions with 25 to 55 year old lifestyle and general entertainment channel viewers across Asia.

  • “Carriage fees make the market place beyond reach in India”: Derek Chang

    “Carriage fees make the market place beyond reach in India”: Derek Chang

    Shy and reserved is what you could use to describe him. Open minded is another term. But Scripps Networks Interactive (SNI) managing director of APAC operations Derek Chang is far from shy about growing his network of lifestyle oriented content for TV and internet in the region.

     

    Chang has delved in all parts of the media industry with companies such as DirecTV, Charter Communications, The Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network, GlobalCenter and TCI Communications/AT&T Broadband.

     

    While SNI has successfully created niche content in the US, it has yet to enter India and Chang is well aware of the restrictions and regulations of the country. His network produces over 2000 hours of original lifestyle programming annual put out on channels Food Network, HGTV, Travel Channel, DIY Network, Cooking Channel and Great American Country.

     

    In a freewheeling chat with indiantelevision.com’s Sandhya Sutodia, on the sidelines of Indian Digital Operators’ Summit (IDOS) 2014, Chang spoke about the network’s future plans to grow itself in the country and the region.

     

     

     

    What is the spread of SNI in Asia Pacific?

     

    Scripps Networks owns and operates four channels across the Asia Pacific region including Asian Food Channel, Food Network, Travel Channel and HGTV, which will be launched at the end of the year. HGTV will debut on StarHub in Singapore as the first regional channel dedicated to the growing home and lifestyle category in Asia. Our preparations for the launch of the channel are very simple. Talks are on with distributors to launch it across the whole of Asia along with other operators. Scripps Networks launched HGTV in the US 20 years ago, and the network has grown markedly since then. It is now the number one upscale network for women. We have seen an increasing demand for high-quality lifestyle content all around the world and are excited to continue the HGTV brand’s global expansion, starting with the Asian region.  

     

    How do you market the channels in APAC?

     

    We work with distribution partners to help market our products. They help us market our product and run events in creating interests, on air promotion for our content. I am responsible for designing and executing growth strategies in the Asia Pacific region for Food Network and Travel Channel, both of which are available to viewers in selected Asian markets. My focus is on leveraging the Scripps brand across all distribution platforms in the region as well as managing regional programming and marketing strategies.

     

    Scripps Networks Interactive has ambitious goals to significantly broaden its presence in Asia, including wider distribution of our lifestyle brands and programming capabilities.

     

    How important is the APAC region for the company? What is your model of operation?

     

    We originated in US and that is the most significant market for us. Now we are investing globally and nationally. Right now the US contributes most of the revenue to the company. Asia Pacific is a wholly owned subsidiary of the US based company and contributes a small per cent to the overall international business. Asia Pacific is a small business. We have not set any targets from this market yet. However we see attractive growth opportunities.  In the UK, our channel UKTV is a 50:50 JV with BBC Worldwide. In Canada, we have a partnership with Shaw Media. In some places we work in partnerships and it is not always necessarily a subsidiary of the US-based company.

     

    Are you looking at any such partnerships in India?

     

    We are evaluating our strategy in Asia and in India too. It depends on how we see the potential market and the success model. The potential market has its own characteristics and challenges and we have faith in our brands and content.

     

    Content is what drives the media industry across the world but in India it is not yet content. Are you looking at increasing your advertising subscription?

     

    Yes, we try to increase our advertising subscription wherever we work. With growing demand for high quality home lifestyle entertainment in Asia, we keep looking for better revenues.

     

    How do you view the digitisation drive in India?

     

    It seems to me that India has been talking about digitisation from quite some time. And the industry is addressing all the challenges. Executives with lots of experience pointed out the challenges at the IDOS sessions. Slow work but yet progress is there.

     

    Carriage fees is a factor that is crippling Indian broadcasters? How would you deal with it?

     

    I have not experienced it yet so I would not be able to comment on it well. The hope is that it goes down and that would reduce one of the barriers for us. We have a unique situation here as it increases the investment of programmers and broadcasters and it is a challenge. It makes the market place beyond reach for many. We have to believe that it will come down.

     

    Given the diversity of languages in India, what would be your choice of language when you enter?

     

    The content would be in English and after exploring other markets and if we feel that the content would be attractive to that particular market, we might think of other languages. We have not made any decision about what we want to do in India. We want to see the demographics first.

     

    Tell us something about existing Asian Food and Travel Channels?

    As a leader in lifestyle programming, Scripps Networks Interactive owns the food category in Asia with iconic lifestyle brands such as Asian Food Channel and Food Network. People are drawn here because of the rich food culture, and AFC (Asian Food Channels) is a platform that celebrates all that the region has to offer. AFC has built a strong viewership across Asia and we will continue to fulfill our viewers’ demands with new and exciting original content and initiatives, which is in line with plans to expand our presence in the region.

     

    They will serve the company well as we invest in the channels, work to broaden their distribution on all platforms, and explore new business relationships throughout the region.

     

    Tell us more about the programmes on HGTV?

    HGTV will premiere with a robust line up of top-rated programs about property, hybrid construction, design and extreme spaces. Hit programs such as Property Brothers, Kitchen Cousins and The High Low Project, will entertain and inspire viewers with fresh ideas and authentic stories on how to find and love their own dream home. As a continued commitment to cater to local audiences, Scripps Networks will also produce localised original short-form content exclusively for the launch of HGTV in Asia, based on the popular series, Extreme Homes.

  • Scripps Networks UK/EMEA acquires Travels with the Bondi Vet from Fred Media

    Scripps Networks UK/EMEA acquires Travels with the Bondi Vet from Fred Media

    MUMBAI: Chris Brown, one of TV’s best-known vets, is set to take viewers on a whole new adventure. The popular Aussie vet will be seen on Travel Channel, which has picked up his new series “Travels with the Bondi Vet” for Europe, Middle East and Africa.

     

    Chris originally appeared on the iconic “Bondi Vet” series in 2009. The show has been a long-running hit for Network TEN in Australia and for Animal Planet, Europe, where it is aired six nights a week. The show is now seen in 170 countries around the world including CBS in the United States.

     

    “Travels with the Bondi Vet” combines Dr. Chris’ passion for animals and travel. He shares hot springs with snow monkeys in Japan, goes to the edge of a volcano in Vanuatu, swims with whale sharks and survives a medieval battle.

     

    Fred Media’s newly appointed General Manager, Michael Aldrich says, “We are thrilled with the recent partnership with Travel Channel and excited about the future of this new series. “Bondi Vet” has been a great success for us internationally and we are confident that the host, Dr. Chris Brown will cross over into the travel-lifestyle space.”

     

    “We see this new partnership as an endorsement of this decision and are incredibly grateful for the support of such a respected broadcaster.” Scripps Networks UK/EMEA VP, Broadcasting, Steve Fright says, “Travels with the Bondi Vet” was a great match for Travel Channel culturally and shows potential as a renewable and popular series. It has been great to work with Fred and we think their new series will be a great addition to our schedule.”

     

    The program will be broadcast on multiple networks including BskyB, TV4 Sweden, TVB Hong Kong and A+E Networks Asia

  • New commissions for Travel Channel & Food Network U.K

    New commissions for Travel Channel & Food Network U.K

    MUMBAI: Scripps Networks International has commissioned new programming across Travel Channel and Food Network U.K., alongside announcing the launch of Food Network HD in Turkey.

     

    There are two new commissions for travel channel: Luxury Uncovered and Man Vs World (working title). Luxury Uncovered is hosted by Jenny Powell. She will go behind the scenes to reveal the secrets of service specialists worldwide, from first-class flights to world-renowned resorts.

     

    Man Vs World features Rob Bell, an engineer, triathlete and adventurer. He puts all of these qualities to the test in a series of unique travel challenges. Bell was recently seen on BBC’s Engineering Greats.

     

    Food Network’s new commission is Jenny Morris Cooks the Riviera. The series explores the tastes of the Mediterranean, with a particular focus on French and Italian cuisine.

     

    Scripps UK & EMEA senior VP of content and marketing Nick Thorogood said, “It’s fantastic to create original, dynamic programming relevant to so many of the territories we broadcast to and to showcase both new and established talent.”

     

    Scripps UK & EMEA VP of commissioning and original content Sue Walton added, “Yet again we have pushed our original programming to the limit. Glamour, danger and fantastic food equaling top-notch entertainment for all to enjoy across our channels.”

     

    Additionally, Scripps Networks International is bringing Food Network HD to Turkey for the first time. The channel will be fully versioned by August. Through an agreement with D-Smart, Food Network HD will be available to 700,000 subscribers in Turkey.

     

    “It’s great to see Scripps further expand its global footprint in such an important international territory,” said Scripps EMEA managing director Jon Sichel. “Food Network’s unique lifestyle programming will be an excellent addition to D?Smart’s channel lineup.”
     

  • Scripps Networks Interactive in deal with Amazon to stream lifestyle shows

    Scripps Networks Interactive in deal with Amazon to stream lifestyle shows

    MUMBAI: Online retail major Amazon.com has announced a content licensing agreement with Scripps Networks Interactive that will make Prime Instant Video a subscription home to hundreds of episodes from past seasons of TV shows from the Scripps family of brands: HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel.

    Prime members can instantly view hundreds of episodes of original programming, including ‘Rachael Ray‘s Week in a Day‘; ‘Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations‘; ‘Cupcake Wars‘; ‘Diners‘, ‘Drive-Ins and Dives‘, ‘Man v. Food‘ and ‘Yard Crashers‘.

    Many of the lifestyle programmes from Scripps will also be available for purchase and downloaded from Amazon Instant Video. Amazon Instant Video is a digital video streaming and download service that offers Amazon customers the ability to rent, purchase or subscribe to a catalogue of videos.

    Amazon Prime is an annual membership programme for $79 a year that offers customers unlimited Free Two-Day Shipping on items including books, home and garden products, electronics, video games and clothing.

    Amazon director of digital video content acquisition Brad Beale said, “The Scripps family of networks – including HGTV, DIY Network, Food Network, Cooking Channel and Travel Channel – airs some of the highest-quality and most popular unscripted lifestyle programming on TV today. We are excited to be the exclusive online-only subscription home for Scripps content and know our customers are going to love getting these great shows as part of Prime.”

    This is the first online-only subscription distribution deal for Scripps Networks Interactive.

    Scripps Networks Interactive executive VP, content distribution and marketing Henry Ahn said, “One of the guiding principles at Scripps Networks Interactive is to make our valued lifestyle content accessible to consumers wherever and whenever they want. Licensing content from our extensive library to Amazon provides our millions of avid fans with yet another opportunity to engage with our entertaining and informative content. And the Amazon platform is a great complement to our branded products such as books, cookware, furniture and accessories, lighting and more.”

    Earlier Amazon and CBS had announced an extension of their non-exclusive licensing agreement, including the subscription debuts of ‘The Amazing Race‘ and Undercover Boss, as well as a deal that will make Prime Instant Video the exclusive subscription home for the series ‘Under the Dome‘ this summer. Amazon had also announced that Prime Instant Video will soon become the exclusive online subscription home for PBS‘ ‘Downton Abbey‘.

  • Discovery revenues cross $3 billion

    Discovery revenues cross $3 billion

    MUMBAI: Global media firm Discovery has announced its results for the fourth quarter and year ended 31 December 2006.

    Its revenue increased 16 per cent for the quarter to $899 million and 13 per cent for the year to $3.01 billion. DCI’s operating cash flow increased five per cent for the quarter to $194 million and 5% for the year to $722 million. Total revenue increased due to increases in distribution revenue of 16 per cent for the quarter and 20 per cent for the year and increases in ad revenue of 14 per cent for the quarter and five per cent for the year.

    In the US revenue increased 16 per cent for the quarter to $516 million and 10 per cent for the year to $1.93 billion. Operating cash flow increased 22 per cent for the quarter to $181 million and 13% for the year to $727 million. The increases in revenue were due to growth in distribution and advertising revenue across the portfolio.

    Distribution revenue increased 13 per cent for the
    quarter and 18 per cent for the year due to an 11 per cent increase in paying subscription units during the year and contractual rate increases. DCI experienced ratings increases during the year at three of its largest networks, the Discovery Channel, TLC and the Travel Channel. Net ad revenue increased 14 per cent for the quarter and two per cent for the year primarily due to higher ad sell-out rates and higher audience delivery on certain channels.

    Operating expenses increased by 13 per cent for the quarter and nine per cent for the year due to an increase in programming expense. Programming expense increased due to the company’s continued investment across all U.S. networks in original productions and series and specials.

    Its revenue from abroad increased by 17 per cent for the quarter to $256 million and 19 per cent for the year to $879 million. Operating cash flow decreased 29 per cent for the quarter to $24 million and increased eight per cent for the year to $116 million. The increase in revenue was due to growth in both distribution and ad revenue.

    Net distribution revenue increased 22 per cent for the quarter and 23 per cent for the year due to a 13 per cent increase in paying subscription units combined with contractual rate increases in certain markets. Growth in paying subscription units was primarily due to growth in Europe and Latin America. Net advertising revenue increased 13% for the quarter and 14 per cent for the year primarily due to higher viewership in Europe and Latin America combined with an increased subscriber base in most markets worldwide.

    Operating expenses increased 26 per cent for the quarter and 21 per cent for the year due to increased programming costs. Programming costs increased due to the launch of several networks along with a new free-to-air channel in Germany branded as DMAX. SG&A expenses increased due
    to infrastructure expansions in Europe and Asia and an increase in marketing expense resulting from marketing campaigns in Europe and Asia for the launch of new channels.

    Revenue in the commerce, education and other divisions increased by 15 per cent for the quarter and nine per cent for the year. The quarter over quarter increase was due to a 29 per cent, or $3 million, increase in education revenue combined with a 13 per cent, or $14 million, increase in commerce revenue.

    Last year David Zaslav took over as Discovery’s president and CEO. Discovery recently announced a series of structural and personnel changes in order to grow further. A number of positions were eliminated like the post of Discovery US president.

    As part of Discovery’s effort to build a lean and aggressive organisation, network general managers will have full authority and accountability to grow their brands. Discovery will be organized into five network brand groups reporting to the CEO: Discovery Channel, TLC, Discovery Travel Media, Animal Planet/Discovery Kids Media and Discovery Health Media Enterprises.
    The leaders of the network brand groups will assume additional authority over key business functions including production, marketing, new media, communications and research and will have dedicated brand support from ad sales and business development.

  • Discovery to launch mobile, broadband channels in US

    Discovery to launch mobile, broadband channels in US

    MUMBAI: Today television content providers are looking to take advantage of new media platforms like the internet and mobile.

    Discovery in the US will launch Discovery Mobile for mobile video. It will also launch two new broadband channels, Discovery Channel Beyond and Travel Channel Beyond, for Internet users.

    Discovery Mobile will be a 24-hour mobile programming network featuring original content from Discovery’s core program genres. It will debut in the third quarter of 2006. The network’s content will consist of segments ranging in length from 30 seconds to four minutes, categorized into 20-minute blocks. Material will include made-for-mobile series, abbreviated versions of Discovery programs, never-before-seen footage, and user-generated content. The service is targeted to users 15-39.

    The two Internet channels will short-form programmes, as well as user-generated documentaries, over the Internet. TLC, Animal Planet and Discovery Health Channel will also launch on broadband in the coming months.