Factual
Sony BBC Earth reveals Republic Day programming plans
MUMBAI: Just as the new year commences, the latest entrant in the infotainment genre, Sony BBC Earth, has planned its 2018 Republic Day programming.
The network is all set to premiere three special shows on 26 January 2018. The first is Joanna Lumley’s India—recipient of the prestigious Bafta Fellowship, an evocative journey around the country of her birth. In another show—The Ganges with Sue Perkins—comedian and presenter Sue Perkins traces the course of the Ganges, from source to sea, to tell the story of modern India at a crucial point in its history. Beginning her journey in the Himalayas, Sue travels through the agricultural and industrial heartlands of the Gangetic plain, visits Varanasi and travels on to the river’s vast delta on the Bay of Bengal.
The channel also plans to premiere World’s Busiest Cities, which takes a closer look at the secret systems that keep the world’s most crowded, complicated and chaotic cities on the move. From transport and engineering to food and trade, the show highlights the logistical and social challenges faced by some of the most iconic megacities.
It will also premiere Blue Planet II—the series that shares discoveries coupled with awe-inspiring and wonder revealing new places, charismatic new characters, and extraordinary new behaviours.
The series on three fishing fanatics, Fishing Impossible, will see Jay, Charlie and the Blowfish embark upon an exciting journey packed with adrenaline-fuelled fishing antics and plenty of friendly rivalry. This trio’s crazy fish-luring inventions feature the search for monsters in the freezing Icelandic Atlantic.
Sony BBC Earth, in its initial phase, had planned to target the urban mega cities constituting 10 million towns. BBC Earth has garnered great traction from viewers despite a plethora of players competing across the infotainment genre.
During the launch of the channel in March 2017, NP Singh had stated that a year down the line, “I wish to see BBC Earth in the top three lists.”
The year holds a lot of promise for Sony BBC Earth as it unveils new plans and strategies going forward. So far, the newest entrant in the infotainment genre has attracted a great number of eyeballs, building anticipation by providing a strong line-up to woo audiences.
Also Read:
Sony BBC Earth to air 19 hrs of content every week, local programming on the cards
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Sony BBC Earth explores wildlife in 3 shows with Steve Backshall
Factual
National Geographic launches ‘Postcards from Hong Kong’ with Ridhi Dogra
New series explores the city’s hidden gems and vibrant contrasts, premiering 28 March.
MUMBAI: Ridhi Dogra just sent a postcard from Hong Kong that’s worth framing because when a bustling metropolis reveals its quiet trails and timeless traditions, even the skyline takes a back seat. National Geographic has unveiled Postcards from Hong Kong, a refreshing travel series hosted and curated by actor Ridhi Dogra. Produced by National Geographic Creative Works in collaboration with the Hong Kong Tourism Board, the show offers an intimate, Indian traveller’s perspective on one of Asia’s most iconic cities, moving beyond its glittering harbour and skyscrapers to uncover serene beaches, scenic hiking trails and deep cultural traditions.
Across three visually rich episodes, Ridhi journeys through contrasting sides of Hong Kong. The first episode takes her on a quieter path of self-discovery to places like Sai Kung, Big Wave Bay, Dragon’s Back, Tai O, Ngong Ping, Po Lin Monastery and the Tian Tan Buddha. The second episode dives into the city’s energetic side, from the bustling streets of Causeway Bay to Happy Valley Racecourse, Michelin-starred spots and luxury shopping at Landmark.
Ridhi Dogra said, “Being part of Postcards from Hong Kong with Nat Geo was a deeply enriching experience. What I love about this journey is that it goes beyond the obvious; it’s not just about the skyline or the speed of the city but about the stories that live in its quieter corners.”
A National Geographic India spokesperson added, “With Postcards from Hong Kong, we set out to go beyond the familiar and explore the city through a more intimate, human lens.”
Hong Kong Tourism Board director of South Asia Puneet Kumar noted, “Postcards from Hong Kong is a reflection of meaningful storytelling that brings the city to life in an immersive way. It beautifully captures the diversity and spirit that define Hong Kong.”
Blending travel, culture and personal storytelling, the series celebrates Hong Kong as a city of contrasts where modern life meets tradition and every corner holds a story waiting to be discovered. It premieres on 28 March at 8 pm on the National Geographic Channel and will also stream on JioHotstar.
In a world of hurried travel reels, Postcards from Hong Kong slows things down just enough to let viewers truly see the city not just its lights, but its layers, proving that the best souvenirs are the stories you bring home.
