Emergency exit

In the wake of such turmoil ruling the globe - in terms of plunging economy and dreadful terror attacks - infotainment has also added dimensions to itself.

Television shows just got peppier and more beneficial to viewers, with Discovery Channel launching a programme based on real life crisis

In the wake of such turmoil ruling the globe 8211; in terms of plunging economy and dreadful terror attacks 8211; infotainment has also added dimensions to itself. While all leading channels provided the goriest news, very few of them actually thought of providing information to their loyal viewers on managing such crisis.

Bringing some lessons from the west, Discovery Channel has come up with a special programme, Call 911, which is being aired every Friday at 10.30 pm. The show, based on the real life crisis faced by commoners, talks about the different incidents and cases coming up to the help line. Ranging from life-threatening apartment fire to kidnapping and domestic violence, from armed robbery to unanticipated at-home baby delivery, the programme chronicles varied nerve-wracking emergency situations. A common number in the US for medical, police and fire emergencies- 911, serves as a virtual lifeline to callers. The real rescue stories serve a dual purpose as they make excellent viewing, with every scene putting the audience into a what-next situation. At the same time, the show gives information on how similar incidents could be tackled.

8220;Our channel caters to non-fiction entertainment. Informing the viewers of their surroundings and the world through our shows has been our priority and this is yet another endeavour. After bringing nature and science to them, we thought of introducing them to something which everyone can relate to. Now, viewers should see and explore a world beyond their imagination and undertake a refreshing, insightful and uncharted journey into the real world,8221; says Rajiv Bakshi, director, marketing and communications, India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

Trapped in a house on fire, or a family member suffering from a fatal heart attack or witnessing a live robbery 8211; the list is endless and unpredictable. 8220;When an emergency crops up, people in the US turn to help-line numbers in the hope of finding immediate assistance. Discovery Channel in its compelling 20-part series Call 911 follows actual calls to emergency service 911 to exhibit real human stories of heroism and courage,8221; he explains.

Commenting on the need of such shows, Aryan Jaatar, student and a regular viewer of the channel, says, 8220;With terror attacks and natural calamities becoming more frequent, such shows would really prove beneficial for all. We can always learn from such programmes. Moreover we can utilise whatever facility of helplines is being offered to us by the government.8221;