It is sad to say that documentary filmmakers have become endangered species in India. There are no Indian channels specially devoted for documentary viewing. Although, some documentaries made by Indian filmmakers have been shown in Doordarshan as well as in some Indian news channels. But unlike channels like National Geographic or the History Channel, there are none as such especially dedicated for documentary viewing in India.

Though, of course it is appealing that we have such other channels which cater to this filed of media, which shows of course, the reality of this world. Channels like National Geographic and the History channel, Animal Planet, Discovery, Travel and Living, show features on issues around the globe. Some of them, very few though, are related to India. In general they might be related to the whole of Asia. But a proper documentary, made by Indians, showing the reality of this nation is never shown as there are no buyers for them and private channels will not risk showing them.

In India, documentary filmmakers constantly need to upgrade their equipment and, most important, they need a platform to show their films. Most Indian news channels do not air their documentaries. The only broadcaster willing to show them is Doordarshan. But it does so at the unearthly time of 11 pm at night. We are a nation that goes to sleep by 10 pm. So who is going to stay awake and watch our films? Needless to say that, good information is worthless if it does not reach the public.

A1
A1 the 24 hour adventure channel of Asia, claims to cover a range of active outdoor adventure, therefore the programming mix includes adventure travel, adventure sport and adventure personalities. A1 is brought to viewers by Fox and National Geographic channel in India. National Geographic has plans to introduce Indian programming to capture the domestic viewer`s attention for this channel.

Animal Planet
Animal planet was launched in 1996, which is a cable and satellite television network co-owned by Discovery Communications, Inc. The channel is dedicated to programming that highlights the relationship between humans and animals. Country-specific versions of the channel have been created in Canada, India, and other countries.

Discovery Channel
It now provides a variety of programmes on themes of popular science, history, and knowledge about the world. But previously, the channel was known exclusively for its science documentaries. It was 1985 as the flagship channel of Discovery Communications, which today offers 29 network brands in 33 languages.

Discovery Travel & Living
A lifestyle channel, it is distributed in India by One Alliance along with Discovery Channel and Animal Planet. The channel believes that `Lifestyle entertainment` is the next big trend and the channel is committed to putting in millions of dollars to develop it. The programming genres include travel, health and well-being, food and cuisine, automotive and motoring, home design and décor, hobbies and outdoors leisure.

National Geographic Channel
It showcases the expeditions of dynamic & committed explorers, filmmakers & researchers on assignment around the world. National geographic also featured some amazing documentaries on the tragic 9/11 events. Heart-warming documentaries on the Mumbai floods and Indian Witch hunting were amazing to watch.

The History Channel
This is the only international TV network devoted exclusively to historical programming & is reached in 70 countries. he History Channel is owned by A&E Television Networks, a general entertainment network reaching over 76 million subscribers. The History Channel is being positioned as India`s only television channel purely dedicated to history, bringing the power and passion of the past to life.

Australia Network
Australia Network is an Australian free-to-air international satellite television service operated by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. It is Aimed at the Asia-Pacific and now Indian regions. the service broadcasts a mixture of programming, with a focus on English learning programs. It was launched on 31st Dec,01 by Australia`s Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade. The channel is available free-to-air in more than 40 countries across Asia, the Pacific and India. As of January 2007 it reaches into more than 20 million homes and over 200,000 hotel rooms.

Australia Network screens a variety of programs, from the ABC itself, including tailor-made news bulletins for the region. It also carries the soap opera Home and Away, Southern Hemisphere Rugby Union, including the Super XIV`s, Australian rules football and rugby league matches, a selection of documentaries on various subjects, and several Australian and British drama series. Shows include Stingers, All Saints, and others.