Two Channels For Travel, Adventure, Health

Discovery Network India yesterday announced major expansion plans with the launch of two new programme blocks dedicated to travel, adventure and health, which are likely to be developed into two separate channels in the future.

This was communicated by Kiran Karnik, managing director, Discovery Communications India.

The branded blocks of programmes, beginning July 8, will be aired for two hours each on Saturdays and Sundays.

The channel is also launching the third edition of the Watch with the World which was first aired in March 1999.

"The programme, based on a space station tipped to be the greatest engineering feat in the history of man will be aired in July to 142 countries on their respective prime-time network. Through this, the channel is expected to generate advertising revenue as it creates an opportunity for advertisers to be visible around the globe at the same time," said Kiran

 

Watch with the World previously featured Cleopatra's Palace and the great mammoth and has been received with great interest, making it the most watched programme in Discovery Channel's history.

"The coverage will include the first high-definition television photographic montage of the earth and the opportunity to experience an air speed of 17,000 mph. The initiative will be fully-integrated with Discovery.com, making detailed information available to Web users," said Karnik.

The travel and adventure programme will debut with original programmes including Adventure Crazy, African adventures and Travellers.

"From Washington DC to the jungles of Africa, including eco-tourism adventures in San Jose and hang-gliding off cliffs in Vancouver, the channel aims to cater to people with an urge to explore and have a need to experience the extraordinary," said Karnik.

"The channel will add to its diverse repertoire with the Discovery Health channel which gives information on with lifestyle, medical, fitness and nutrition information from around the world," said Karnik

The programme is expected to provide practical guidance and reliable insight from leading medical experts, and will bring the latest breakthroughs in the field of medicine and health.

The programme will debut with a story on stunning new medical developments and Health Showcase which is an anthology of health and medical programmes.

Additional programmes includes real life medical drama, live and pre-taped operations, disease safety and prevention and practical health suggestions from doctors and other experts.

As part of its expansion plans in India, Discovery launched a 24-hour pay channel, Animal Planet, in March 1999 which now reaches a viewer base of 6.5 million in India.

A special programme block for children called Discovery Kids was also started this year.