MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has signed a deal with RTL that sees the German commercial broadcaster become a co-production partner on the BBC Natural History Unit?s forthcoming series ?Hidden Kingdom?.

This will be the first time RTL has worked with BBC Worldwide to co-produce a natural history series and the broadcaster joins other co-production partners Discovery and France 2.

Commissioned for BBC One, ?Hidden Kingdom? takes a microscopic look at nature and transforms small worlds into giant places. The series will take viewers on an immersive journey into strange lands where tiny animals are living incredible and dramatic lives.

RTL head of infotainment Agnes Ostrop will act as executive producer on behalf of RTL and a tailored 1x90 German language version of the series will deliver to the network for broadcast in primetime.

BBC Worldwide head of German speaking territories Isabelle Helle said, "?Hidden Kingdom? is an exceptional project using innovative storytelling techniques to bring audiences a new and in depth perspective on this fascinating world. RTL has long been a valued partner of BBC Worldwide and we are thrilled they are venturing for the first time into natural history co-producing on this phenomenal project."

Executive produced by Mike Gunton, the three part series will take the BBC Natural History Unit?s renowned photographic techniques and shrink them down to show the world on a different scale. The series will be filmed in some of the planet?s most iconic places, likely to include the Amazon Rainforest, African Savannah and Mojave Desert.

BBC Worldwide has also signed a new programme licensing deal with RTL for 45 hours of content.

Factual titles ?Bomb Squad? and ?Bomb Hunters? will premiere on RTL?s new free-to-air channel RTL Nitro. Also going to free-to-air on SuperRTL will be Robin Hood (S3) and the adventure drama Sinbad.

?Brazil with Michael Palin? leads a slate of informative titles
premiering on RTL Living including ?Jimmy?s Forrest?, ?How to Grow a Planet? and ?After Life - the Strange World of Decay?, while RTL Crime will host suspense drama ?The Body Farm? and Left Bank?s thriller ?Mad Dogs?.

MUMBAI: Discovery Network?s lifestyle channel TLC will premiere My Cypriot Kitchen on 1 May and will air every night at 10 pm.

The show will take viewers to island nation of Cyprus in the
Mediterranean region known for its fabulous cuisine.

My Cypriot Kitchen will be hosted by celebrity chef Tonia Buxton who will return to her homeland of Cyprus on a culinary tour of her favourite places.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific SVP and GM South Asia Rahul Johri said, "TLC is proud to be the home of iconic and world famous hosts such as Nigella Lawson, Anthony Bourdain, Bobby Chinn amongst many others. We are delighted to present a new celebrity Chef Tonia Buxton who will host My Cypriot Kitchen which is a fabulous series that showcases the culture of Cyprus through its exotic food."

MUMBAI: US non fiction media company Discovery Communications announced today that Planet Green will turn red, white, and blue when it is renamed ?Destination America? on 28 May.

Kicking off Memorial Day weekend, the unofficial start of the summer season, ?Destination America? will be the first network to celebrate the people, places, and stories of the United States, emblazoned with the grit and tenacity, honesty and work ethic, humour and adventurousness that characterise the nation.

The inclusive network, targeting adults 25-54, will be available in 59.5 million homes and feature original series covering such diverse subjects as American food from Tex Mex to barbeque; American mysteries from Jesse James? lost fortune to Area 51; America?s heroes from those who embody the values of the past to
those who invent the technology of the future; as well as never-before-seen footage of America?s iconic landmarks, including Yellowstone National Park and the Everglade swamps.

On Destination America, barbeque isn?t just good cooking but an expression of that country?s roots. A job is never just a job - it?s our ingenuity made real. Places like Alaska are more than untamed beauty - they?re a living symbol of our need to press ahead and walk where no one has tread before.

Destination America president, GM Henry Schleiff said, "Americans may be divided by politics, but we are united by our love of country. As a network inclusive to all, Destination America will celebrate this connective spirit by curating the common ground among us: the pluck of the worn saddle, the promise of exploring new territory, and the diversity that has made this nation great."

With a 360-degree experience that spans across digital platforms and social media sites, the company will also launch an original iPhone App, allowing consumers to share favourite destinations and themes across America. Users can browse images by location or in diverse categories ranging from beautiful to nostalgic to restaurants, mountains and more. And for those seeking inspiration, "Only In America" will feature Top 10 activities and suggestions ranging from majestic National Parks to hilarious road signs, food sculptures to outrageous hobbies, patriotic pets to hairstyles.

Destination America senior VP of content strategy Marc Etkind Said, "Our research, coupled with my own experience developing shows about America over the last 20 years, has shown that viewers have a huge appetite for content focused on our unique culture and spirit. By collecting the very best of travel, adventure, food, home, and natural history into one brand, we?re excited to create a new lifestyle destination for programming that Americans love."

MUMBAI: Discovery?s Tamil channel will celebrate the Tamil New Year on 13 April, with a line-up of programmes showcasing the history, art and traditions of Tamil Nadu.

The shows will air from 2 ? 6 pm on Discovery Channel Tamil.

From ancient temples to the ingenious tribes and exotic jewellery, ?Tamil New Year Special? will celebrate its glorious past, magnificence and rich heritage.

Discovery South Asia senior VP, GM Rahul Johri said, ?The special line-up is an offering to engage and entertain the audience with the best of programming showcasing Tamil Nadu.?

The Tamil New Year Special will kick off with ?Oh My Gold!?. The show?s host Lisa Ray, showcasing the art of temple jewellery-making, will delve into Tamil Nadu?s extravagant jewellery tradition and rich cultural fabric.

?The Lost Temples Of India?, meanwhile, journeys to Tamil Nadu to give viewers a taste of the majestic and splendid temples in Southern India. ?The Irulas Of Tamil Nadu? explores the lives of one of the rare tribes in India ? the Irulas. Each programme included in the ?Tamil New Year Special? has been selectively programmed to highlight a different facet of Tamil Nadu ? history, art, travel, food and culture, their sustainable lifestyle, social fabric, vibrant culture and unique tradition.

MUMBAI: Discovery Networks International (DNI) has commissioned UK-based production company Maverick for 20 hours of original programming -- 15 hours of lifestyle content and 5 hours of factual content -- to air within the company?s portfolio of 144 worldwide television networks.

Programmes include ?Body Confidential?, a new series fronted by television presenter, radio DJ and model Lisa Snowdon, commissioned by DNI director, lifestyle and entertainment production and development Sarah Thornton; and the second season of the personal transformation programme, ?My Naked Secret?, commissioned by Jon Sechrist, Executive Producer, International Production and Development, DNI. Titles and formats for the remaining 10 hours of content will be announced at a later date.

?My Naked Secret? first premiered on TLC in Poland before rolling out around the world on TLC and other lifestyle networks, including Discovery Fit & Health in the US.

The series? renewal marks the first original DNI production to be greenlit for a second season. Each episode follows an individual?s journey as they struggle with a hidden secret about their body. With the help of a therapist, these individuals grapple with revealing their painful secret to family and friends.