Factual
History TV18 to unleash revamped look
MUMBAI: Soon to turn five in India, History TV18 is all set to make better inroads into the factual entertainment genre after two years of silence with a fresh change in its programming content and a revamped digital presence, This includes its app and website. The channel will take a big step of ‘going local’ with a fresh set of ‘Indianised’ programming content.
History TV18 plans lay more stress on the rural audiences and believes that Hindi as a language does well for it. With a new mission of not entertaining mindlessly, the channel is focused on voicing itself in its genre. The ‘go local’ bandwagon will premiere with a new show OMG! Yeh Mera India. OMG! will launch on 10 March 2016 at the super prime time slot of 8 pm. The new show has been strategically allotted three slots in the channel’s time band with a repeat at 8.30 PM and 10.30 PM
A+E Networks | TV18 vice president and head marketing Sangeetha Iyer says, “Our repeats are very high in the genre and I believe that is the way it should be. We have a snacking audience which we need to hold. I think our sponsors will also get enough exposure through this strategy”
The channel already has an app to complement its TV offering, and now with an idea to make the entire brand’s look, feel and engagement constant irrespective of the country the network will also revamp its application.
Iyer adds, “Our application is doing okay. It needs a revamp. We are looking at it in a big way. There is scope for a lot of things which can be done on our application. We will be expanding it from scratch and are working closely with our History global partners in the US. In the next three to four months we should have a definitive approach on the application”.
With a strategy of not mirroring TV, the new app will focus on having more conversations under the umbrella of History TV18. Aiming to populate the application and its website beyond TV, the channel’s new ‘changing avatar’ also includes a fresh packaging which will be seen in couple of months’ time. Since History TV18 aim’s to have 100 hours of local production, the new packaging will be in line with its global strategy of being simple, going local and more straight forward.
Speaking about the change in its logo Iyer asserts, “There is no drastic change as of yet. The logo will get a little bolder and more in-line with the slightly younger audience. This will be driven by our global partners. We will just adapt the changes keeping the local audience in mind.”
With every major channel foraging the HD way, History TV18 is also in talks about developing a separate strategy for its HD feed. “As HD caters to a different set of audience and is a completely different viewing experience, we are in talks about developing HD feed for our premium viewers in some time” Iyer adds.
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.
