MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (South Asia) has been awarded as the best US company operating in India under the Media & Entertainment category at the eighth Indo-American Corporate Excellence Award 2012 held in Mumbai.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (South Asia) was selected on the basis of its overall contribution to the Indo- US business and on other parameters like human capital management and corporate social responsibility. The award commends Discovery?s programming and production excellence and its stellar performance in the country. The company broadcasts eight unique content channels in India - Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Discovery HD World, Discovery Channel Tamil and Discovery Kids.

Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, "This award is a recognition of Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific?s commitment to engage and entertain Indian viewers with unique and credible programming. It exemplifies and values the positive contribution that the network brings in India through its innovative content."

Indo-American Chamber of Commerce (IACC) is the only bi-lateral Chamber of Commerce committed to promotion of Indo-US Trade and Economic Relations by facilitating Joint Venture, Strategic Alliances, Trade, Technology Transfer, Investment etc. IACC has over 2,600 members who together represent a wide spectrum of business and economic segments: manufacturing, exports, services etc.

MUMBAI: As part of its localisation drive, lifestyle channel TLC will air a local show with hairstylist Adhuna Akhtar. The aim is to reflect the changing aspirations and attitudes in India.

In the past, TLC has focussed on localisation across different genres like travel, cuisine, makeover and fashion.

Discovery Networks South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, "TLC presents an extensive slate of distinct and aspirational programming from India and around the world. We are excited to present a new series with the stylish Adhuna Akhtar that will resonate with the Indian audience."

The series is currently under production and will air on TLC in India as well as other international markets. Red Chillies Idiot Box has been commissioned to produce the series.

Akhtar said, "Hosting a series on my favourite channel TLC and on a subject that I am truly passionate about is very exciting. It is a fantastic experience working with TLC and I can?t wait to see the series on the Indian television screen."

MUMBAI: Lifestyle channel TLC is renewing focus on the dedicated travel band ? ?Just Travel@9 pm? - which aims to deliver the ultimate in travel experiences the world has to offer.

?Just Travel@9pm? will feature exotic locales with global travel personalities and experts.

This month on the block, TLC will showcase new series such as ?Not Your Average Travel Guide? and new seasons of series such as ?Xtreme Tourist?, ?1000 Places To See Before You Die?, ?World Caf?: Asia?, ?Bizarre Foods With Andrew Zimmern? and ?Girl Meets Hawaii?.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior VP, GM South Asia Rahul Johri said, ?TLC has garnered great responses from millions of its viewers and we will continue to focus on generating appointment viewership through our time-band strategy. A step in this direction has been our dedicated travel band - Just Travel@9pm, that has changed the way viewers watch programming in the travel and lifestyle genres.?

MUMBAI: Discovery Channel is launching Wildest India, a five-part series that will premiere on 22 January at 12 noon.

The show will air every Thursday at 8 pm, starting 26 January.

With this new series Discovery Channel is hailing India?s diversity showcasing India?s wildlife, secret locations, epic landscapes and colourful beauty.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific South Asia Sr. VP and GM Rahul Johri said, ?Wildest India will take viewers on a safari around the country without ever having to leave their living rooms. With the unique and distinctive content, Discovery Channel aims to present for its viewers the unseen and enchanting Indian wildlife.?

The series explores the wildest and most remote parts of India, from the Himalayan Mountains, down the River Ganges and across to the world of the North East. It will showcase India?s wildlife and grand terrains, while bringing to the fore the relationship that exists between land, wildlife and human beings in the subcontinent.

MUMBAI: The travel and lifestyle channel TLC is set to launch a new cookery show, Donna Hay: Fast, Fresh, Simple with Australian cookbook author Donna Hay on 1 January.

The 13-part series will air every night at 10 pm.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific - South Asia Sr VP and GM Rahul Johri said, "TLC has always pioneered unique concepts in food programming, whether it is with Nigella Lawson or Kylie Kwong. This new series with Donna Hay will add a new dimension to food shows on television and we are sure that our viewers will love it."

In the programme, the cook will show how her approach to preparing meals can deliver big results in the minimum amount of time. Putting a new spin on old favourites with a mix of fresh and store bought ingredients, Donna will share with viewers her tips and tricks for creating fast and simple dishes.

MUMBAI: Welcoming the Christmas season, lifestyle channel TLC is all set to launch a new series Choccywoccydoodah featuring the work and crew of the cake shop by the same name.

The show premieres today at 8 pm.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific - South Asia SVP and GM Rahul Johri said, "TLC continues to showcase the best lifestyle experiences to its viewers. The uniquely named series Choccywoccydoodah brings across the insider story of one of the world‘s best cake shops."

The follows the stresses and strains faced by the team as it tries to live up to the reputation of being one of the most innovative cake makers in the world.

The cake shop situated in Brighton, UK has earned acclaim for innovative designs and produces 7,500 cakes every year and charges up to ?9,000 a piece for their one-of-a-kind creations. The confectionary boasts of a celebrity clientele that includes the likes of Madonna, Hugh Grant, Bob Geldof, Kylie, Katie Price, Johnny Depp and Kylie Minogue. The shop also supplied the chocolates for the Tim Burton movies Charlie & the Chocolate Factory and Alice in Wonderland.