MUMBAI: Discovery Channel?s new series East To West is set to premiere on 21 May and will be aired every Monday at 8 pm. It examines the role that Middle East has played in shaping world history and Western civilisation.

The show will follow the flow of civilisation from the foundation of science, monotheism, artistic expression, commerce, civil rights and justice.

Middle East was an economic, scientific and cultural centre of the world which has been a vital link between the continents of Asia, Africa and Europe for millennia. This land from ancient times has shaped the modern world, giving it agriculture, cities and the belief in God.

Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president and general manager ? South Asia Rahul Johri said, ?Shot in high definition, East to West is a landmark series which traces the story of the birth and growth of civilization in the Middle East and its huge influence on the West. With deep insight into history and picturesque visuals, it should immensely appeal to the Indian audience.?

The show covers the evolution of civilisation through its early stages like the rise of agriculture, governance and writing in Mesopotamia and travels to ancient Babylon (Iraq) and Mari (Syria) to explore the world?s earliest cities. The seven-part series includes episodes named Between Two Rivers, The Triumph of Monotheism, A Force from the Desert, The Muslim Renaissance, The Asian Crucible, The Rise of the Ottomans and The Ottomans and the West.

MUMBAI: BBC Worldwide has appointed Zina Neophytou as travel distribution director, BBC Global Channels ? the first position of its kind within BBC Worldwide?s channels business.

As travel distribution director, Zina?s new role is to expand the channels business across Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) focussing on both reach as well as revenues, in the travel sector. Responsible for the development and implementation of all travel distribution and sales strategies, Zina will be the main point of contact for all EMEA territories within the hotel sector and globally for airlines and cruise ships. Championing the needs of the travel sector within the company, Zina will also contribute to the development of a travel section of the BBC World web site.

BBC Worldwide senior VP global channels EMEA Dean Possenniskie says, ?As we carry out our ambitious strategy to grow our new portfolio of BBC-branded channels, we?re thrilled to have Zina join the Global Channels team and welcome the immense industry experience she brings to this role.?

Zina says, "I am delighted to be a part of BBC Worldwide?s growing channels business in this unique distribution position. In recent years, BBC World has established itself as a must-have channel within the travel sector, and I?m confident that the addition of five new BBC-branded channels will complement this demand within the travel industry."

Zina brings with her more than ten years of experience in the travel distribution industry.