Factual
National Geographic’s global rebranding date coincides with ‘Mars’
MUMBAI: National Geographic channel has finally decided to put a stop at all the speculation about its rebranding in the media and entertainment industry. It has dropped the word “channel” from its brand name and has embraced a global tagline, Further. To reinforce the notion of one National Geographic, as part of this new branding effort, the network will drop the word channel both on air and off all around the world beginning 14 November.
This evolution further builds on last year’s expanded joint venture with 21st Century Fox and cements National Geographic’s position as a leader in premium content with an unparalleled global reach.
Its new tagline embodies the ethos and spirit that have defined the brand (channel) for over 128 years. Embracing the company’s purpose to be the leading premium content destination for science, exploration and adventure, it captures 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.
“This is a proud moment for us at National Geographic and FNG as we set forth on a journey that will redefine the way in which the genre will be seen, experienced and consumed. Our new proposition of ‘Further’ underlines the vision of a brand that has always championed the cause of a better and deeper understanding of the world around us. It also comes at a point where the need to scratch beyond the surface and explore territories we never thought possible, is more pressing than ever before,” said National Geographic India Fox Networks group business head Swati Mohan.
The rebrand will touch every aspect of National Geographic, including the visual presentation of the global channels in 171 countries, the iconic magazine, nationalgeographic.com, all of the company’s social and digital platforms.
This news also coincides with premier of the global event series Mars, an epic story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars, executive produced by Brian Grazer and Ron Howard.
The epic and path-breaking, six-part series is a joint product by National Geographic (NG), Academy Award and Emmy-winning producers Brian Grazer, Ron Howard and Michael Rosenberg of Imagine Entertainment; and Academy Award-nominated and Emmy-winning producer Justin Wilkes and Dave O’Connor of Radical Media.
She further added, “Mars is a perfect example of our ambition on ‘Further’, as it tells the story of the inevitability of inter planetary existence of mankind. The show also launches a first-of-its-kind format that combines scripted with stunning visual effects and high-class documentary sequences. And yet, this is just the beginning of a whole new world of National Geographic, which we are confident will stun and amaze its audiences like never before.”
Globally premiering on 14 November at 9 pm on the channel across 171 countries and 45 languages, Mars, is set both in the future and in the present day. It will air every Monday at 9 pm. This series aims to redefine television storytelling by combining feature-film-quality scripted drama and visual effects with best-in-class documentary sequences to drive forward a cohesive, edge-of-your seat story of mankind’s thrilling quest to inhabit Mars.
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.
