MUMBAI: US non-fiction media company Discovery has reported fiscal-third quarter revenue of $1,076 million, marginally down from the year-ago period, as seven per cent growth at International Networks was offset by four per cent decline at US Networks primarily due to additional revenues in the prior year from extending and expanding certain licensing agreements.

Adjusted Operating Income Before Depreciation and Amortisation (AOIBDA) grew by four per cent to $498 million, driven by an 11 per cent increase at International Networks and a two per cent increase at US Networks that included the impact of licensing agreements partially offset by higher content impairment costs in the prior year.

Third quarter net income from continuing operations available to Discovery stockholders of $214 million decreased $26 million compared to $240 million for the third quarter a year ago as the strong operating performance in the current year was more than offset by the impact of foreign currency fluctuations, increased mark-to-market equity-based compensation, other and interest expense as well as higher taxes.

Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav said, "Discovery delivered another quarter of strong operating results as a sustained focus on developing compelling content and leveraging it globally provided additional growth opportunities and continued financial momentum. In the U.S. we expanded market share, built new hits and capitalized on the ongoing strength of the ad market, while, internationally, we further leveraged the universal appeal of our programming and increased penetration of global pay-tv platforms to expand our unparalleled distribution footprint. Going forward we remain committed to thoughtfully investing in our brands and platforms while delivering sustained financial success and returning capital to our shareholders."

Free cash flow was $353 million for the third quarter, an increase of $39 million from the third quarter of 2011, as improved operating performance was partially offset by higher content investment and cash taxes. For the last twelve months, free cash flow increased by 13 per cent over the previous twelve month period.

MUMBAI: Lifestyle channel TLC will kick off the show ?Man V Food Nation? on 5 November.

The show will air every night at 10 pm.

TV host Adam Richman is back with a new objective. He gives up his seat at the dining table to let a new generation of fans try their hand at conquering their own hometown challenges.

The show is the follow up to ?Man V. Food? as Adam continues his quest to bring the best eats and food challenges in the US.

After three years of competition, he is on a mission to recruit people while he continues to showcase popular food joints across the US.

Since the start of his journey from coast to coast, he has accumulated and inspired a legion of fans that have supported him in the 59 legendary challenges he has faced. On the show not only does he continue to sample the local flavour during his visits on the streets but invites his loyal fans to rise up to the occasion while guiding them during their once-in-a-lifetime chance to make it or break it in various food challenges.

Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, "Cuisine is an integral part of lifestyle programming and TLC has pioneered this genre with its inimitable treatment to the subject which goes beyond cooking to showcase the culture and the lifestyle. Adam Richman enjoys tremendous popularity in India and our viewers will be delighted to see him don a new role of being on the other side of the table."

Eating challenges showcased will include a massive burrito covered in a spicy sauce coupled with a mountain of French fries or finishing ten grilled cheese sandwiches in record-breaking time.

MUMBAI: Own: Oprah Winfrey Network and Discovery Networks International have announced that singer Justin Bieber will be featured in a special episode of ?Oprah?s Next Chapter? airing in more than 100 countries worldwide.

The interview first premieres on 25 November on Own: Oprah Winfrey Network and will then air throughout the world on Discovery?s channels TLC, Home & Health and Real Time.

Winfrey attended Bieber?s sold-out Believe concert at the All-State Arena in Rosemont, Illinois and got a backstage look at how one lady among thousands of "Beliebers" was chosen to go on stage for Bieber?s signature ?One Less Lonely Girl? performance.

Winfrey and Bieber then sat down today at RL Restaurant in Chicago for a discussion. Bieber opens up to Winfrey about his growth as an artist, the pitfalls of fame and living in the spotlight. Later, the two go holiday shopping together at Chicago?s Ralph Lauren and Bieber surprises onlookers with an impromptu acoustic performance.

Bieber has become the first music artist to reach three billion views on Youtube through his official page http://www.youtube.com/justinbiebervevo. Bieber?s current album is ?Believe? (Island Def Jam). The platinum album?s first two singles ?Boyfriend? and ?As Long As You Love Me? are both multiplatinum.

MUMBAI: With the F1 race taking place in Delhi this weekend, Discovery Turbo has kicked off another season of the show ?Inside Grand Prix?.

The half-hour show airs every night at 9 pm.

The episode, featuring Buddh International circuit, will air on 28 October at 9 pm. The show will also present Nico Hulkenburg, the Force India driver talking about the India circuit. Other drivers that will be showcased include Nico Rosberg, Michael Schumacher Jenson Button and Lewis Hamilton.

Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, "Discovery Turbo continues to provide the best entertainment to the speed and motor enthusiasts through its exclusive programming. After the great response to Inside Grand Prix last year, I am confident that viewers will enjoy this year?s edition as well, with unique insights into a Formula One race and magnificent racing circuits.

The 20-part series features 20 Formula 1 racing circuits across globe including India, Australia, Malaysia and China.

The show showcases the tracks which are hosts to some of the most challenging motorsports events in the world and are well suited for the requirements of powerful, high-spec racing cars and motorcycles. The series chronicles original shots and contemporary witnesses to recollect records, touching moments, legends and tragedies. In each episode, fans go behind the scenes for exclusive interviews and stories of Formula One.

The series also captures the build up, competitive drive and racing drama from the world of F1 racing. The racers introduce the race track and answer all questions in the techno segment and the 3D-animation, demonstrating the particularities of each track, its turns, weather conditions and car performance. There is more excitement if you want to know how Pit Stop is set up. Each episode features the legends of the Formula 1 race recalling the ?Old days? with original shots of the races and victories on the race.

MUMBAI: Rive Gauche Television has acquired the unscripted true crime series, Homicide Hunter, a behind-the-scenes look at detective Joe Kenda.

Produced by Jupiter Entertainment and airing on Investigation Discovery in the US, ?Homicide Hunter? introduces audiences to Lieutenant Joe Kenda, a larger than life character, and his Colorado Springs crime-fighting team. Having solved an unprecedented 387 homicide investigations, resulting in a 92% solve rate, Kenda?s team has experienced every imaginable crime.

Each episode will use Kenda?s first person narrative along with dramatic re-creations to retell the stories of his most disturbing and challenging murder cases. Homicide Hunters takes viewers behind the scenes with one of the world?s best homicide detectives to learn how murders are solved.

Rive Gauche president David Auerbach said, "The best crime novelists in the world couldn?t create a lead character as compelling as Joe Kenda. He?s the real deal. He?s solved almost 400 murders and has some amazing stories to share. Viewers around the world are going to fall in love with him because his honest, down home and direct approach to solving crimes makes great TV".

MUMBAI: Discovery?s lifestyle channel TLC is launching a new show titled ?Restaurant Bobby Chinn?.

Starting 5 September, the six part series will air Wednesday at 10.30 pm.
?Restaurant Bobby Chinn? follows celebrity chef Bobby Chinn as he maneuvers his way around architects, designers and even a feng shui master to complete his restaurant on time and within budget.

Chinn will share his experiences and challenges as he embarks on his journey of transforming a 465-square meter space in the heart of Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam into a restaurant -?Restaurant Bobby Chinn?. From designing the restaurant, hiring the staff, setting the menu to combatting competition from premium five star restaurants in the city, Chinn will guide the viewers to what goes into making a fine restaurant.

Discovery Networks APAC SVP and GM - South Asia Rahul Johri said, "TLC has pioneered lifestyle programming in the country and continues to push the bar by presenting new formats to viewers. We are delighted to present yet another dimension of cuisine related programming with one of India?s favourite television hosts- Bobby Chinn. Restaurant with Bobby Chinn goes beyond the cooking to showcase what goes in to creating a world class restaurant."