Factual
National Geographic Channel to undergo major rebranding
MUMBAI: Come 14 November and the National Geographic Channel will have a new shortened sobriquet. The word channel will disappear from its name and it will be simply known as National Geographic and a new tagline “Further.”
The change is expected to take place simultaneously across all the 445 million households in 171 countries it is telecast in. The channels are expected to have a new distinctive on-air look, brand IDs, packaging and talent IDs.
A new web series by the same name is expected to launch around the same time.
Almost every property associated with the National Geographic – the magazine, nationalgeographic.com, its social and digital platforms, and its global Hq in Washington DC – will be part of the rebranding exercise. The “Further” tagline embodies “the aspirations of the National Geographic audience and serves as a rallying cry for its employees, explorers, photographers, producers and other constituencies as well as a promise to advertisers, affiliates, educators and other external partners.”
NatGeo has been under the Twenty First Century Fox umbrella after it took majority control of its joint venture National Geographic Partners with the society.
“This rebrand marks a significant turning point in the realization of our transformational new vision for National Geographic Channel,” said National Geographic Global Television Networks CEO Courteney Monroe to World Screen. “As a new brand positioning statement, ‘Further’ aligns perfectly with our new premium programming strategy, which is built on quality, distinctiveness and the relentless pursuit of creative excellence. The new visual design is sophisticated, contemporary and cinematic, and lives up to the promise of the National Geographic brand.”
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.
