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Animal Planet looks to hook viewers with the introduction of time bands
MUMBAI: In the recent past Discovery has made some serious efforts to push Animal Planet. A couple of years ago it conducted roadshows with the aim of connecting closer with the viewers.
This resulted in some viewership gains. Now the channel is looking to take things a step further on air by introducing time bands.
Similar to what Discovery had done way back in 2001 Animal Planet’s new time-band strategy will give viewers the chance to enjoy programmes of their interest at a particular time. The channel aims to reach out to viewers with more compact programming through its new programming schedule.
Animal Planet brand director marketing Raja Balasubramanian said, “The introduction of ‘time bands’ will help in our marketing endeavours to promote appointment viewing, programme slots and channel recall.
“The selection of the time bands and the programmes to be aired has been chosen after we conducted a thorough research among our existing and prospective viewers. This is an attempt to reinforce our commitment to the Indian audience.”
Starting from the first quarter of 2006, Animal Planet will introduce four time bands. They are Funzone, Safari, Masters of the Jungle and Unexplained, Unexplored.
In the Funzone time band Animal Planet pays tribute to the joy that animals bring. It features episodes of the series The Planet’s Funniest Animals and Amazing Animal Videos. The series delves in the humorous and lighter aspects of pets.
The Safari time band is devoted to the experiences of jungle safari. Some of the programmes that will be aired in the series are Most Extremes, Indian Safari, Natural World, Predators, Young & Wild and Equator.
The third time band Masters of the Jungles encapsulates a series of world’s most exotic and dangerous animals. The series includes The Snake Buster, Chimpanzee Diary, Corwin’s Quest, Nick’s Quest, Ultimate Killers / Deep Into the Wild, Bugggin with Rudd and Crocodile Hunter Diaries.
On Unexplained, Unexplored viewers can watch shows like Animal Miracles, Pet Powers, Supernatural, Nightmares of Nature, Beyond the Unexplored, Animal X, Twisted Tales and Unexplained, Unexplored. The programmes in this space reveal the sixth sense that prevails in animals and how they can predict the unforeseen.
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.
