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Discovery unveils new programming strategy; targets launch of Travel and Adventure channel before year-end
Three months into his position as head of Discovery Communications in India, managing director Deepak Shourie today announced a new programming strategy – ‘My Time on Discovery’ – targeted at both viewers and advertisers. Discovery is introducing programming blocks that it says will appeal to the various target groups at times that they prefer while at the same time giving advertisers a focussed platform to reach key audiences.
The new initiative goes into effect from 1 October, 2001 and is based on studies that the channel undertook to research audience-viewing patterns across demographics, identifying the most popular day parts for each demographic, Shourie said.
Subsequently programmes were identified that would appeal to each target set and scheduled accordingly, hence -‘My Time on Discovery’. The blocks that are being introduced are Sunrise (7am – 9am), Discovery Kids (3pm – 4pm), Action Zone (4pm – 5pm), Prime Time (8pm – 11pm), Friday Showcase (9pm – 11pm) and Super Sundays 7am – midnight); each of which caters to different groups.
NEW CHANNELS: Shourie also revealed that two new channels Discovery Health and Discovery Travel and Adventure would be rolled out in India in the coming 12 months. “We are trying to have the launch of Discovery Travel and Adventure by the end of the year but there is no certainty of that happening,” Shourie said.
Discovery channels dubbed in southern Indian languages were also being planned, Shourie said. At present the network offers a 24-hour parallel Hindi audio feed in addition to an English audio feed.
Discovery Channel India, which launched in 1995, is a 24-hour pay channel, reaching over 21 million homes throughout India according to company estimates. Discovery also airs as a block on Vijay TV, every Tuesday and Thursday from 5:30 PM to 6:30 PM and 3 PM to 5 PM on Saturday in addition to an afternoon slot on national broadcaster Doordarshan’s Metro channel. Available via PanAmSat IV, the network is operated and managed by Discovery Communications, Inc.
In addition to Discovery, the company also beams Animal Planet, a joint venture with BBC. Animal Planet was launched in India in March 1999 but is still struggling to establish itself. Asked about this Shourie admitted as much and said the channel “needed to be repositioned, restrategised and repromoted.” He however could offer no answers on how this was to be managed.
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.
