Factual
Discovery to launch second FTA channel in UK, adds two programmes on Amazon Prime
MUMBAI: Discovery is planning to launch its second free-to-air TV channel,Quest Red, in the UK on 15 March with new real-life entertainment. The channel follows the launch of Quest, the company’s first FTA offering in the territory, which launched in 2009.
Quest Red will be the “home of irresistibly real TV” with genres spanning big personalities, extraordinary worlds, gritty reality, thought-provoking medical, investigative documentaries and real crime.
With a predominantly female audience, Quest Red will invite TV fans to escape into a world of real life stories that are jaw-dropping, spine tingling and heart-warming. It launches on Freeview, YouView, BT TV, Talk Talk, Sky and Virgin Media.
Completely new for free-to-air audience, Quest Red hits TV screens with a slate of UK premieres.
Launch titles include six-part true crime series Is OJ Innocent? The Missing Evidence from executive producer Martin Sheen, Jo Frost: Nanny on Tour following the supernanny on a mission to save some of America’s troubled families one at a time, Long Lost Family US reuniting people who have suffered a lifetime of separation,Martin Kemp’s Detective about some of the UK’s most puzzling murders, Vogue Williams Investigates where the Irish TV presenter and DJ explores modern day issues including online trolling and Paranormal Lockdown with Nick Groff who spends 72 hours confined in America’s most haunted locations.
“Quest Red has got real life covered. Bright, welcoming and straight talking, Quest Red is ‘the home of irresistibly real TV’ and brings something entirely new to free-to-air television for a female skewing audience,” said Discovery Networks UK and Ireland head of channels VP Clare Laycock. “With a vibrant fusion of fascinating stories, captivating lifestyles and compelling crime, we’re really excited to launch a new real life entertainment channel tailor-made for audiences who love great TV,” Laycock added.
Quest Red is the brand new stable mate for Discovery’s single free-to-air factual entertainment TV channel Quest positioned at number 37 on Freeview. Launched in 2009, Quest is the UK’s tenth biggest TV channel excluding the terrestrials and now reaches 11.3 million people every month. In February an episode of Salvage Hunters, series 10 attracted 577,000 viewers to become Quest’s top rating show since launch.
Discovery Communications has enlisted thousands of subscribers to its true crime channel offered via Amazon Prime Video. It has launched two of its offerings -True Crime Files and Destination Unknown- on the VOD platform.
Discovery CEO David Zaslav said that Investigation Discovery’s subscription VOD channel on Amazon — True Crime Files — is attracting 10,000 new net subscribers at US$4 per month.
In niche categories, Zaslav said, where they had a dominant consumer and brand advantage such as Turbo Velocity and ID, they saw huge potential to expand these genres on and off the traditional TV screen using SVOD channels, content verticals, and through partnerships, such as Amazon.
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.
