MUMBAI: Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president & general manager ?South Asia Rahul Johri was conferred the "CEO of the Year" award at the Broadcasting Industry Awards organised by the World Brand Congress.

With over 19 years of experience in the industry, Rahul has worked across media verticals, from news channels, magazines and news dailies.

The award was given in recognition of Johri?s impactful strategy in establishing Discovery as the leading non-fiction media company in the country and his inspiring leadership to build a robust and varied portfolio of eight unique channels, led by the leading factual entertainment brand - the Discovery Channel.

Johri has been responsible for the company?s expansion and growth including its localisation strategy and launch of multiple language feeds across brands. His venture to launch the game changing channel in the kids genre, Discovery Kids, has received industry wide applaud. His recent initiative is Discovery?s association with India Today Group to launch Discovery Channel Magazine in India.

Johri said, "It is an honour for the entire company. I am grateful to my team, our esteemed partners and stakeholders in the region who have shared the spirit of commitment in making Discovery as one of the most respected television brands in South Asia.?

The jury said, ?The distinction compliments Rahul Johri?s innovative thinking and creative leadership which has translated into business excellence.?

Johri joined Discovery in 2001 and currently leads its South Asia operations. He is responsible for the overall growth strategy of India?s highest quality factual and lifestyle portfolio including Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, TLC, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo, Discovery HD World, Discovery Tamil and Discovery Kids.

Rahul is also credited with commissioning a range of acclaimed series including Living with a Superstar: Shah Rukh Khan, What Not to Wear: India, Oh My Gold!, and Be Blunt with Adhuna Akhtar. He also spearheaded Discovery Channel?s association with Yash Raj Films for the latest release Jab Tak Hai Jaan and with the Indian Army for its women officers? expedition to Mount Everest in 2012.

Johri is a Board Member and Treasurer of Indian Broadcasting Foundation (IBF). He is also a member of the media and entertainment committee of Confederation of Indian Industries (CII) and member of the Media & Entertainment Division of Ficci

MUMBAI: Four shopaholics and a dream store to shop from! Bringing alive the fantasy to shop like never before is lifestyle channel TLC?s new series, ?The Ultimate Shopper? where shopping is a competition. The show airs every Saturday at 8 pm.

It?s shopper versus shopper as they hunt down the perfect look to fit the brief - from a date with the one that got away to impressing a new boss. Contestants will test their style creativity and quick-thinking fashion sense in a head to head contest judged by fashion experts including, pop singer and actress Holly Valance, fashionista Brix Smith-Start and street style photographer Paul Hartnett, along with a special guest judge. Watch these fashion freaks struggle to win some gorgeous new threads, shoes and accessories to add to their wardrobe.

These self-proclaimed fashionistas come from all walks of life - from student to yoga instructor, vicar?s wife to eyelash bar receptionist, and even a full-time footballer?s wife. These strong personalities go all out to prove how much they know about dressing for the occasion and body type while letting their inner style diva shine. After each task is presented to the contestants by a member of the ?front row?, the claws come out as they grope through racks in their robes, hurry around in heels and snatch hand bags off the shelves and each other before locking in their looks all in twenty minutes or less. Once the fitting room curtains are drawn, there is no turning back on their style choices.

Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, "TLC continues to push the bar of lifestyle television with refreshing programming formats. ?Ultimate Shopper? is every girl?s fantasy, as the last shopper standing in the face off gets rewarded with a dream wardrobe."

When fashion shopping takes a competitive edge added with brilliance of the fashion masters, it turns out to be complete package for viewers. Catch the excitement of it only on TLC.

MUMBAI: Canadian reality television series World?s Weirdest Restaurants is all set to make its India debut on lifestyle channel TLC beginning 1 January.

The reality series produced by Paperny Films will air every night at 10 pm on the channel. The series follows host Bob Blumer as he travels the world searching for weird and unusual restaurants.

From monkeys that serve beer in a Japanese tavern to the pride owners of Dick?s Last Resort take in their bad service, Bob seeks out the most unconventional and unique dining experiences across the world.

Over 13 episodes World?s Weirdest Restaurants will introduce the viewers to the planet?s 52 most eccentric eateries and their out of box serving and catering styles.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific SVP and General Manager South Asia Rahul Johri said, "TLC offers its viewers eclectic programming mix and is pleased to bring the inimitable show - World?s Weirdest Restaurants to India. The programme showcases most eccentric, extraordinary restaurants of the world which viewers will enjoy watching."

Bob will peep into the insides of what makes these restaurants so popular, despite of their at times annoying innovation of weirdness. The show will explore more on how with a side order of weirdness; food becomes the secondary part of a dining experience.