Factual
Discovery Europe expands mobile offerings through Wap portal
MUMBAI: Discovery has launched its first direct-to-consumer Wap portal in the UK
This allows consumers to access content via Wap, mobile TV and i-mode platforms across Europe.
The new Discovery Mobile Wap service makes available for download wallpapers, ringtones and interactive games as well as short highlights from Discovery programmes. Programming genres include science, animals, technology, lifestyle and engineering programmes.
The site represents a third mobile content offering in Europe, the fastest growing mobile market in the world, and further secures Discovery’s leadership in providing high quality and knowledge-based programming across multiple platforms.
The Discovery mobile services in Europe are part of the company’s worldwide effort to create content and businesses for new distribution platforms including broadband, mobile devices, video on demand, satellite radio service and others.
The new offerings are designed to complement the company’s television networks by strengthening viewers’ loyalty and attracting new audiences to the company’s worldwide brands. The company will continue to expand its reach via these new platforms and work with a number of strategic partners in each territory to ensure strong distribution and visibility for the Discovery content.
Discovery senior executive VP for strategy and development, communications Don Baer says, “This announcement continues Discovery’s aggressive drive to extend our programming leadership beyond linear television, demonstrating the worldwide appeal, utility and flexibility of our content”.
To celebrate the launch of the Wap site, Discovery is offering content and prizes from the TV series Miami Ink. Discovery Mobile is giving consumers the opportunity to download images of their favorite Miami Ink characters and tattoos, view video highlights of the show and follow the progress of the tattoo parlor apprentice, Yogi, with clips exclusive to Discovery Mobile. The service is also offering the chance to win a trip to Miami, Florida for an on-location visit.
Discovery Mobile can be accessed from any UK network by testing DISCOVERY to 83200 or through the mobile URL at discoverymobile.co.uk.
The launch of the Discovery Mobile WAP service follows the creation and deployment of the Discovery Mobile TV service, the company’s first branded video service developed specifically for mobile platforms. This service currently provides Discovery’s high-quality content to consumers across continental Europe via mobile devices. The Discovery Mobile TV service is produced specifically for third generation (3G) mobile users and consists of a weekly two-hour block of short video segments created for viewing in a mobile environment.
Drawing on content from the company’s flagship brand Discovery Channel as well as other Discovery networks including Animal Planet and Discovery Science, the Discovery Mobile TV service provides consumers with the convenience and flexibility to enjoy Discovery programming wherever or whenever they choose.
The Discovery Mobile TV service is now available via Vodafone partners in UK, France, Sweden, the Netherlands, Spain and Portugal and offers content customized in English, French, Spanish and Portuguese. Vodafone will also expand distribution of the service to other markets across Europe over the next three months. The service first launched in France on CANALSAT’s SFR mobile service and in the UK via Sky Mobile TV, both services provided by Vodafone.
Last October, the company launched its first i-mode service in the UK on the 02 network. Discovery Mobile’s i-mode site offers Discovery branded downloads, trivia, games and programming information from across its portfolio of channels as well as exclusive Discovery content available only to i-mode subscribers.
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.
