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

Discovery Communications

Posted on October 31, 2013 by Alyson Piekarsky

By Aly Piekarsky

Discovery Communications Logo [1]

Discovery Communications World Headquarters

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
Tel: 240.662.2000

http://corporate.discovery.com

Key Executives [2]

David M. Zaslav, President and CEO, Discovery Communications

David M. Zaslav [3]

Andrew Warren, Senior Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer

Andrew Warren [4]

David C. Leavy, Chief Communications Officer, Seniors Executive Vice President, Corporate Marketing & Affairs

David C. Leavy [5]

Mark Hollinger, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International

Mark Hollinger [6]

Company Overview [7]

Discovery Communications’ Mission Statement [8]

Discovery communications is the world’s #1 nonfiction media company that began as a single channel-the Discovery Channel-and evolved into a global mass media entertainment company that has over 190 worldwide television networks. Discovery currently operates 14 U.S. cable and satellite TV networks, including the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and the Military Channel. It also operates 3 joint venture networks in the U.S. including the Oprah Winfrey Network, The Hub, and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network.

Top Competitors [9]

A&E Television Networks, LLC

NBCUniversal Media, LLC

Viacom Inc.

Financial Information

Discovery Communications celebrated a record-breaking 2012 and a very strong first quarter of 2013, with its best January to date and an overall 20% increase in US viewership. [10] Viewership among the key 25-54 demographic increased 10% in primetime. In 2012, the company’s revenue increased 8% to $4.487 billion, mainly due to a 5% growth at U.S. networks and 13% growth at International Networks. [11] From the first quarter to the second quarter of 2013, revenues increased 30% from $1,156 million to $1,467 million. [12] Stock prices for Discovery Communications, Inc. (DISCA) ranged from $84.06-$84.99 on Tuesday, November 12, 2013. In the past 52 weeks, stock prices have ranged from $54.89-$89.58. [13]

Facts and Figures: “Subscriber numbers as of September 30, 2013, according to The Nielsen Company in the US.” [14]

Discovery Channel

2012 at the Discovery Channel was marked by immense success, due in part to the return of hit series such as Gold Rush and Moonshiners and the emergence of breakout hits such as Fast N’ Loud, Jungle Gold, and Amish Mafia. Amish Mafia was an incredible success for the Discovery Channel as the highest-rated premiere in the channel’s history. Due to the success of its programming, viewership increased 14% from 2011 and 20% in January of 2013. [11]

In 2014, the Discovery Channel will venture to Kodiak Island in Alaska for a series in which viewers will encounter the obstacles that three multi-generational families face living on the deadly island. [15]

TLC

Theresa Caputo from TLC’s Hit Series “Long Island Medium” [16]

In 2013, 30 series returned to TLC, including Here Comes Honey Boo Boo, Long Island Medium, Sister Wives, and Breaking Amish, TLC’s highest-rated new series to date. As Discovery’s female flagship brand, TLC prides itself on being the most widely distributed female-targeted lifestyle and entertainment brand in pay-TV. The channel reaches nearly 300 million households in over 150 markets. [11]

Investigation Discovery (ID)

Investigation Discovery Logo [18]

Investigation Discovery features 24/7 “news” shows that depict true murder cases in the template of re-enactments. [17] 2012 was Investigation Discovery’s best year to date, as it delivered 45 consecutive months of year-over-year primetime gains among its key demographic (the longest streak among any cable network supported by advertisers.) [11] On Tuesday, November 12, 2013, ID launched its newest series A Crime to Remember, which highlights stories of real-life murder cases of the ‘50s and ‘60s. [19] Investigation Discovery also launched a new series titled Elder Skelter on November 6, 2013, which tells the horrifying stories of senior citizens who committed cold and calculated murders. [20]

Animal Planet

Animal Planet also celebrated 2012 as its best year-to-date, with a 17% increase in viewership from 2011. Programs such as River Monsters, Finding Bigfoot, Call of the Wildman, and Tanked paved the way for Animal Planets’ success. The future is looking bright for Animal Planet, as it is expected to continue its audience growth in the coming years. [11] On November 9, 2013, Animal Planet debuted its new series Meet The Sloths, which takes viewers behind the scenes of the lives of sloths. To promote the show, Animal Planet L!VE will feature a 24/7 Sloth Cam, broadcasting live from Zoo Atlanta. [21]

Animal Planet Logo [22]

Animalist [14]

In October of 2013, Discovery launched Animalist, a new digital video network featuring short-form series, which explore the connection between humans and animals. The Animalist programming lineup includes new shows like Discovery Sharks and Animals With Low Self Esteem. Advertisers and partners are able to reach viewers through the new digital network across mobile, YouTube, Xbox, and online at Animalist.com.

Continued Momentum at Joint Ventures [11]

Discovery Channel’s U.S. joint venture networks, The Hub, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, and 3net, continue to grow and build viewership. The Hub, once available in only 56 million households at launch, is now available in 72 million. It is now the fastest-growing kids’ cable network in 2012, as it experienced 14% gains in the fourth quarter of 2012 among kids 2 to 11 in day and primetime. In November of 2013, The Hub launched a series of children’s webisodes called Spookesville Freak Files and an online game Streets of Spookesville. [23]

Oprah Winfrey Network experienced a 36% audience growth in 2012 and continues to grow in popularity. In the second quarter of 2013, OWN Network began to generate a profit and will begin to pay back Discovery Communications for its investment in the network. [24]

3net, Discovery Communications’ joint venture 3D channel with Sony and IMAX gained additional distribution in 2012 and continues to expand its content library.

Recent Company News

Espresso Education [25]

On November 7, 2012, Discovery Communications announced its acquisition of Espresso

Espresso Education [26]

Education, the leading provider of digital education content for primary school in the United Kingdom. The business will be overseen by the education division of Discovery. This marks Discovery’s first purchase of an international education company.

Acquisition of SBS Nordic Operations of ProSiebenSat.1 Group

On April 9, 2012, Discovery Communications announced the acquisition of the SBS Nordic operations of ProSiebenSat.1 Group. This purchase adds an additional 12 television networks, along with several radio stations and digital brands to Discovery’s portfolio. Together, these properties in Norway, Sweden, Denmark, and Finland form SBS Discovery Media, a combined regional business. [27]

Discovery, Time Warner Cable Renew Carriage Deal

On November 18, 2013, Discovery Communications and Time Warner Cable announced

Time Warner Cable Logo [29]

the early renewal of their carriage deal, which permits Bright House Networks to continue offering Discovery’s networks. The deal also includes TV everywhere rights, which allows Time Warner Cable subscribers to view the Discovery programming online, including on tablets and smartphones. The financials of the agreement were not released. This is the first time Discovery has agreed to make its shows available online to pay-TV subscribers. [28]

Sources:

[1] http://www.brandsoftheworld.com/logo/discovery-channel-4

[2] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/

[3] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/david-zaslav/

[4] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/andrew-warren/

[5] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/david-leavy/

[6] http://corporate.discovery.com/leadership/mark-hollinger/

[7] http://corporate.discovery.com/our-company/overview/

[8] http://corporate.discovery.com/our-company/overview/

[9] http://www.hoovers.com/company-information/cs/company-profile.Discovery_Communications_Inc.ac0da8acf4dc6039.html

[10] http://interbrand.com/en/best-global-brands/2013/Discovery

[11] http://ir.corporate.discovery.com/phoenix.zhtml?c=222412&p=irol-reportsAnnual