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.
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.
