Discovery Gets Clearance for New India Channels

August 12, 2009 World Screen

NEW DELHI: India’s Ministry of Information & Broadcasting has given Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific the go-ahead to roll out three new 24-hour channels in the territory: Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD.

 

Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo will be made available on analogue and digital platforms, while Discovery HD will solely be on digital platforms. All three will be available in English. Discovery now operates six channels in India; the three new launches join the flagship Discovery Channel, Discovery Travel & Living and Animal Planet, reaching 109 million cumulative subscribers.

The three new networks promise to deliver content for "aspirational, discerning and globally-mindful Indian viewers." Commenting on the launch, Rahul Johri, the senior VP and general manager for India at Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, said: "In the current environment, networks that have a distinct brand proposition will emerge as the preferred destinations for viewers, advertisers and affiliates alike. The changing market dynamics, favourable demographics, and research, suggest that millions of viewers in India would enjoy Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD’s unique and high-quality program offering."