MxMIndia

Tag: Discovery Kids

  • Will be showcased on Discovery Channel and Discovery Kids

    Discovery and Byju’s roll out Season 4 of school quiz

    By Our Staff

     

    Discovery India and Byju’s, the app that offers education, has announced its fourth season of the school quiz ‘Discovery School Super League’. With its latest campaign thought, ‘Aao Milkar le khushi ki Udaan’, the top team from each state will qualify for the TV round to be showcased on Discovery Channel and Discovery Kids. Nine winning students along with their respective principal/teacher will be eligible for an all-expenses paid trip to NASA.

     

    Said Atit Mehta, Marketing Head, Byju’s: “This initiative is an attempt to give students a unique opportunity to dive deeper into every subject while honing their general knowledge. Combining technology and creativity, we’re bringing students immersive ways to stay engaged whilst learning thereby making the application a wholesome destination for acquiring knowledge and ensuring every student gets a chance to participate in the quiz hassle free. Discovery School Super League began as a means to contribute to the development of young minds, letting them compete in a healthy way. With students from across 30000 schools participating in the quiz, season 4 will bring double the excitement, fun and learning.”

     

    Added Shaun Nanjappa Chendira, Head of Advertising Sales- South Asia, Discovery Inc: “Discovery School Super League continues to be one of the most awaited events in the School calendar given the scale of the platform and opportunities it provides for students to shine at a national level. In fact, with schools being closed due to the pandemic, the eagerness from student community to participate in quiz has increased. We at Discovery believe that learning can be made fun through innovative and engaging formats and Discovery School Super League becoming India’s biggest and highly appreciated quiz competition serves as a testament to our belief.”

     

  • It noted that the digital entertainment industry is expected to grow at 29.1 per cent between FY19 and FY24

    IAMAI hosts third edition of Pixels 2020 on digital entertainment

    By A Correspondent

     

    IAMAI conducted the third edition of Pixels 2020 last week to deliberate on the next phase of growth for the digital entertainment industry. The industry is now at an inflection point, and according to a recent study, the digital entertainment industry is expected to grow at 29.1 per cent between FY19 and FY24 to reach INR 621 billion by 2024. With more than 30 OTT players and 10 music streaming apps in existence catering to various entertainment and media demands, Indians are consuming content across an array of digital formats and platforms.

     

    Setting the context, in his keynote address, Nikhil Gandhi, India Head of TikTok, said: “The last year has seen a sharp growth in short video consumption and added to a big increase in overall watch time for online video. This phenomenon has also given rise to a rich content creator ecosystem which has seen big success with short video,” he added.

     

    In a panel discussion on Battle of Web Series – Aiming for 100 Crore Club, speakers discussed about how revenue gets attributed in developing a web series and all the nooks involved around creating one. They also discussed how branding and culture of such shows has immensely helped and lead to monetization in the business. Discussing on the various aspects of the digital space, the panelists shared their thought on how different business is growing and helping in creating a new system.

     

    On a session on Trend Alert – Children’s Content key panelists like Abhishek Dutta, Senior Director & Network Head – Cartoon Network & Pogo, South Asia; Uttam Pal Singh, Head – Discovery Kids, Discovery Communications; Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, VOOT Kids gave insights on how localisation of shows has actually helping their businesses to grow and adding multiple levels to it like content in local languages has helped the industry to grow. The speakers gave an insight that around 20 per cent of the business caters to the kid’s section and how crucial it is provide correct content for them.

     

    A fireside chat was also held with actor Amol Parashar, where he enlightened the audience how digital space has actually helped him evolve as an actor and has given him that space along with the flexibility without putting any particular constraints.

     

    The conference also saw other speakers including Ajay Chacko, Co-Founder & CEO, Arré; Nagesh Banga, Deputy Country Manager, BIGO LIVE; Paras Tomar, TikTok Creator & Founder, Nuskhe by Paras; Ali Hussein, CEO, Eros Now ; Hiren Gada, CEO, Shemaroo Entertainment Limited; Sameer Hanchate, Filmmaker, Sameer Hanchate Filmmaker  ;Vivek Jain, COO, MX Player ; Abhishek Dutta, Senior Director & Network Head – Cartoon Network & Pogo, South Asia ; Kumaresh Bhatt, Co-Founder and CEO, UR Popular; Uttam Pal Singh, Head – Discovery Kids, Discovery Communications and Saugato Bhowmik, Business Head, Voot Kids among others.

     

     

  • The initiative has garnered support from marquee advertisers including Dabur, Cipla, Unicharm, Dettol, and Gulf Oil

    Discovery Kids’ propagates self-defence to schoolkids

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Kids has announced the launch of an all India School Contact programme titled “Little Singham Squad” targeting more than 500+ schools in 11 cities across the country. Little  Singham, as a part of the school contact programme, will sensitise young minds about the importance of self-defence. The initiative has garnered support from marquee advertisers including Dabur, Cipla, Unicharm, Dettol, and Gulf Oil.

     

    Said Vikram Tanna, Head of Advertising Sales, Discovery Communications India: “This special school contact programme will work towards enlightening young minds about learning practical ways to defending themselves in the hour of need. Little Singham is an inspiration to young children – he is brave, intelligent, responsible, patriotic, honest and is an agent of change. We want our audiences to imbibe these positive traits of Little Singham and join the Little Singham Squad.”

     

     

  • Together with the armed forces, the young protagonist fights against the enemies to protect the motherland

    Discovery Kids pays tribute to the Armed Forces this Independence Day

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Kids will premiere special content dedicated to Indian Armed Forces this Independence Day. The premiere of a 90-minute special episode of Little Singham titled ‘Desk Ke Sipahi’ will be showcased at 1:30 pm August 15.

     

    Said Uttam Pal Singh, Business Head, Discovery Kids: “Little Singham- Desh ka Sipahi is a very special story. This Independence Day we want to Inspire and ignite the feeling of patriotism among kids and pay tribute to the Braveheart’s of the nation.”

     

     

  • India’s Super Hero IP ‘Little Singham’ aims to shake-up kid’s genre

    Discovery Kids begins hunt for ‘Little Singham’

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Kids, in collaboration with Rohit Shetty Picturez and Reliance Animation, has announced a new animation series ‘Little Singham’. Little Singham will be launched with 156 episodes and five tele features. The animation series will be aired in three languages – Hindi, Tamil and Telugu. Dabur Red Paste has come on-board as the title sponsor of Little Singham.

     

    Discovery India has tied-up with Indian Council for Child Welfare National Bravery Awards to inspire young children across the country. As a part of this tie-up, Discovery Kids will run a special Little Singham episode based on the real-life stories of ICCW National Bravery Award (ICCW NBA) winners. Two children – Sonu Mali (from Rajasthan) and Shivampet Ruchitha (from Hyderabad), recipient of ICCW NBA awards in 2016 and 2015 respectively were personally present on the occasion.

     

    “Little Singham was conceptualised based on an insight that every child wants to be a superhero, wants to help others if the situation arises. Little Singham, the brave young super cop, defends the residents of his home town Mirchi Nagar against all evil in this out and out entertaining animation series,” said film-maker Rohit Shetty. “We are delighted to have the august company of select brave police officials from Mumbai Police along with their children as well as ICCW National Bravery Award recipients on the launch of Little Singham. We respect their valor and hope that all the children across the country will get inspired to do more good for the society at large for a better tomorrow.”

     

    Speaking about Little Singham, Uttam Pal Singh- Head of Discovery Kids, said: “The kid’s genre in India has been largely devoid of ground-up superheroes. Little Singham is a very bold and at scale attempt to fill this gap. We have worked with a world class animation partner Reliance Animation to produce this masala faceted series rooted in action, adventure & comedy to attract attention of kids across the country.”

     

    Added Shibasish Sarkar, COO, Reliance Entertainment: “We are delighted that the Singham franchise is extending itself to kid’s genre in India. We are confident that kids across the country will love this new entertaining series. We have engaged as many 250 animation artists on this project who have been working for than 6 months to get ready for this mega launch. The presence of Rohit Shetty as a mentor of Little Singham will further help in penetrating deep across the country.”

     

     

  • The launch of these new language feeds will help Discovery Kids in further consolidating its position in the kids genre

    Discovery Kids launches Tamil and Telugu language feeds

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Kids has announced that it is targeting to expand its reach in the states of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana with the launch of Tamil and Telugu language feeds. The Tamil feed has already been introduced starting March 24 while the Telugu language feed will be launched from April 1.

     

    The launch of these new language feeds will help Discovery Kids in further consolidating its position in thekids genre, notes a communique.The channel has reporting healthy ratings after the launch of ‘BandbudhaurBudbak’last

     

    Announcing the development, Uttam Singh Head – Discovery Kids, Discovery Communications India, said: “The launch of Tamil and Telugu language feeds will provide a huge fillip to our efforts in increasing the reach of Discovery Kids in the strategically important markets. The love and affection that Discovery Kids is getting is truly humbling; we are further intensifying our efforts to reach the top of the kids genre.”

     

     

  • Discovery Kids is the first Indian broadcaster to take Sunny Bunnies, bringing the total number of territories across the world to air the series to more than 160

    Discovery Kids gets animated series ‘Sunny Bunny’ to India

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Kids has announced a deal with Media I.M. Incorporated Ltd, the London-based content distribution company, to premiere the hit animation series Sunny Bunnies in India. Under the three-year deal, which covers the pay-TV, simulcast and catch-up rights, Discovery Kids will air the first two seasons of the short format non-dialogue comedy starting this November. Discovery Kids is the first Indian broadcaster to take Sunny Bunnies, bringing the total number of territories across the world to air the series to more than 160.

     

    Talking about the deal, Uttam Pal Singh, Head – Discovery Kids, Discovery Communications India, said: ‘’We are delighted to offer differentiated content like Sunny Bunnies and be a part of the world premiere of this unique comedy series. This fascinatingly crafted short format series and the mischievous characters, has all the elements to captivate and engage with the kids in India.”

     

     

  • Discovery Kids has announced the launch of animated series Transformers Prime, to be shown from May 6 every day at 3pm and 6pm

    Discovery Kids announces Transformers Prime series from May 6

    By A Correspondent

     

    At Goafest 2013, Discovery Kids announced the launch of major animated series Transformers Prime, which will air on Discovery Kids every day at 3pm and 6pm, starting May 6.

     

    Transformers Prime will feature arch rivals Autobots and Decepticons as they face-off in their epic rivalry for the control of Earth. Autobots transform themselves into any form of machinery, team up with their human friends and embark on an adventure to save the Earth from the evil Decepticons, who are hell bent on robbing the planet of its resources. Transformers Prime will present iconic characters that include Autobots Optimus Prime and Bumblebee, and the ominous Decepticon Megatron, as well as introducing new human characters.

     

    Rahul Johri

    Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President & General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “Transformers Prime is a globally popular franchise that has garnered millions of fans in India. The series with its cutting-edge animation will deliver an exciting and engaging experience for our young viewers.”

     

  • Combining cricket with the best in class animation it will bring family and friends together to enjoy this enduring series. Howzzattt will air every evening at 6pm on the Discovery Kids

    Gully cricket courtesy Discovery Kids in Howzzattt

    By A Correspondent

     

    In its mission of offering unique, relevant and India themed content, Discovery Kids presents the all-time favourite – cricket in its classic avatar – gully cricket in Howzzattt. Combining cricket with the best in class animation it will bring family and friends together to enjoy this enduring series. Howzzattt will air every evening at 6pm on the Discovery Kids.

     

    The show unfolds the story of victory of good over evil in an engaging and exciting narrative for the kids. The series has funny and quirky characters with tricky situations which kids can relate to in their daily lives.

     

    The good kids group calls themselves as ‘ Gulab Nagar Junglees’ and they put in lots of hard work and play the game by the rules and manage to outwit their opponent by sheer determination and guidance by their loved coach ‘Sweety Aunty.’ The character of Sweety Aunty reflects a true face of Guru and teaches its students right values and prepares them to face the realities of life.

     

    Rahul Johri, Senior Vice-President and General Manager – South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific,said, ”Discovery Kids will satisfy the curiosity of millions of children in India with its fun, enriching and transformative programming. Howzzattt is a unique animation series designed to entertain kids and will showcase cricket in a whole new exciting avatar.”

     

    Discovery Kids covers a variety of programming ranging from iconic global content to multiple India-themed series. Committed to offer a comprehensive viewing experience and cater to diverse demands of Indian kids, the programming formats will include highest-quality animation and engaging live action series under multiple genres such as adventure, mythology, nature, history and science. A reflection of the vacuum for programming that blends entertainment and learning, Discovery Kids has gained availability across India on both analogue and DTH platforms including Dish TV and Videocon D2H.

     

  • Was awarded Best US Company inIndiaunder the Media & Entertainment category

    Discovery APAC wins Indo-Am Corp Excellence award

    By A Correspondent

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (South Asia) has been awarded as the best US company operating inIndiaunder the Media & Entertainment category at the 8th Indo-American Corporate Excellence Award 2012 held in Mumbai on July 4.

     

    Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (South Asia) was selected on the basis of its overall contribution to the Indo-US business and other parameters like human capital management and corporate social responsibility were also considered. The award commended Discovery’s programming and production excellence and its stellar performance in the country.

     

    The company broadcasts eight unique content channels inIndia– Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Discovery HD World, Discovery Channel Tamil and Discovery Kids.

     

    Rahul Johri, senior vice president and general manager –South Asia, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said: “This award is recognition of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific’s commitment to engage and entertain Indian viewers with unique and credible programming. It exemplifies and values the positive contribution that the network brings inIndiathrough its innovative content.”

     

    Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) is the only bi-lateral Chamber of Commerce committed to promotion of Indo-US Trade & Economic Relations by facilitating joint venture, strategic alliances, trade, technology transfer and investments. IACC has over 2,600 members who together represent a wide spectrum of business and economic segments: manufacturing, exports, services et al.

  • Senior VP & GM Rahul Johri talks of how the Discovery Network scores over the rest (Text+Video)

    We’re bigger than the sum of all our competitors: Rahul Johri

     

    Text & Video by Shruti Pushkarna
    Although most of its channels are not mass like those offering soaps and sitcoms, the Discovery Network is a key member of the Indian broadcast landscape. The Discovery Network Asia Pacific’s Senior Vice President & General Manager for South Asia, RahulJohri attributes the network’s success to its dedicated and loyal viewership and says it is far ahead of competition

     

    Under Mr Johri’s leadership, Discovery India’s portfolio has grown from two to eight channels. In 2009, he led Discovery Channel to become India’s No.1 channel in non-fiction entertainment. He cemented TLC as India’s definitive lifestyle channel and energized Animal Planet with the brand recording the highest audience growth in the factual space.

     

    He launched three new networks in 2010, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and a 24-hour high definition channel – Discovery HD World. Mr Johri has also pioneered the channel’s localization strategy by launching language feeds in Telugu and Bengali. Discovery Channel Tamil was also launched in 2011.

     

    At a press meet in the Capital on July 5, Mr Johri announced the launch of a new series on TLC called Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar. A six-part series, Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar showcases the striking transformation of the girls selected from across India into dazzling divas by popular hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar and her brother Osh Bhabani.

     

    MxMIndia caught up with Mr Johri soon after he unveiled Be Blunt to the media. In this one-on-one interaction, Mr Johri tells MxMIndia about Discovery’s leadership and the network’s latest offering and that Discovery Kids will be unveiled shortly. He also shares his views on how digitization is set to impact Discovery and other niche channels.

     

    Excerpts from the interview:

    It’s interesting that you have a show on hairstyling. Tell us a little about this show with Adhuna Akhtar?

    Our focus in TLC is on different aspects of lifestyle and one of the most prominent ones of that is appearance. So keeping that in mind we thought a hairstyling show would fit in really well on the channel. And there is no other hairstyling show. When we wanted to do it, we found Adhuna Akhtar, who is one of the most popular hair dressers in the country. This show takes in six different individuals and carries out a makeover on them and in the midst of doing the makeover, Adhuna gives viewers a lot of tips on how to keep their hair better.

     

    [youtube width=”400″ height=”225″]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0LvsvFWwOTA[/youtube]

    You mentioned there are six episodes of this show ready to air… what’s coming up next?

    We have always done new things and surprised our viewers. Whether it’s a show on Shah Rukh Khan’s life, the jewellery show, and now it’s a hair dressing show, so we will continue to surprise people.

     

    And then there’s the programme capturing the Indian Army’s Women Expedition to Everest…

    The Army sent an expedition which scaled Mount Evereston May 25 and 26. There are seven women who were part of that expedition and a total of 17 climbers who climbed Everest. We shot the whole show; in fact, a Discovery cameraman also climbed Mount Everest along with the climbers. Right now we are editing the footage that has been brought back and we hope to bring this show within this year.

     

    And the two-part series on Oprah’s visit to India?

    Oprah was here earlier this year and she shot extensively in Mumbai, Vrindavan, Agra and Jaipur. There are two episodes of this new series that she now does which is called The Next Chapter which appears on Oprah Winfrey’s Network in US and in India you will see it both on Discovery Channel and on TLC. Discovery has had quite a few specials in the past, like the special show with Shah Rukh Khan, another one of course coming up with Oprah…

     

    Considering a lot of money has to be invested in promotion for programming, isn’t it better to stick to longer format shows rather than these one-offs?

    It is a part of the kind of shows we do. A documentary filmmaker does not make a series, there is no 52-part documentary. It will always be smaller parts. And viewers know that there will be specials and we have now eight different channels of our own. So we have enough air time to take the message to the viewers.

     

    Discovery has got a lot of competition in this space now, especially from a channel like History which is doing fairly well. How do you view competition from upcoming channels?

    We are, by far, the leaders in the genre. We are bigger than the sum of all our competitors. We’ve been in the business for 15 years and no matter how you slice and dice the numbers, we are the leaders. And we will continue to present to our viewers with quality programming. And the other important thing which is responsible for our leadership position is, on Discovery you will always find shows which are on brand. There is nothing that is not on brand. So viewers get from Discovery what they expect from Discovery. And that is really responsible for the loyalty that we have of our viewers.

     

    A channel like TLC is fighting for viewership with English GECs like Star World and Zee Cafe…

     TLC is bigger than most of them and TLC has a very dedicated audience. If you ask people what they watch on TLC, they will give you names of shows that they follow. And TLC has managed to establish itself as the definitive lifestyle channel in this country and that really gives it the advantage.

     

    Speaking of niche channels, how are Discovery Turbo and Discovery Science doing?

    In terms of reach, they continue to grow. Discovery Turbo has very dedicated audience in the metro markets and Discovery Science has been growing all over the country. Its distribution has been growing. And if there is a country in the world where a Science channel fits in perfectly, it is India because 65 per cent of India is under 30 years of age. And 35 per cent of the country is under 14 years of age. And everybody understands the value of education. And that is why the science channel works so well here.

     

    And how’s your regional foray going? Discovery Tamil is a success… what languages up next?

    Discovery Channel Tamil is a great success. Discovery is the only international company to have a full-fledged channel and not just a dubbed feed in the language. So it has its own programming grid, it has all the on-air packaging in Tamil. And from the day we launched in Tamil, the rating has more than doubled. Today it is the No 9 channel in Tamil Nadu. We are already available in Bangla, Telugu and Hindi and we continue to evaluate languages.

     

    It’s been a while since you announced Discovery Kids at FICCI Frames. When will it be launched?

    The test signals of Discovery Kids are already on and we are currently seeding the channel in various parts of the country. We should be announcing the launch very soon.

     

    And how will it be different from the other channels in this space?

    Discovery Kids is not a 100 percent animation channel. It has the inherent Discovery values. However, we understand the value of entertainment so there is a lot of entertainment on the channel and it’s a parent-approved entertainment channel.

     

    What will be its driver shows? For instance, POGO has Chhota Bheem and Disney has Doraemon…

    We have our set, and like I said it’s just a matter of time that we’ll announce Discovery Kids and we will show you all the big shows that Discovery Kids has.

     

    Are you looking at a reality show like Endurance which is a rage internationally?

    You will get all the big shows of Discovery Kids in India!

     

    Do you think digitization will have a positive impact on channels like Discovery?

    In a digital world where the consumers are not constrained by the bandwidth capacity and have a complete choice, channels like Discovery become that much more important. As a consumer you get complete control over what you want to watch and that is where clearly defined offerings like TLC, Discovery Science, Animal Planet have a clear cut proposition and they become that much more pronounced in a digital environment.

     

    Given that TRAI will have restrictions on pricing of channels, will niche channels (like Discovery) really benefit from it, considering the huge amount of investment on content by these channels…

    Not being able to price your channel has its drawbacks… I would like to bring the military channel here which talks about all kinds of war strategies and so on. But that will have a small dedicated tribe to watch it. Till the numbers grow, the next level of specialization is difficult. It’s a challenge to get extremely specialized channels into the country.

     

  • Rahul Johri, Senior Vice-president & GM, Discovery Networks on the Discovery network's association with Goafest, the soon-to-be-launched Discovery Kids and how he is looking forward to digitization

    Goafest has grown in stature: Rahul Johri

    The Discovery network is partnering Goafest for the fourth time and the focus this year is around Discovery Kids, its soon-to-be-launched channel for kids. MxMIndia speaks to Rahul Johri, Senior Vice-president & GM, Discovery Networks on Discovery’s association with Goafest (and of course Discovery Kids and how he is looking forward to digitization).

     

    On partnering Goafest in 2012

    Goafest is a landmark event of the industry and this is our fourth year of participation in the event. The who’s who of the industry congregates here for co-sharing and exchange of ideas and solutions. It has grown in stature over the past years – the quality of speakers it attracts, the kind of discussions that take place…it has gotten better every year and that is why we are excited to partner such an event. The focus of what was said today was on good quality content and we are one of the biggest content producers in the world. It is good to hear speakers deliberate on how content is playing an integral role and is at the core of everything that we do.

     

    On the age of digitization

    The onset of digitalization presents an opportunity for niche networks to come in and therefore you see our channels like Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo or Discovery HD…these channels really thrive in a digital environment where they are not limited by capacity constraints of analog cable and we are really looking forward to digitization.

     

    On Discovery’s stride in India

    We have just announced the launch of Discovery Kids a few weeks ago and that has been a big move for us. Discovery has grown rapidly in the past one year. In the last three years, we have gone from three channels to eight channels, from two languages to five languages…so we are growing very rapidly and this year it is going to be all about Discovery Kids.

     

    Click here to view all Goafest 2012 stories