Discovery Networks appoints Arun Thapar as vice-president, programming

Thapar will be responsible for the overall planning, developing and execution of programming strategies for the network's six brands in India, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific (DNAP) has appointed Arun Thapar as vice-president, programming, India. Thapar will be based in New Delhi and will report to Rahul Johri, senior vice-president and general manager, India, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific.

Discovery Networks appoints Arun Thapar as vice-president, programming

In an official communiqué, Johri says, "Thapar's proven track record makes him an excellent addition to the DNAP team. I'm confident that under his leadership, we will continue to bring the highest quality content to our viewers in India and strategically grow our brands."

In his new role, Thapar will be responsible for the overall planning, developing and execution of programming strategies that will include managing all aspects of programming functions such as sourcing, on-air promotions, scheduling and creating content in regional languages for the network's portfolio of six brands -- Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery Turbo and Discovery HD World -- in India. Additionally, he will supervise the local programming team.

Prior to joining Discovery Networks, Thapar was vice-president, programming, NDTV Lifestyle, and was responsible for all aspects of programming including development, original production, directing and producing programmes across a variety of genres including news, sports, political satire, comedy and travel.

Thapar has been with NDTV for more than 15 years; he joined the broadcast company in 1996 after obtaining a Masters degree in History from Jawaharlal Nehru University.

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