Factual
Animal Planet looking to cross 20 mn distribution mark by year end
MUMBAI: Using the strengths of the One Alliance bouquet, Discovery has been making a concerted effort at strengthening the distribution of sister channel Animal Planet.
The results are starting to show. The reach of the channel is expected to cross 20 million by the end of the year.
Speaking to Indiantelevision.com on Wednesday at a media briefing, Discovery Communications India marketing director Aditya A Tripathi said that that in the past six months the channel had added 4 million homes on the distribution front. Right now Animal is available in 18 million households, Tripathi said.
As already reported on Indiantelevision.com, the channel’s global head Peter Weil came to Bangalore recently to announce a partnership with the Bannerghatta national park reserve. He expects to “witness explosive growth” in India.
The channel is currently doing a series of on ground events in the Garden City. If the feedback is great then the initiatives will spread to other centres across the country. Motorcyles have been travelling around the garden city distributing literature on the channel. Kiosks have been set up which have been cut out to resemble animals. On Radio City a contest is being run asking listeners questions about animals.
As far as Discovery is concerned as reported earlier by indiantelevision.com it will show the documentary The Indian Cowboy, One In A Billion. As far as other programmes are concerned Tripathi added, “We have had success earlier this year with Who Killed Alexander The Great? Later this year we will be airing more specials on Alexander in order to coincide with the release of the movie.”
Tripathi added that a unique show that would kick off on the channel next month was Monster House. Here a home is designed according to the passion of the owner. For example if a person loves cars then his bed is put on wheels.
As far as marketing and promotional activities are concerned he added, “We will be rolling out an integrated marketing campaign for the channel next month. The details of this are still being worked out.
On the ad revenue front we are looking to grow at 25 per cent this year. As far as ground events are concerned we are aiming to have a series of them in
the last quarter of the year.”
MUMBAI: India’s most famous hot seat is about to welcome an unlikely first-timer. For the first time on Hindi general entertainment television, industrialist Kumar Mangalam Birla will appear on Kaun Banega Crorepati, the iconic quiz show hosted by Amitabh Bachchan.
The special episode marks a rare meeting point of boardroom heft and prime-time television, bringing one of India’s most influential business leaders face to face with the country’s most enduring screen legend. It is a crossover that blends intellect, leadership and popular culture, all under KBC’s familiar spotlight.
Birla’s appearance dovetails neatly with the show’s current theme, Jahaan Akal Hai, Wahan Akad Hai, which celebrates the confidence that comes from clarity of thought and knowledge. His presence lends weight to the idea that sharp thinking and conviction are as vital in life as they are in the quiz chair.
In a thoughtful conversation with Bachchan, Birla shared an upbeat view of India’s economic journey, pointing to the nation’s rapid growth and the scale of opportunity opening up across industries and communities. He spoke of momentum, ambition and a future shaped by enterprise and ideas.
The episode is not all serious talk. In lighter moments, Birla confessed his long-standing admiration for Bachchan, calling him his favourite actor and admitting to a touch of nervousness at answering questions in front of the Shahenshah himself. The candour adds a human touch to a man more often seen in headlines than on television sets.
The special episode airs on Monday, 29 December at 9.00 pm on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
