Discovery Communications

Posted on February 18, 2016 by Isabella Hattem

Discovery Communications’ logo [27]

Contact Information

One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910 [1]

240-662-2000

https://corporate.discovery.com/

Key Executives

David Zaslav President and CEO
Discovery Communications[2]

Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette President
Discovery Networks International [3]

Andrew Warren Chief Financial Officer and Senior Vice President [4]

Marjorie Kaplan President of Content
Discovery Networks International[5]

History

Discovery Communications was founded in 1985 by John Hendricks [6]. On June 17, 1985 The Discovery Channel was launched on air to about 156,000 subscribers in the United States and premiered the show “Iceberg Alley,” a program about the North Atlantic waters. Two years later, Discovery Channel premiered one of its most popular traditions, “Shark Week.”

In 1991, Discovery Communications acquired its second channel, TLC for $30 million [7], and soon after, purchased Animal Planet in 1996.

Animal Planet Logo [28]

After rapid growth and expansion, by 2001, The Discovery Channel became the nation’s most distributed television brand. This significant growth increased as Discovery Communications spread into other countries, as well as acquired more channels. By 2004, the company had reached over 1 billion subscribers worldwide [8].

Today, Discovery Communications owns over 50 different channels and media companies including The Oprah Winfrey Network, Science Channel, and Eurosport [9]. Discovery Communications reaches 3 billion subscribers worldwide and is available in over 220 markets [10].

Finances

Discovery Communications stocks [11]

Discovery Communications is a publically traded company and has seen fluctuations in its stock throughout the last several months. Despite these fluctuations, in the past three months, the company’s stock has yet to fall below $24.33 per share and has hit its high at $29.42 per share on Friday, March 18, 2016. After several months of having stocks below their simple moving average, the company was able to surpass this on March 1, 2016 [12]. Since then, Discovery Communications has seen a positive trend in their stock prices, with their stocks having not fallen below the simple moving average in almost two months. Discovery Communications is set to release their first quarterly report on May 5, 2016.

Winter Releases

President Obama on DNews [13]

On April 11th, President Obama hosted five episode of Science Channel’s “Science Presents DNews,” in which he discussed a variety of topics ranging from pollution to medicine to technology [14]. The partnership between Science Channel and the White House aligned with the White House Science Fair that took place on April 13th as well as the US Science and Engineering Festival that also took place throughout that window.

For Peete’s Sake

“For Peete’s Sake” is a reality TV show that premiered on OWN: the Oprah Winfrey Network on March 19, 2016. “For Peete’s Sake” follows the lives of the family of former NFL player, Rodney Peete and his wife, “21 Jump Street” actress, Holly Robinson Peete [15]. The show takes a comedic look at Rodney and Holly’s four kids, as well as Robinson Peete’s eccentric, 80-year-old mother. OWN‘s latest docuseries has been added to the network’s Saturday night schedule. It was produced exclusively for The Oprah Winfrey Network by Tremendous! Entertainment and has signed on Colleen Needles Steward, John Ferriter, Kyell Thomas, Shannon Keenan Demers and Andy Meyer as producers, alongside the Peete’s, who will also be executive producers on the show [16].

It’s Not You, It’s Men

Also premiering on The Oprah Winfrey Network this season is “It’s Not You, It’s Men,” a relationship talk show hosted by musicians, Tyrese Gibson and Rev Run [17]. The show uses Gibson’s status as a bachelor and single father to contrast Rev Run’s 20 years of marriage in an attempt to generate with diverse opinions and conflicting viewpoints. Each episode, Gibson and Rev Run use their difference in experience to discuss topics such as modern romance, dating, and relationships with a featured celebrity guest. Past guests have included Jordin Sparks, Marlon Wayans, and Vin Diesel. “It’s Not You, It’s Men” premiered on January 23, 2016. It is produced by CBS Television Distribution in association with Voltron Productions and Simmons/Lehman productions. Gibson and Rev Run are executive producers on the show along with Jerome Martin, Isabella Castro, Michael Lehman, and creator/showrunner Eric Pankowski [18].

New Programming and Upfronts

Following Discovery’s success last year in not spending money on a lavish upfront party, Discovery has opted to take a similar approach this year, and has broken up their upfronts into 14 smaller agency presentations throughout the country, and have decided to reallocate the former upfront money to content production [19]. The goal in this is to expand and improve content, while also increasing the Discovery Communications presence internationally.

Discovery Channel

Discovery Channel Logo. [29]

In an effort to gain new viewers, Discovery Channel is adding their first two scripted television series. The first, titled “Harley and the Davidsons,” is a miniseries that follows the story of William Harley and Arthur Davidson, creators of the iconic motorcycle. Discovery is hoping to attract audiences to the series by featuring “Game of Thrones“ stars, Michiel Huisman and Robert Aramayo [20]. The show is set to air September, 2016. The second scripted series, entitled “Manifesto,” is an FBI drama from the minds of Kevin Spacey and Dana Brunetti and tells the story of one man’s search and take down of “Unabomber,” Ted Kaczynski [21].

TLC

The Learning Channel Logo [30]

Following major scandals in the past several years with both “Here Comes Honey Boo Boo” and “19 Kids and Counting,” TLC is trying hard to gain back audiences it may have lost. Because of this, The Learning Channel also has ordered its first scripted series, to be produced by Tyler Perry. The show will follow a young woman forced to return to her home in a trailer park amid scandals in her life in D.C. [22]. Additionally, the network hopes to further pick up more viewers by adding two shows that follow a similar format as “Trading Places,” as well as two other shows about large families that will likely take the place of “19 Kids and Counting.”

Additionally, this summer TLC will be launching under a new campaign with the slogan: “I Am.” The “I Am” campaign uses its current stars and shows to encourage viewers to think positively about themselves, and to recognize the unique aspects of themselves that make each person special. In light of TLC’s recent controversies, TLC president and general manager, Nancy Daniels, said “with real people, real things happen.” The campaign symbolizes the network’s desires to move on from the scandals, and to remind their viewers of their positive message.

What’s Next

On April 19, Discovery Communications and HBO announced that they would join together in purchasing equity stakes in OTOY, a virtual reality and 3D graphics company [24].

OTOY Logo [23]

Both Discovery and HBO hope to use this newfound access to holographic technology to produce innovative forms of technology on various different media platforms. Discovery aims to get this content out on TV, web, mobile, as well as to create wearable technologies for both virtual reality and augmented reality [25]. Discovery hopes that this outlet will be the source to “[take] Discovery VR, to a whole new level” [26].

Works Cited

[1] “Discovery Communications, Inc.” Discovery Communications Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[2] “David M. Zaslav.” (n.d.): n. pag. Discovery Communications Inc. Discovery Communications. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.

[3] “Jean-Briac (JB) Perrette.” (n.d.): n. pag. Discovery Communications Inc. Discovery Communications. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.

[4] “Andrew Warren” (n.d.): n. pag. Discovery Communications Inc. Discovery Communications. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.

[5] “Marjorie Kaplan” (n.d.): n. pag. Discovery Communications Inc. Discovery Communications. Web. 23 Apr. 2016.

[6] DiscoveryComms. “Discovery Communications Founded with Launch of Discovery Channel.” YouTube. YouTube, 18 June 2015. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[7] “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. 24 Apr. 2016.

[8] “Discovery Communications Through the Decades.” Discovery Through the Decades. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016. <http://30yearsofdiscovery.com/>.

[9] “Discovery Communications, Inc.” Discovery Communications Inc. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

v[10] “Discovery Communication: AT A GLANCE.” (n.d.): n. pag. Discovery Communications Inc. Web.

[11] “Discovery Communications, Inc.” Yahoo! Finance. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[12] “Discovery Communications Inc. Series A DISCA (U.S.: Nasdaq).” DISCA Advanced Charting. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[13] DNewsChannel. “President Obama Explains Scott Kelly’s Year In Space.“YouTube. YouTube, 11 Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[14] “Obama To Present Science Channel Segment All Week.” Deadline. N.p., 11 Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[15] “Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete to Star in New Docuseries on OWN.” Oprah.com. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[16] “OWN Orders Holly Robinson Peete and Rodney Peete Docuseries.” The Hollywood Reporter. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[17] OWN. “Tyrese and Rev Run’s Sage Advice for the Single Ladies | It’s Not You, It’s Men | OWN.” YouTube. YouTube, 12 Mar. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[18] “Watch: OWN Previews New Primetime Series ‘It’s Not You, It’s Men’ (Tyrese Gibson & Rev Run Host).” Shadow and Act. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[19] Lynch, Jason. “Discovery Communications Is Thinking Globally (and Digitally) With Advertising Bouncing Back.” AdWeek. N.p., 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[20] Littleton, Cynthia. “‘Game of Thrones’ Actors to Star in Discovery Miniseries ‘Harley and the Davidsons’.” Variety. N.p., 07 Jan. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[21] Wagmeister, Elizabeth. “Kevin Spacey, Dana Brunetti FBI Drama ‘Manifesto’ Lands Series Order at Discovery Channel.” Variety. N.p., 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[22] Lynch, Jason. “Discovery Communications Is Thinking Globally (and Digitally) With Advertising Bouncing Back.” AdWeek. N.p., 31 Mar. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[23] “OTOY TO PRESENT ENTERPRISE CLOUD PLATFORM AT NVIDIA GPU TECHNOLOGY CONFERENCE.” Visual Computing Leadership from NVIDIA. N.p., n.d. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[24] “HBO, Discovery Acquire Stakes in 3D Graphics Firm Otoy to Create Holographic Content.” Variety. N.p., 19 Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[25] “HBO and Discovery Invest in OTOY to Create Universal Publishing Platform for TV, Movies and Original Holographic Content • OTOY.” OTOY HBO and Discovery Invest in OTOY to Create Universal Publishing Platform for TV Movies and Original Holographic Content Comments. N.p., 19 Apr. 2016. Web. 24 Apr. 2016.

[26] Villarreal, Yvonne. “HBO and Discovery Communications Get into VR with 3D Graphics Firm Otoy.” Los Angeles Times. Los Angeles Times, 19 Apr. 2016. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[27] “Discovery And France’s TF1 Group In Talks For Strategic Alliance.“Deadline. N.p., 13 Nov. 2012. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[28] “Animal Planet Logo.” Logo Database. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[29] “Discovery Channel Logo | Logok.” Logok. N.p., 15 Apr. 2014. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

[30] “TLC.” Peacock Productions. N.p., n.d. Web. 25 Apr. 2016.

NOTE: there was a formatting issue i was unable to fix regarding the spacing on the titles for Marjorie Kaplan and Andrew Warren

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 CFO

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