Vikram Channa, Vice President - Programming, India & Head of Production, APAC Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific
India is more than ready for the science channel. Discovery Science has been receiving extremely positive response from the viewers. India is a young country and there is immense curiosity amongst the viewers for information. Knowledge is cool. The viewers want to be informed and entertained about the various advancements and technologies from around the world. As expected, we have received positive feedback from all parts of the country.
As Vice President, Programming, India, Vikram Channa is responsible for managing and directing all aspects of programming for the network across India, from programme sourcing and scheduling to formulation of strategy to implementation. He oversees the India programming team while working closely with other departments such as marketing and advertising sales.
Based out of Discovery Network Asia-Pacific’s New Delhi office, he shifted base from Singapore in July 2009. He reports to DNAP’s Executive Vice President and Managing Director, Tom Keaveny, on all Asia-Pacific production matters, and to Rahul Johri, Senior Vice President and General Manager, India, on all issues related to programming for India.
Channa first joined Discovery in 1995. During his years with Discovery, he has taken on various roles within the company – from on-air promotions to programming and production. Together with his team, he executive produced over 500 documentaries, several of which garnered accolades at events such as the Asia Television Awards, New York Festival, Omni Intermedia, and the Academy Awards. Channa began his working career in India as an independent producer of short films.
In conversation with exchange4media’s Preeti Hoon, Channa talks about the Discovery Science channel, its focus areas and content line-up. Q. Discovery Science is new. How well has it been received by the viewers?
India is more than ready for the science channel. Discovery Science has been receiving extremely positive response from the viewers. India is a young country and there is immense curiosity amongst the viewers for information. Knowledge is cool. The viewers want to be informed and entertained about the various advancements and technologies from around the world. As expected, we have received positive feedback from all parts of the country.
Being the only 24-hour science channel in the country, the network aims to reach aspirational viewers through its entertaining programmes. The channel is currently available on Tata Sky, but will soon be available on other platforms as well.
Q. Who is your target audience?
Discovery Science will target both young and adult viewers who are fascinated by human progress, scientific discoveries, latest gadgets and life improving technologies.
Q. What are the main focus areas for the Discovery Science channel in 2010?
The Discovery Science channel is a new offering. Our focus will be to establish deep penetration in the country through both cable and satellite and DTH platforms. Our aim is to make the channel a habit for our viewers.
Q. What types of shows are expected in the coming months? Some upcoming shows include:
Weird Connections: The programme goes on a revealing and immersive journey into the weirder side of the science universe. Find out how some of the strangest experiments have contributed to revolutionising mankind’s understanding of previously unsolved problems. Discover how a locust flies and how it avoids mid-air collisions amidst a swarm of thousands of other locusts. Learn how blindfolded seals are able to locate fish in zero visibility waters.
Men in White: Discovery Science’s new series, ‘Men In White’, follows three innovative scientists who take on fascinating pleas for help from real people who are at their absolute wits’ end, providing them with solutions and respite from the problems that plague them.
‘Beautiful Minds’ takes viewers on a journey across three outstanding research fields. ‘Memory Masters’ delves into how the human memory works; ‘The Einstein Effect’ focuses on creativity and the process of striking upon a thought for the first time; and ‘A Little Matter of Gender’ tackles the differences between the male and the female brain.
100 Things that Will Change Your Life: Scientists are working on things that will change our world tomorrow or in 10 years, but one thing is certain – it will definitely change our lives forever. This countdown series will look at 100 projects that are flying under the radar right now, but are certain to make a difference tomorrow.
‘How It’s Made’ visits dozens of assembly lines where technology turns raw material into finished products right before the viewers’ eyes. Viewers will be amazed to see how many common and ordinary items are manufactured in the most high-tech factories around the world.
Q. Please tell us something about the freshness in the content of programmes on air and in the pipeline.
Discovery Science is the only 24-hour television network dedicated to making science programming accessible, relevant and entertaining. It examines the impact of science and technology on our everyday lives. It will appeal to viewers who are fascinated by scientific breakthroughs and the people and technology behind them.
Being a factual-entertainment channel, its content is designed to have family appeal. The channel takes a close-up look at some of the biggest ideas, coolest gadgets and cutting-edge science the world has to offer. This is packaged in an exciting, fun and informative way with a light-hearted, stylish attitude.
