Discovery Bolsters Indian Portfolio

NEW DELHI: Discovery Networks Asia Pacific is taking the Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo brands to India, with a slot on DTH platform Tata Sky and plans to expand to other operators across the country.

The English-language, 24-hour services bring the number of Discovery channels in India to five, joining the flagship network, Discovery Travel & Living and Animal Planet. The three networks reach 116 million cumulative subscribers in India with programming customized in English, Hindi and Tamil. 

Tom Keaveny, the executive VP and managing director of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said, “India is globally recognized as one of the world’s most exciting television markets and is a priority market for Discovery. The launch of Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo reflects our enduring commitment to provide Indian viewers, affiliates and advertisers with a variety of credible, entertaining and high-quality networks.”

Rahul Johri, the senior VP and general manager for India at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, added, “The addition of two unique content channels Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo to our existing portfolio of channels reiterates our strategy to offer distinctive, relevant non-fiction high-quality content in a highly cluttered Indian television market. Both these channels will satisfy the insatiable curiosity of aspirational Indian viewers and reflect the changing face of Indian television.”

Johri continued: “Discovery Science willl provide a stimulating look at the impact of science and technology on our everyday lives through a range of entertaining programs focused on cutting-edge scientific research and discoveries, human body, astronomy, genetics, exploration, medical advances and space. From cars, trucks, motorbikes, planes, yachts and trains and everything in between, Discovery Turbo will celebrate all aspects of speed and will cover a range of programs on everything motored; cars, boats, bikes and aircrafts; Formula One racing; motor clubs and trends, celebrity motoring profiles and events."

Vikram Kaushik, the managing director and CEO of Tata Sky, stated: "Tata Sky provides the best national, international and the most unique interactive programming content for our subscribers—that serves as one of the key differentiating factor as compared to any other DTH players. On Tata Sky, every member of the family is offered the most comprehensive range of entertainment, sports, news, music and education-based content to enjoy in the comfort of their homes. The launch of Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo on our platform underscores our continued commitment to add the very best to Tata Sky’s growing portfolio of channels and further increase the entertainment value of Tata Sky to a higher level.”