NEW DELHI: The real-life documentary channel National Geographic has claimed a 400 per cent growth in its engagement with Indian viewers over the past few years, even as its local productions have risen from 10 to 15 per cent of its total programming.

National Geographic and Fox Networks Group, India business head Swati Mohan told indiantelevision.com that the marketing budget of the channel in India had doubled, though she did not give any figures.

To a question, she claimed that the viewership of the core Nat Geo channel had grown to 140 million television viewers per month and had the largest digital footprint.

However, a report of the Broadcast Audience Research Council shows that Nat Geographic channel was third among infotainment channels in week 31 with 2,662,000 with History TV and Discovery in the top two places.

Speaking to the website on the sidelines of its meet to announce the telecast of ‘Inside INA’, a one-hour long documentary on the Indian Naval Academy in Kerala, Mohan said that the local connect was through the respect that the channel enjoys.The documentary will be telecast at 9.00 pm on Independence Day.

It was a matter of pride for India that many of Nat Geo’s foreign productions were made by Indians.The channel’s brand ambassador is Farhan Akhtar.

To another question, she said 27 per cent of what the channel earned went to the National Geographic Society.

Vice-Admiral A K Chawla who is the head of personnel told indiantelevision.com that around Rs 25 million were invested every year on promotion and marketing to motivate young persons to join the Indian Navy.

Earlier, at the event, Mohan said: “'Inside INA’ underlines our core proposition of showcasing stories, ideas and people that take us Further – through a quest or mission. It has been heartening to be able to showcase the story of these cadets and the next generation of Naval Officers who whole-heartedly embrace this very attribute. Combine that with the National Geographic gold standard of story telling and you get a compelling one hour that will take you through an extraordinary journey."

This is National Geographic’s fifth series celebrating the spirit and courage of the Indian armed forces. The network has earlier produced and broadcast Mission Army (with the Indian Army in 2011), Mission Navy (with the Indian Navy in 2009), Mission Udaan (with the Indian Air Force in 2005) and BSF: India’s First Line of Defence (With BSF in 2016).

At the press meet, Mohan and other NatGeo team members said the film shot over two years was done in such a way as to not disturb the training of those at the INA,

Promo video-

Chawla said the film will attract a global audience. Answering a question, he said that the INA had a capacity to train 1200 persons but would soon increase that to 1700. He added that the Navy had no shortage among its personnel, and there was only a shortage of officers that would be filled soon.

‘Inside INA’captures how the men and women of Indian Navy are trained and moulded into future Naval heroes who serve the nation. A riveting view into the meticulous mental and physical training that each candidate undergoes, to rise to the challenges at sea, inspires valour and patriotism. ‘A great mix of action, emotions, and sacrifices make this a perfect way to celebrate Independence Day and salute the heroes of the Nation’ Mohan said.

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