In a move that may make Discovery Networks Asia Pacific (DNAP) the largest broadcaster in the English-speaking market, DNAP has unveiled plans to introduce five more channels in the country.
Rahul Johri, senior vice-president, DNAP, said: “The pay TV market in India is evolving at a rapid pace. With distributors being instructed to offer pay channels on à la carte basis, we see demand increasing for pay channels. We have applied for license to launch five more channels in the country.” If approved, Discovery Networks would have 11 channels in its portfolio.
The channels would include Discovery Home and Health, a women’s lifestyle channel, Discovery Kids, ID (Investigation Discovery), Military Channel and Discovery 3D. “We are already developing 3D content for the US market. The channel will be launched there early next year. With the approvals in place, we would be ready to respond when demand surfaces in the Indian market,” Johri added. Discovery 3D, when introduced, will offer 24-hour three-dimensional content to consumers here.
Earlier this year in January, DNAP flagged off Discovery Science and Discovery Turbo. Turbo is a 24-hour channel dedicated to speed. In April, Discovery introduced HD World, which telecasts images in the high-definition (HD) format.
With the television viewing audience expanding, segmentation within genres is increasing in the market. Johri added, “We are seeing demand for specific programming. So, while previously an entertainment or news channel offered, for instance, shows related to automobiles, now you would have standalone channels for the same.”