"We are yet to figure out a business model for factual entertainment": Avinash Kaul, Network18

In May this year, Mukesh Ambani's Reliance Industries owned media network announced the elevation of Avinash Kaul as the chief executive officer, Network18 and managing director, A+E Networks | TV18. Kaul is now the custodian of the news bouquet which comprises 21 channels and the factual entertainment business - History TV18 and FYI 18.

The factual entertainment space in India has always been a challenging one. The market dynamics do not permit broadcasters to commission expensive India centric shows and the international content does not appeal to the large Indian audience. Despite global giants like Discovery, National Geographic Channel, BBC Earth (in partnership with Sony) operating in the country with thousands of hours of rich infotainment content, the genre has failed to scale up. Kaul believes it is due to the lack of Indian content while BBC Studios' Myleeta Aga once said in an interview with afaqs! that the real reason is the country's economic condition. "People will only care about the environment once they have fed their families..." she said.

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To expand its India content pool, History TV18, a joint venture between A+E Networks and TV18, has released "India Inked", a documentary on the recently concluded General Elections to the 17th Lok Sabha. Kaul believes that the piece on "History's biggest elections" can be a hit in India and overseas.

In an interview with afaqs! he talks about the challenges and opportunities in the factual entertainment and news businesses.

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