Factual
Chandra’s son Punit Goenka shakes it up at MipCom
CANNES: He has the same passion to succeed that his father displayed. The same aggression. The same shrewd intelligence. And he’s doing something that his father did when he went on to set up Zee TV which became the driver of the cable and satellite television business in India in the early nineties. Creating something from ground up: the Zee Network’s DTH network, DishTV.
Meet Punit Goenka, the CEO of Agrani, as he strives to set up what will be India’s first DTH provider. The transponders are in place with Insat. “I’ve booked quite a few of them. In fact most of the Ku-band capacity is with us and we have very good relationships with ISRO,” he says.
The 28-year-old Goenka has been at the E-City Entertainment booth in Cannes Palais de Festivals along with other senior executives from the Zee Network – Ajay Gupta and Abhijit Saksena, among others, over the past three days. This apart he has been hobnobbing with sales people from various production and distribution houses and television network executives globally. His goal: acquire content for his Dish TV.
If the name DishTV sounds quite akin to Echostar’s Dish Network in the US which is resisting Rupert Murdoch overtures in the DTH market there, don’t be surprised.
For after all isn’t Punit, a chip off the old block, willing to take the battle to the enemy camp? Just like his dad Subhash Chandra did when he scrapped with media baron Rupert Murdoch, finally buying him out from the Zee-Star TV partnership.
“I am cobbling together material for an English language action channel,” says Goenka. “I have picked up about 1,000 hours of factual programming covering lifestyle, documentary, kids. And yes, I am looking at doing deals for another 300 hours year on year with three-five year lock in periods. I would like to do channel licensing, partnership deals too.”
Additionally, he points out that he is in the market to buy close to 1,000 film titles for channels he would like to create for Dish. “My goal is to build the subscriber base of Dish to 750,000 in year one. And create a bouquet of 200 channels.” The revenue target: Rs 500-600 million in year one.
Reacting to Chernin’s statement that the Zee TV DTH offering was a soft launch, Goenka said, “Of course, it is a soft launch. But the hard and full scale launch will follow.”
Also Read:
India ‘interesting’ DTH market: News Corp COO Chernin; defends move to instal James Murdoch as BSkyB CEO
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.
