Popular TV channel Animal Planet in Hindi from April one

New Delhi, Mar 28 (UNI) Viewers across India will be able to watch wildlife TV channel 'Animal Planet in Hindi too from April one.

The channel, which offers a wide range of entertaining programmes on wildlife and nature from India and around the world is introducing a parallel 24-hour Hindi feed.

It will also have more of India-centric programmes under a new India specific strategy, Mr Deepak Shourie, EVP and Managing Director, Discovery Networks announced here today.

''In India there is overwhelming interest in wildlife and nature, and the strong demand from viewers and our research highlighted the need for a parallel 24-hour Hindi feed,'' he told a press conference.

Allowing viewers to navigate the channel better, Animal Planet plans to introduce well-defined time bands which would also enable the channel to better communicate the diversity of its content to viewers, he said.

Over the years, Animal Planet has presented the world of animals through entertaining programme formats, and consistent innovations in programming have allowed it build strong nationwide viewership, said Mr Shourie.

''On one hand it presented renowned conservationists and experts like Jeff Corwin, Jane Goodall and David Attenborough showcasing the complex animal behaviours; on the other hand it presented animal soap operas like Lemur Street and Meerkat Manor. Presenting viewers with the most comprehensive view on wildlife, the channel's engaging programme portfolio included Hollywood stars like Julia Roberts and Meg Ryan presenting shows on their favourite animals, humourous series such as Planet's Funniest Animals and personal Amazing Animal Videos,'' he said.

Started in 1998, Animal Planet reaches 300 million households in more than 160 countries worldwide with programming customised in 24 languages.

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