Discovery Communications

Posted on October 16, 2016 by bmkozach

Bethany Kozachuk and Christina McDonagh

Discovery Communications’ logo

Discovery Communications
One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910

Phone Number: (240) 662-2000
Website: http://www.discovery.com/

OVERVIEW

Poster for Iceberg Alley

Founded in 1982 by University of Alabama graduate John Hendricks, Discovery Communications has become one of the most influential companies in the global cable market. Discovery struggled at first, but deals with the cable operators such as Telecommunications Inc, Cox Cable Communications, and Newhouse Broadcasting group soon arose. By June of 1986, Discovery had seven million subscribers; spurring the company to commission its first original program, Iceberg Alley, in 1989. [11] [4]

Discovery Channel Logo

TLC Logo

Animal Planet Logo

Discovery Communications has become one of the leaders in global entertainment. The company consists of 33 channels worldwide, three full-service production studios, and in the US, 13 cable and satellite networks that compromise the industries most widely distributed portfolios in the US. This portfolio includes three major channels: Discovery Channel, TLC (formerly The Learning Channel) and Animal Planet. These three channels reach over 91 million households in the US and have kept Discovery Communications at the top of the industry. Discovery’s content can be divided into three genres: Kids, Sports, and Non- fiction.[6] [11]

Key Executives

President & CEO of Discovery Communications

The President and CEO of Discovery Communications is David Zaslav. Zaslav has led the company since 2007, and under his reign, Discovery has begun trading as a public company on the Nasdaq stock exchange. As a result, in 2014, the Discovery became a Fortune 500 company. [10]

Bruce Campbell, Chief Development Officer and General Counsel

Andrew Warren-Senior Executive VP and CFO

Jean-Briac Perrette President
Discovery Networks International

2016-2017 Program Roster

Shark Week Poster

For the 2016-2017 Programming Slate, Discovery announced that their lineup would consist of 22 returning shows, but also 20 new shows as well. Cooper’s Treasure Sacred Steel, The Wheel, and a Deadliest Catch spin-off, Deadliest Catch:Dungeon Cove, are four of the highly anticipated shows coming out this season. Discovery also announced that they would be launching a revolutionary anthology series called Discovery Impact. The series was aired at the 2016 Sundance Film Festival and will focus on the impact that mankind has had on the earth’s environment, as well as what individual people can do to solve the global environmental issues.[9] Fan favorites like Naked and Afraid, Gold Rush, and Bering Sea Gold are on the roster for this year as well. The week long event Shark Week has been kept on as well. Last year’s Shark Week had the highest ratings ever for the event. All of these programs have kept Discovery at the top of the pack, but there are still gaps that need to be filled in this programming giant’s empire. [1]

Financials

According to the third quarter reports, net income available to Discovery decreased 22% to $219 million from $279 million due to a $50 million after-tax impairment charge because of a Lionsgate investment and higher equity-based compensation. This was fractionally offset by a decrease in taxes, currency-related transaction gains, and higher contribution from equity investors income. Discovery’s earnings per share (EPS) decreased 16% to $0.36 because of lower DCI Net Income, but that was partially offset due to lower shares outstanding. Adjusted EPS decreased 15% to $0.40 compared to $0.47 of last years third quarter. Free cash flow dramatically increased 75% to $410 million due to lower cash taxes and the timing of working capital.[3] With all of this financial information, it seems as though Discovery has done well for itself in the third quarter, but there are some concerns within the company about distributing media more effectively and their ranking in the stock exchange.[7]

While Discovery is considered to be wildly successful, the company is not immune to hardships. Discovery posed an earnings surprise (down) of 16.39% and in the past three of four quarters has had an earnings surprise averaging 6.02%. These swings in earnings are due to the company’s struggle to produce advertising revenue. Also, problematically, a major source of its revenue comes from 10% of its customers.[15]

Chart of Stock Prices 2015-2016

Stocks at discovery have been sporadic over the years. While the company was doing well in 2015, once 2016 hit, Discovery seemed to take a sharp drop, according to the NASDAQ. Stock has been consistently declining over the past months, but there is still hope for Discovery. With the growth of online streaming and OTP (over the top), many customers are cutting their ties to cable and satellite. In order to keep viewers tuning in, Discovery Communications has begun efforts to get its content on as many screens as possible.[15]

Happening Now

560 Media Logo

In November, Discovery joined a group of over thirty producers and distributors that signed with 560 Media. 560 Media is a Global Collections Agency that offers clients intelligence-based revenue-management services.[8] The agency specializes in Television and Film rights that are beneficial to companies in a fragmented and intricate market. Discovery’s partnering with 560 Media will certainly give the evolving company the new edge that it desperately needs. [12] The Director of Global Music at Discovery thinks that,”…560 Media’s fresh and flexible approach to catalog representation will assist Discovery in this specialist area, allowing us to maximize remuneration in the international arena.” Management at Discovery is also working on shifting their focus toward secondary rights management for their high quality catalog. 560 Media will enable Discovery to keep tabs on their revenues and help Discovery gain earning power that is crucial in today’s market.[13]

While Discovery has been late to the online TV business, it certainly has been making

Discovery GO’s logo. The streaming app introduced on December 2nd 2015.

efforts to catch up with other companies like Disney. Last year, the company began allowing online streaming through the Discovery GO app to cable and satellite subscribers. Research found that the key demographic for the app was between 18 and 34, yet that hasn’t quite helped the network grow. [14] Discovery also announced that they will be starting a joint venture to hasten the growth of its Eurosport channel to an online-format as well as new collaborative efforts with Mediacom, Hulu, Sony Corporation, and CBS Corp. Discovery has also launched a joint deal to produce a new digital-only media holding company named Group9. Group9 will be a digital and social media video provider that will have an estimated 3.5 billion views per month. Discovery will own 39% of the entity and have the option to purchase the whole company outright.[2]

The Future?

Discovery has recently partnered with AT&T to expand their streaming services with DirecTV Now. Other networks and program providers like Disney, HBO, Turner, and NBC Universal have signed up to work with AT&T in their new DirecTV Now subscription video on demand (SVOD) program. There will be three streaming options provided. Two will charge a monthly rate, and the third, Freeview, will be ad-supported. There will be a wide variety of content on the streaming service that will vary depending upon which option the subscriber chooses.[16]

BIBLIOGRAPHY

[1]. @Cablefax. “Discovery Upfront.” Cablefax. N.p., 01 Apr. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[2]. “Can Discovery Communications Survive in a Streaming TV World?” NASDAQ.com. N.p., 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/11/18/can-discovery-communications-survive-in-a-streamin.aspx

[3].”Christian Wheeler.” ReviewForTune. N.p., 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[4]. “Discovery Communications, Inc. – Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Discovery Communications, Inc.” Discovery Communications, Inc. – Company Profile, Information, Business Description, History, Background Information on Discovery Communications, Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[5]. “Discovery Communications, Inc.” Discovery Communications Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[6]. “Discovery Communications, Inc.” Discovery Communications Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[7]. “Discovery Third-Quarter Earnings, U.S. Ad Revenue Drop.” Surghar Daily. N.p., 03 Nov. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[8]. Editor. “Discovery Taps 560 Media for Rights Revenue Collection.” Rapid TV News. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. www.fiercecable.com/broadcasting/discovery-signs-deal-560-media-for-secondary-rights

[9].Hipes, Patrick. “Discovery Channel Greenlights Unibomber Scripted Series & ?Deadliest Catch Spinoff For 2016-2017; Sibling Nets Unveil New Slates Upfronts.” Deadline. N.p., 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-channel-announces-2016-2017-upfront-programming-slate/

[10]. “CNBC Excerpts: David Zaslav, CEO of Discovery Communications, on CNBC’s Closing Bell Today.” CNBC. N.p., 19 Oct. 2016. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[11]. @IDAorg. “Two Decades of Discovery, and There’s Still More to Learn.” International Documentary Association. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. www.documentary.org/magazine/two-decades-discovery-and-theres-still-more-learn

[12]. Munson, Ben. “Discovery Signs Deal with 560 Media for Secondary Rights.” FierceCable. N.p., 18 Nov. 2016. Web. 10 Nov. 2016.

[13]. “NEWS.” 560 MEDIA. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. www.560media.com/news/

[14]. Rossolillo, Nicholas. “Can Discovery Communications Survive in a Streaming TV World?” The Motley Fool. N.p., 01 Jan. 1970. Web. 29 Nov. 2016.

[15]. Street, Active Wall. “Post Earnings Coverage as Discovery Communications Misses Earnings and Revenue Forecast.” Baystreet.ca. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Nov. 2016. www.baystreet.ca/viewarticle.aspx?id=448707

[16]. https://corporate.discovery.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/11/163002_2016_Q3_AT-A-GLANCE_WEB.pdf

Discovery Communications

Aside

by Indica Young

Discovery Communications Logo [1]

One Discovery Place

Silver Spring, MD 20910

Tel: 240-662-2000

http://corporate.discovery.com

-John Hendricks, Founder of Discovery Communications [3]

“To satisfy curiosity and make a difference in people’s lives by providing the highest quality content, services and products that entertain, engage, and enlighten.”[2]

–John Hendricks,1982

Discovery Communications is the #1 pay-TV programmer and is the worlds #1 nonfiction media company. With 2.8 billion subscribers, 189 international HD markets, and 54 network entertainment brands, Discovery Communications is successful at satisfying curiosity and entertaining viewers [4]. The company began as a single channel in 1985 as The Discovery Channel [5].Now they are a global mass media that operates popular networks such as The Learning Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Education, and American Heroes Channel [6]. Discovery Communications is a publicly traded company that produces their own original content as well as acquiring content. Discovery Communications is subsidiary of Time Warner and they operate out of Silver Springs, Maryland [7]. Discovery Communications is publicly traded on NASDAQ stock exchange, but privately held Advance Publications is Discovery’s largest shareholder, with a 31% stake [8].

Discovery Communications Headquarters, Silver Spring, MD [9]

TEAM DISCOVERY [2]

David M. Zaslav, President, Chief Executive Officer, [10]

David C. Leavy, Chief Communications Officer, Senior Executive Vice President, [11]

Andrew Warren, Senior Executive VP and Chief Financial Officer, [13]

TOP COMPETITORS [12]

A&E Television Networks, LLC

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Viacom, Inc

FINANCIALS

On November 4th, 2014 the Third Quarter 2014 Financial Highlights were announced. While Discovery Channel has had a fairly stable U.S. market, the domestic network revenue has been declining and David Zaslav has been focused on expanding the international segment of Discovery Communications [14]. Overall, the company has seen a 14% year on year growth in the 3rd quarter. This growth is stemming from the International segment of Discovery, as the International Networks has seen a 32% increase, while U.S. Networks has actually seen a 1% decrease. This growth in international reach is widely due to the increase in distribution and advertising revenues that Discovery has been focused on [15]. Discovery is also widening their reach by focusing on investment for their content to be displayed and interacted with on many types of screen [14].

Discovery Communications Third Quarter 2014 Segment Results [15]

Discovery Channel

2014 was marked by success due to its work in unscripted series. The Discovery Channel has seen viewership growth this year. Compared to October of last year, The Discovery Channel has seen double digit viewership, driving from strong returning series such as the 5th returning season of Gold Rush (Gold Rush kickoff was the nights second highest rated program on Friday Night [16]) as well as Alaska The Great Frontier and Misfit Garage. These unscripted series are also helping to drive ratings as Discovery has held 5 of the top 10 unscripted series for persons aged 25-54 [17].

The Learning Channel

The Learning Channel Logo, [18]

The Learning Channel (TLC) is a global brand owned by Discovery Communications that initially focused on educational and learning content, but now produces nonfiction lifestyle programming. Popular shows like Here Comes Honey Boo Boo (canceled this fall due to scandal [19]), Breaking Amish, and Cake Boss are what make is a popular nonfiction network, as well as being a top 10 cable network in key female demos [20].

Animal Planet

Animal Planet Logo, [22]

Animal Planet is an entertainment network and brand owned by Discovery Communications that focuses on life in the animal kingdom [21]. In the second quarter ratings for 2014, Animal Planet remains a top 20 network for males aged 25-54. These ratings were driven by the successful season of River Monsters [23].

Discovery Education

Discovery Education uses their high quality content and focus on education programming to develop a passionate educator community. Discovery Education is expanding their innovative multimedia education products and services as well as serving grades K-12 in more than half of the schools in the U.S. [24]

American Heroes Channel

American Heroes Channel Logo [26]

American Heroes Channel (AHC) is a network owned by Discovery Communications that carries programs related to military history and warfare. As a network, AHC provides glimpses into major stories and events that helped shape the American future [25]. Shows like Gunslingers, Apocalypse WWII ,and Hardcore Heroes drive the ratings on AHC [27].

JOINT VENTURES

OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network

Oprah Winfrey, OWN Network, [28]

OWN, a multi-platform joint venture between Discovery Communications and Oprah Winfrey with real life and emotional programming [28]. OWN brought in Tyler Perry to work on scripted series for the network in 2012, and the Perry soap “The Haves and the Have Nots” averaged 3.6 million viewers, an 18% jump from the previous week according to Nielson [29].

The Hub Network becomes Discovery Family Channel

The Hub Network Logo, [30]

The Hub Network was a joint venture announced in 2009 led by Hasbro, a toy manufacturer and media company, and was a re-launch of Discovery Kids [30]. On October 13th, 2014, The Hub Network announced that the network is to become Discovery Family Channel. This new joint venture continuing with Discovery Channel and Hasbro is promising because of the success of The Hub Network as a children’s cable network [31].

All3Media

All3Media is a leading creator of content that provides digital content for both television and film [32]. On May 8, 2014 Discovery Communications and Liberty Global announced they were acquiring All3Media, offering strategic support but allowing All3Media to preserve their creative independence [33].

WHAT THEY’RE UP TO

Shark Week

Shark Week, Discovery Channel, [34]

Shark Week is a 27 year old annual summer tradition of Discovery Communications that has not only been the longest running cable TV programming event ever, but also one of the highest rated [35]. In August of 2014 Discovery Communications announced this summer was the highest rated Shark Week in history, and is essential for viewers in the 25-54 year range [36].

Survival Live

“Naked and Afraid” Survival Live, [37]

Survival Life is Discovery Communications new live event programming series, a never done before reality event. Discovery is stranding eight people in the wilderness for 42 days, and their success on their show depends on their skill to survive [37]. Viewers will be able to track their progress on Discovery Communications web platform, 24/7. Survival Live is produced by Adjacent Productions for Discovery Communications [38].

Motor Mondays

Fast N’ Loud, Motor Mondays, [39]

In April of 2013 Discovery Communications announced that Discovery Channel will now include a full night of vehicle programming on Mondays. Including shows like Fast N’ Loud and Street Outlaws, Discovery Channel Mondays will now be the biggest destination for all motor-programming [40].

Everest Live Jump Canceled

Everest Live Jump, Discovery Communications, [41]

The Everest Live Jump, a Discovery Communications live event which was supposed to air Joby Ogwny’s attempt to wingsuit jump off the summit of Mount Everest [42]. An avalanche disaster in April of 2014 killed 13 and left 3 missing. The stunt was canceled, however Discovery Communications was at the base camp at the time of the tragedy was able to record as the disaster struck. The Everest Avalanche Tragedy is one of the single deadliest days in Everest’s history [43].

[1] “Discovery Communications Corporate,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[2] “Discovery Communications Leadership,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[3] “Driven by Curiosity,” Global Business Coalition for Education, RT: 11/27/2014

[4] “At a Glance,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[5] “The Discovery Channel; Science, Nature, Adventure and Animals That Bite,” The Washington Post, RT: 11/27/2014

[6] “Our Mission,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[7] “Time Warner Cable and Discovery Communications Reach Long-Term Distribution Agreement,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[8] “Advance Publications Waving Around $500 M,” Crain’s New York, RT: 11/27/2014

[9] “Discovery Communications Headquarters,” Stewart Bros. Photography, RT: 11/27/2014

[10] “David M. Zaslav,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[11] “David Leavy,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[12] “Discovery Communications Inc. Company Information,” Hoovers, RT: 11/27/2014

[13] “Andrew Warren,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[14] “Discovery Communications, Best Global Brands,” Interbrand, RT: 11/27/2014

[15] “Discovery Communications Reports Third Quarter 2014 Results,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[16] “Gold Rush 5th Season Debut Hits Ratings Motherload For Discovery,” Deadline, RT: 11/27/2014

[17] “Discovery Channel Grabs Double Digit Viewership and Ratings Gains in October,” TV By the Numbers, RT: 11/27/2014

[18] “The Learning Channel,” TLC, RT: 11/27/2014

[19] “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo Cancelled after Report Links Mama June Shannon to Alleged Sex Offender,” US Weekly, RT: 11/27/2014

[20] “TLC,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[21] “Animal Planet,” Discovery Communications, RT 11/27/2014

[22] “Animal Planet,” Animal Planet, RT: 11/27/2014

[23] “Animal Planet,” Discovery Press Web, RT: 11/27/2014

[24] “Discovery Education,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[25] “American Heroes Channel,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[26] “American Heroes Channel,” AHC, RT: 11/27/2014

[27] “Three New Original Series Propel American Heroes Channel to Best August Ever in Prime Delivery Among P2+ and HH,” The Futon Critic, RT: 11/27/2014

[28] “OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network,” Discovery Communications, RT 11/27/2014

[29] “Have and Have Nots Sets OWN Ratings Record with It’s Finale,” Variety, RT: 11/27/2014

[30] “The Hub Network,” Discovery Press Web, RT: 11/27/2014

[31] “The Hub Network to Become Discovery Family Channel on October 13,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[32] “About Us,” All3Media, RT: 11/27/2014

[33] “Discovery Communications and Liberty Global to acquire All3Media,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[34] “Its Shark Week,” Discovery Magazine Blogs, RT: 11/27/2014

[35] “The History of Shark Week: How the Discovery Channel both Elevated and Degraded Sharks,” The Week, RT: 11/27/2014

[36] “Discovery Channel Earns Its Highest-Rated Shark Week Ever in its 27 Year History,” Discovery Communications, RT: 11/27/2014

[37] “Discovery to Strand Contestants in Wilderness for Reality Show (Exclusive),” The Hollywood Reporter, RT: 11/27/2014

[38] “Real-Time Series ‘Survival Live’ to Premiere in Late 2014 on Discovery Channel,” TV By the Numbers, RT 11/27/2014

[39] “Fast N’ Loud,” Discovery Channel Store, RT: 11/27/2014

[40] “Discovery Channel Announces ‘Motor Mondays’,” TV By the Numbers, RT: 11/27/2014

[41] “Discovery Cancels Everest Live Jump after Tragedy,” USA Today, RT: 11/27/2014

[42] “Discovery Channel to Air Live Jump Off Mount Everest,” The Hollywood Reporter, RT: 11/27/2014

[43] “Mount Everest Avalanche Forces Discovery Channel to cancel ‘Everest Live Jump’,” NY Daily News, RT: 11/27/2014

Discovery Communications

Posted on November 20, 2013 by Sebastian Dawson

By Sebastian Dawson

Discovery Communications – MediaWiki

courtesy FanPop.com

1 Discovery Place

Silver Spring, MD 20910

240.662.2000

Corporate.discovery.com

Fact Sheet

courtesy Corporate.Discovery.com

Highlights:

Cumulative Global Subscribers: 2.2 billion
Countries and Territories: 224
Languages: 45
Network Entertainment Brands: 50

Key Executives

courtesy Corporate.Discovery.com

John S. Hendricks

Founder of Discovery Communication

The driving force behind dramatic growth at Discovery Communications, Hendricks expanded the Discovery Channel from its core property to its current status as a global content provider. (2)

Courtesy Corporate.Discovery.com

David Zaslav

President and CEO

Prior to Discovery, Zaslav enjoyed a distinguished career at NBC Universal. He now sets strategy and oversees operation of Discovery Communications around the world. (3)

Courtesy Corporate.Discovery.com

Mark Hollinger

President and CEO

As President of Discovery Networks International, it is Hollinger’s job to deploy strategic development and daily operations in over 200 countries. Hollinger joined Discovery in 1991 as Vice President and Deputy General Council. (4)

Courtesy Commons.Wikimedia.org

Brief History

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the world’s premier nonfiction media company. It began as a single channel in 1985, but that single channel has evolved into a global media headquarters. Today, the company offers more than 100 programs in over 200 countries (6). DCI’s 28 network entertainment brands include:

Networks

Discovery Channel

Dedicated to nonfiction, informative content. Deadliest Catch, Mythbusters, and Planet Earth all appear on this channel (7).

Courtesy IMDB.com

Animal Planet

The only multi-platform entertainment brand that immerses viewers in the full range of the animal kingdom. AP has programming like Whale Wars, River Monsters, and Pit Bulls and Parolees (9).

Courtesy Animal Planet

The Military Channel

The Military tells real-world stories of heroism and history. Popular programming includes Future Weapons, and Science of the Elite Soldier (10).

Courtesy DesiRulez.net

The Learning Channel

TLC is a global brand that celebrates life’s special moments. TLC is a top 10 cable network in the United States female demographic, and features programming like Cake Boss, Sister Wives, and Extreme Couponing (8).

Courtesy TLC.com

Velocity

Velocity is a newer, high-octane cable network aimed at men. With more than 400 hours of premiere viewing time, shows like Inside West Coast Customs, Chasing Classic Cars, and How It’s Made: Dream Cars made their debut on Velocity (11).

Courtesy Discovery Programs

Financials

Discovery owes it to its investors to make smart and economically sound decisions throughout the year. Discovery has been successful in doing this, especially this quarter. Zaslav attributed the success to the “breadth and depth of our brands and the myriad of opportunities across our global distribution platform,” (12).

Courtesy Corporate.Discovery.com

Third Quarter 2013 Highlights:

Revenues increased 28% to $1.375 million, as compared to third quarter last year (12).
Net Income increased 24% to $255 million, as compared to $205 million for the third quarter of last year (12).

Exclusive

Shark Week!

Shark Week is an enormously popular special on the Discovery Channel every summer. This weeklong of programming dedicated to the killer of the seas is the longest running cable television event in history. Its popularity can be partially attributed to its ability to harness the power of social media (14). More than one and a quarter million* people follow Shark Week on Facebook and Twitter.

Courtesy Discovery Programs

Bear Grylls

Edward “Bear” Grylls is a UK survival expert who spent time in the special forces. His series Man vs. Wild on the Discovery Channel has been nominated for multiple awards, including an Emmy. This season, Bear returns to the DC in “Bear Grylls: Escape from Hell.” Each episode, Bear will put himself in dire situations, based on real acts of survival in history. Of the show, he said “I am super excited to be working with Discovery again – the channel where the… journey began,” (15).

Courtesy Discovery Programs

In the News

Interbrand’s “Best Global Brands” Report

Interbrand is the world’s leading brand consultancy. They have awarded the Discovery Channel their #70 spot (of 100). Their reasoning includes a record-breaking 2012 season, strong first-quarter results, and high levels of viewer engagement (17).

“Discovery Launches Fierce New Digital Network”

The Animalist is a compilation of fifteen original digital series exploring the connection between humans and their furry (some not so furry) friends. The show debuted online with nearly seven million monthly streams. In conjunction with additional distribution partners, the content can be accessed from mobile, YouTube, and even the Xbox gaming console (13).

Courtesy Animal.Discovery.com

Discovery Channel Rocks the Vote

For the twentieth year in a row, the Discovery Channel ranked #1 among total adults in its importance to the enjoyment of cable, as well as winning in both perceived value, and favorite basic cable channel. In a new study, the DC ranked #1 as a favorite channel and #1 in importance, among adults who would switch providers were their provider to stop supplying the Discovery Channel (13) (22).

Courtesy Images.BusinessWeek.com

Upcoming

The Challenger Disaster

Discovery Channel makes a foray into the unknown with this series chronicling the story of Dr. Feynman, a physicist who investigated the Challenger Disaster. The show debuted Saturday, November 16th to a large audience. Critics applaud for its fact-based approach, as well as for actor William Hurt who plays Dr. Feynman (16).

Courtesy Discovery Programs

Christmas

Discovery Unwrapped is one week of specialized holiday programming running from Dec. 8-15. The Channel plans to use its own programming to teach viewers the meaning of Christmas from two very different groups. Redneck Moonshiners will offer their opinion on Moonshiner’s Christmas Special, while the more reserved Amish lifestyle will present A Very Amish Christmas. The shows Naked and Afraid, Call of the Wildman, and Gold Rush will also have Christmas specials on Discovery Unwrapped (13).

Halloween

Discovery Channel aims to capitalize on every public event that it can, and this spooky season is no exception. On October 26, Hub Network held its first “Halloween Bash.” Hosted by Kenan Thompson, this two-hour, nationwide costume competition was judged by a panel of celebrity presenters, including Martha Stewart. All-new series Spooksville aired immediately following the “Bash,” (13).

Courtesy OurWeekly.com

Discovery Education

Discovery Education is a division of Discovery Communications aimed at delivering high-quality content that engages students beyond the classroom. Their services include Discovery Education Streaming Plus, where students can have lectures, speeches, information, etc. streamed directly to their computer. In addition to providing streaming services, Discovery Digital Textbook Replacement is working to give students an alternative to high-impact, expensive textbooks. Discovery also contributes to higher education programs (18).

Courtesy Discovery Education

Impact

Discovery has always been interested in a clean, pristine Earth. This is what they showcase in their programming. So it’s only natural that they use their popular programming to inspire change in communities (19).

The Planet Earth series captured rare and endangered species in their natural habitat. The DC partnered with the Nature Conservancy during its production, and aired PSAs during commercial breaks, to help preserve the stunning habitats featured in the program (19).

Shark Week often features PSAs regarding shark conservation and endangerment. Last year, during Shark Week, the DC partnered with organizations Oceana, and the Pew Charitable Trust to help spread those messages (19).

Courtesy Discovery Impact

Further

http://www.youtube.com/user/DiscoveryComms

Works Cited

Principles & Practices

Website by the students of TRF235

Tag Archives: gold rush

Discovery Communications

Aside