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GRB Media Ranch appoints Will Marks as principal advisor for digital (FAST)
Mumbai: GRB Media Ranch CEO Gary R Benz has announced the company’s continued growth with a new digital strategy, with soon-to-launch FAST (free ad-supported TV) channels and AVOD (ad-supported video on demand) distribution platforms. Industry veteran Will Marks was retained to develop and implement the forward-facing strategy. He will attend MIPCOM next month to expand the Company’s relationship with content and distribution partners.
Two FAST channels are planned for launch in Q4 ‘24 across the US and many English-speaking territories (US, UK, Ireland, Canada, Australia, and New Zealand). Each channel will launch with over 400 hours of programming, adding additional content regularly. Additional territories will be launched throughout 2025, along with more channels.
A paranormal-themed FAST channel, titled ‘The Unseen’ (wt) will include shows from the GRB Media Ranch ‘Dark Zone’ programming collection, including Paranormal Files and Paranormal Quest.
Also, a travel, food, and culture-themed FAST channel, titled ‘WNDR’ (Wander) will carry programming including Top Travel; South Africa with Hayden Quinn; World of Wonder; and many more globe-spanning series.
Several more FAST channels are in development for distribution worldwide for next year.
Marks comes to GRB Media Ranch with sterling credentials as a seasoned industry executive. He was previously SVP, business development & digital at Ovation Television where he founded and led the digital portfolio, including the TV-Everywhere app OvationNOW and the FAST channels Mystery Alley and JOURNY. Marks led the channels to distribution on 300mm plus devices across the US and Canada on connected TVs and video platforms including Amazon Fire, Roku, Samsung TVPlus, Vizio WatchFree+, Plex; and the Apple iOS and Google Android mobile platforms. JOURNY, a perennial ‘Top 3’ travel network on Roku also won the ‘Best AVOD Service’ award from Cynopsis in 2021. Marks had previously served in executive roles leading business development, strategy, and digital teams at ComcastNBCU, Intel Corp, and The Walt Disney Company.
Benz stated, “GRB Media Ranch is truly excited to launch our digital strategy with two FAST channels in 4Q and we are pleased that Will Marks will share his expertise and distribution savvy to help with this next step in our company’s evolution. We feel fortunate to have many hours of premium programming in paranormal and travel for our launch.”
Marks added, “GRB Media Ranch built a tremendous content library and continuously acquires compelling programming across diverse genres. We can’t wait to thrill and chill viewers with the ghosts and haunts on The Unseen; and then take consumers on amazing adventures around the world on WNDR. These new FAST channels are a cornerstone of GRB Media Ranch’s new distribution approach, bringing captivating programming to worldwide audiences. I look forward to working with Gary and the entire GRB Media team in helping them increase the company’s reach around the world.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
