Discovery Communications
Encyclopedia
Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) is an American
global media and entertainment company. The company started as a single channel in 1985, The Discovery Channel
. Today, DCI has global operations offering 28 network entertainment brands on more than 100 channels in more than 180 countries in 39 languages for over 1.5 billion subscribers around the globe. Discovery Communications is based in Silver Spring, Maryland
.
DCI both produces original television program
ming and acquires content from producers worldwide. This non-fiction programming is offered through DCI's 28 network entertainment brands, including Discovery Channel, Military Channel
, TLC
, Animal Planet
, Discovery Health Channel
and a family of digital channels. DCI also distributes BBC America
and BBC World News to cable and satellite operators in the United States.
was President and Chief Executive Officer until NBC Universal
executive David Zaslav
took over the position on November 16, 2006.
In addition to Zaslav, current executives include:
On December 13, 2007, Discovery Holding Company announced a restructuring plan. Under the plan, the Discovery Holding's Ascent Media
business would be spun off
, and the remaining businesses, Discovery Communications, LLC and Advance/Newhouse Communications, would be combined into a new holding company. The reorganization was completed on September 17, 2008. The new Discovery Communications, Inc. is now a fully public company and trades on the NASDAQ
stock market. SEC filings are by the Discovery Holding Company
.
, launched in 1985. In 1991, they acquired their rival The Learning Channel
.
In the mid-90s, Discovery Communications started developing several new networks. The first of these to launch was Animal Planet
, which was launched in cooperation with the BBC in 1996. In October 1996, four digital networks were launched to take advantage of the then-new digital cable
space; Discovery Kids
, Discovery Travel & Living Network, Discovery Civilization Network and Discovery Science Network. This was followed by the 1998 launches of Discovery Wings Channel
and Discovery Health Channel
.
They also bought the Travel Channel
in 1997, CBS Eye on People (became Discovery People
) in 1998 and The Health Network
(became FitTV) in 2001.
Discovery Networks were early to go into high-definition television with the launch of Discovery HD Theater in 2002. With the launch of high-definition simulcasts of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science Channel in 2007, the original HD channel changed its name to HD Theater.
Starting in the middle of the 2000s, Discovery have been reviewing and overhauling most of their "digital" networks. The networks have evolved from being offshoots of the Discovery Channel, into separate entities with their own identities. The "Discovery" moniker has gradually been dropped from channel names. Some networks had kept the globe in their logo to signal their affiliation to Discovery Networks, but this practice has also been gradually discontinued.
Discovery Networks U.S. operates 13 channels. According to SEC filings, the division "also operates web sites related to its channel businesses and various other new media businesses, including a video-on-demand offering distributed by various cable operators."
The division's channels include:
and Animal Planet
, that are distributed in virtually every pay-television market in the world." The division offers over 100 separate feeds in 39 languages with "channel feeds customized according to language needs and advertising sales opportunities."
DCI owns most channels offered by Discovery Networks International, with the exception of:
"As with the U.S. networks division, the international networks operate web sites and other new media businesses."
On January 10, 2006, the Discovery Networks International announced a joint-venture with Spiegel TV and DCTF to provide global free-to-air television to more than 20 million households in Germany
and neighboring countries.
Discovery International Channels include:
The division's channels include:
Discovery Education also sells DVD, VHS, CD-ROM, and Multimedia kits with the same content. Other products include COSMEO, an online homework subscription help site, Discovery Health Connection, Discovery Science Connection and they recently purchased other video streaming companies. They have two free services. One is their website, Discovery School and the other is a teacher community, the Discovery Educator Network, commonly referred to as the DEN.
.com (acquired in August 2007), and HowStuffWorks
.com (acquired on October 15, 2007 for US$250 million), under their "Discovery Digital Media" business unit. The company later chose to use the name HowStuffWorks as the title of a television series on Discovery Channel
. The series, which focuses on commodities
, premiered in November 2008 and is similar in style and content to other "how it works" programs like Modern Marvels
.
In addition to their in-house production unit Discovery Studios, Discovery also maintains an interest in several Hollywood audio studios through their CSS Studios
subsidiary. These include Todd-AO
, Soundelux
, Sound One, POP Sound, Modern Music, Soundelux Design Music Group
and The Hollywood Edge.
On March 17, 2009, Discovery revealed that it owned the rights to several patent
s related to e-book
s, in announcing a patent infringement
lawsuit
against Amazon.com
, maker of the Kindle
e-book reading device. The patents were originally developed by the company's founder John Hendricks
; the specific patent in question in the suit was applied for in 1999 but issued in late 2007.
On April 30, 2009, it was announced that Discovery would be forming a joint-venture with Hasbro
to re-launch Discovery Kids
as a new children's channel known as The Hub.
On November 2, 2009, Discovery joined Jeff Arnold (founder of WebMD
), Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Productions
, Sony Pictures Television
and HSW International as co-founder of Sharecare, Inc.
, a Q&A platform for users to ask health- and wellness-related questions and receive answers from recognized experts.
Discovery launched a 3DTV channel in conjunction with Sony and IMAX
in early 2011, called 3net
.
with several demands. Lee was shot dead by police and the hostages were released safely. James J. Lee had previously been arrested in 2008 while protesting in front of the same site.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
global media and entertainment company. The company started as a single channel in 1985, The Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
. Today, DCI has global operations offering 28 network entertainment brands on more than 100 channels in more than 180 countries in 39 languages for over 1.5 billion subscribers around the globe. Discovery Communications is based in Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring, Maryland
Silver Spring is an unincorporated area and census-designated place in Montgomery County, Maryland, United States. It had a population of 71,452 at the 2010 census, making it the fourth most populous place in Maryland, after Baltimore, Columbia, and Germantown.The urbanized, oldest, and...
.
DCI both produces original television program
Television program
A television program , also called television show, is a segment of content which is intended to be broadcast on television. It may be a one-time production or part of a periodically recurring series...
ming and acquires content from producers worldwide. This non-fiction programming is offered through DCI's 28 network entertainment brands, including Discovery Channel, Military Channel
Military Channel
The Military Channel is a cable and satellite television network which broadcasts television programming related to the military, warfare and military history. It is part of the group of networks owned by Discovery Communications within the United States and Canada...
, TLC
TLC (TV channel)
TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks...
, Animal Planet
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, Discovery Health Channel
Discovery Health Channel
Discovery Health Channel is a website owned by Discovery Communications, created for people interested in health and wellness. Until December 31, 2010, it was a U.S. cable television specialty channel dedicated to television programming that highlights various aspects of health and wellness...
and a family of digital channels. DCI also distributes BBC America
BBC America
BBC America is an American television network, owned and operated by BBC Worldwide, and available on both cable and satellite.-History:The channel launched on March 29, 1998, broadcasting comedy, drama and lifestyle programs from BBC Television and other British television broadcasters like ITV and...
and BBC World News to cable and satellite operators in the United States.
Corporate governance
Officers
Judith McHaleJudith McHale
Judith A. McHale is the current Under Secretary of State for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs, helping lead America’s engagement with the people of the world. Appointed by President Obama, she was confirmed by the U.S. Senate on May 21, 2009 and sworn in on May 26.McHale is the former President...
was President and Chief Executive Officer until NBC Universal
NBC Universal
NBCUniversal Media, LLC is a media and entertainment company engaged in the production and marketing of entertainment, news, and information products and services to a global customer base...
executive David Zaslav
David Zaslav
David Zaslav is the President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Communications, a position he has held since January 2007. He was previously an executive at NBC Universal.- External links :*...
took over the position on November 16, 2006.
In addition to Zaslav, current executives include:
- Peter Liguori, Chief Operating Officer
- Joe Abruzzese, President of Advertising Sales
- Adria Alpert Romm, Senior Executive Vice President of Human Resources
- Bruce Campbell, President of Digital Media and Corporate Development
- Bill Goodwyn, President of Domestic Distribution and Enterprises
- Mark Hollinger, President and CEO of Discovery Networks International
- Joseph A. LaSala, Jr., Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Secretary
- Brad Singer, Senior Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer
Ownership
Prior to September 18, 2008, DCI's ownership consisted of three shareholders:- Discovery Holding CompanyDiscovery Holding CompanyDiscovery Holding Company was a U.S. company headquartered in Meridian, Colorado. The postal designation of nearby Englewood was commonly listed as the company's location in corporate filings and news accounts....
- Advance/Newhouse Communications which is affiliated with Advance PublicationsAdvance PublicationsAdvance Publications, Inc., is an American media company owned by the descendants of S.I. Newhouse Sr., Donald Newhouse and S.I. Newhouse, Jr. It is named after the Staten Island Advance, the first newspaper owned by the Newhouse family...
- John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.
On December 13, 2007, Discovery Holding Company announced a restructuring plan. Under the plan, the Discovery Holding's Ascent Media
Ascent Media
Ascent Media Corporation is a holding public company whose primary subsidiary is Ascent Media Group, LLC. Ascent Media Group is a Delaware limited liability company , which provides creative and technical services to the media and entertainment industries. Ascent Media was a wholly owned...
business would be spun off
Spin out
A spin-out, also known as a spin-off or a starburst, refers to a type of corporate action where a company "splits off" sections of itself as a separate business....
, and the remaining businesses, Discovery Communications, LLC and Advance/Newhouse Communications, would be combined into a new holding company. The reorganization was completed on September 17, 2008. The new Discovery Communications, Inc. is now a fully public company and trades on the NASDAQ
NASDAQ
The NASDAQ Stock Market, also known as the NASDAQ, is an American stock exchange. "NASDAQ" originally stood for "National Association of Securities Dealers Automated Quotations". It is the second-largest stock exchange by market capitalization in the world, after the New York Stock Exchange. As of...
stock market. SEC filings are by the Discovery Holding Company
Discovery Holding Company
Discovery Holding Company was a U.S. company headquartered in Meridian, Colorado. The postal designation of nearby Englewood was commonly listed as the company's location in corporate filings and news accounts....
.
Divisions
DCI operates its businesses in four groups: Discovery Networks U.S., Discovery Networks International, Discovery Commerce, and Discovery Education.Discovery Networks U.S.
The company started out with just a single channel, Discovery ChannelDiscovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
, launched in 1985. In 1991, they acquired their rival The Learning Channel
TLC (TV channel)
TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks...
.
In the mid-90s, Discovery Communications started developing several new networks. The first of these to launch was Animal Planet
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, which was launched in cooperation with the BBC in 1996. In October 1996, four digital networks were launched to take advantage of the then-new digital cable
Digital cable
Digital cable is a generic term for any type of cable television distribution using digital video compression or distribution. The technology was originally developed by Motorola.-Background:...
space; Discovery Kids
Discovery Kids
Discovery Kids is an American website owned by Discovery Communications, Inc. created for children. Until October 10, 2010, it was an American digital cable specialty channel, owned by Discovery Communications with television programming for education of children. It was launched in October 1996...
, Discovery Travel & Living Network, Discovery Civilization Network and Discovery Science Network. This was followed by the 1998 launches of Discovery Wings Channel
Military Channel
The Military Channel is a cable and satellite television network which broadcasts television programming related to the military, warfare and military history. It is part of the group of networks owned by Discovery Communications within the United States and Canada...
and Discovery Health Channel
Discovery Health Channel
Discovery Health Channel is a website owned by Discovery Communications, created for people interested in health and wellness. Until December 31, 2010, it was a U.S. cable television specialty channel dedicated to television programming that highlights various aspects of health and wellness...
.
They also bought the Travel Channel
Travel Channel
The Travel Channel is a satellite and cable television channel that is headquartered in Chevy Chase, Maryland, US. It features documentaries and how-to shows related to travel and leisure around the United States and throughout the world. Programming has included shows in African animal safaris,...
in 1997, CBS Eye on People (became Discovery People
Discovery People
Discovery People was an American cable television network.The channel launched in 1997 by CBS. The channel was called "CBS Eye on People" and featured news and human interest stories from CBS News....
) in 1998 and The Health Network
FitTV
FitTV was an American digital cable and satellite channel, owned by Discovery Communications. The channel focused on fitness and exercise-related programming. FitTV offered programming with such fitness celebrities as Cathe Friedrich, Sharon Mann, Gilad Janklowicz, Marilu Henner, Tamilee Webb and...
(became FitTV) in 2001.
Discovery Networks were early to go into high-definition television with the launch of Discovery HD Theater in 2002. With the launch of high-definition simulcasts of Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet and Science Channel in 2007, the original HD channel changed its name to HD Theater.
Starting in the middle of the 2000s, Discovery have been reviewing and overhauling most of their "digital" networks. The networks have evolved from being offshoots of the Discovery Channel, into separate entities with their own identities. The "Discovery" moniker has gradually been dropped from channel names. Some networks had kept the globe in their logo to signal their affiliation to Discovery Networks, but this practice has also been gradually discontinued.
Discovery Networks U.S. operates 13 channels. According to SEC filings, the division "also operates web sites related to its channel businesses and various other new media businesses, including a video-on-demand offering distributed by various cable operators."
The division's channels include:
| Channel | Launch Date | US Households | HD Simulcast | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Channel Discovery Channel Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav... |
1985 | 101 million | Yes | Flagship network |
| TLC TLC (TV channel) TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks... |
1980 | 100 million | Yes | Acquired by Discovery Communications in May 1991, previously known as The Learning Channel. |
| Animal Planet Animal Planet Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:... |
1996 | 97 million | Yes | Launched mainly using satellite space acquired from the discontinuation of the WOR EMI Service |
| OWN OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network The Oprah Winfrey Network , named after talk-show presenter Oprah Winfrey, is an American specialty channel produced by Harpo Productions and Discovery Communications... |
2011 | 78 million | Yes | Joint venture ownership with Harpo Productions Harpo Productions Harpo Productions, Inc. is an incorporated US-based multimedia production company founded by Oprah Winfrey . It also includes Harpo Films & Harpo Radio, Inc.... |
| Investigation Discovery | 1996 | 73 million | Yes | Formerly Discovery Times, Discovery Civilization |
| Science | 1999 | 68 million | Yes | Formerly Discovery Science |
| The Hub | 2010 | 62 million | Yes | Formerly Discovery Kids Discovery Kids Discovery Kids is an American website owned by Discovery Communications, Inc. created for children. Until October 10, 2010, it was an American digital cable specialty channel, owned by Discovery Communications with television programming for education of children. It was launched in October 1996... Joint venture with Hasbro, Inc. |
| Military Channel Military Channel The Military Channel is a cable and satellite television network which broadcasts television programming related to the military, warfare and military history. It is part of the group of networks owned by Discovery Communications within the United States and Canada... |
1999 | 57 million | No | Formerly Discovery Wings |
| Planet Green | 1998 | 56 million | Yes | Formerly Discovery Home and Discovery Home and Leisure |
| Discovery Fit & Health Discovery Fit & Health Discovery Fit & Health is an American cable television network owned by Discovery Communications dedicated to fitness and health. Launched on February 1, 2011, it is the result of the merger of Discovery Health Channel and FitTV and features programs formerly found on both... |
2011 | 49 million | No | Merger of Discovery Health Channel Discovery Health Channel Discovery Health Channel is a website owned by Discovery Communications, created for people interested in health and wellness. Until December 31, 2010, it was a U.S. cable television specialty channel dedicated to television programming that highlights various aspects of health and wellness... and FitTV FitTV FitTV was an American digital cable and satellite channel, owned by Discovery Communications. The channel focused on fitness and exercise-related programming. FitTV offered programming with such fitness celebrities as Cathe Friedrich, Sharon Mann, Gilad Janklowicz, Marilu Henner, Tamilee Webb and... |
| Velocity | 2002 | 36 million | N/A | Broadcasts in HD 24 hours a day. Formerly Discovery HD Theater and HD Theater |
| Discovery en Español Discovery en Español Discovery en Español is the Spanish language version of the Discovery Channel. It is operated by Discovery Networks International's Latin America division in Miami, Florida.... |
1998 | 7 million | No | Spanish-language version of the Discovery Channel |
| Discovery Familia Discovery Familia Discovery Familia is an American satellite and cable television channel owned by Discovery Communications. It is an educational, family-oriented Spanish-language Cable channel.-Discovery Kids en Español:*Hi-5*Pocoyo *Animal Jam... |
2007 | 3 million | No | |
| 3net 3net 3net is a 3D television channel that launched on February 13, 2011. It is a joint venture of Discovery Communications, Sony, and IMAX. The partnership was announced in June of 2010 and the channel was previewed publicly at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show... |
2011 | N/A | N/A | Broadcasts in 3D 24 hours a day. Joint venture with Sony Sony , commonly referred to as Sony, is a Japanese multinational conglomerate corporation headquartered in Minato, Tokyo, Japan and the world's fifth largest media conglomerate measured by revenues.... and IMAX IMAX IMAX is a motion picture film format and a set of proprietary cinema projection standards created by the Canadian company IMAX Corporation. IMAX has the capacity to record and display images of far greater size and resolution than conventional film systems... . |
Discovery Networks International
Discovery Networks International, or Discovery international networks, offers "a portfolio of channels, led by Discovery ChannelDiscovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
and Animal Planet
Animal Planet
Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, that are distributed in virtually every pay-television market in the world." The division offers over 100 separate feeds in 39 languages with "channel feeds customized according to language needs and advertising sales opportunities."
DCI owns most channels offered by Discovery Networks International, with the exception of:
- several channels in JapanJapanJapan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
and CanadaCanadaCanada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
, which "operate as joint ventures with strategically important local partners."
"As with the U.S. networks division, the international networks operate web sites and other new media businesses."
On January 10, 2006, the Discovery Networks International announced a joint-venture with Spiegel TV and DCTF to provide global free-to-air television to more than 20 million households in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
and neighboring countries.
Discovery International Channels include:
- Asia-Pacific: Discovery Channel, Animal PlanetAnimal PlanetAnimal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, Discovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & Living is a channel brand from Discovery Communications. This name is used in countries of Europe, Latin America and Asia. In other parts of the world the channel is known as TLC . It features travel shows rather than the documentaries on Discovery Science.Discovery Travel &...
(now TLCDiscovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & Living is a channel brand from Discovery Communications. This name is used in countries of Europe, Latin America and Asia. In other parts of the world the channel is known as TLC . It features travel shows rather than the documentaries on Discovery Science.Discovery Travel &...
), Discovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & Health is a television channel based in the United Kingdom.Discovery Home & Health is available in Latin America , Australia, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.It was formerly available on SelecTV from March 2007...
, Discovery ScienceThe Science ChannelScience is a United States cable, satellite and IPTV Television Network produced by Discovery Communications. Science features programming in the fields of space, technology, prehistory and animals.-History:...
, Discovery TurboDiscovery Turbo (Asia)Discovery Turbo is a male oriented factual television channel devoted to programming about cars, bikes, boats, and planes. The channel is owned by Discovery Networks Europe...
, Discovery HDDiscovery HDDiscovery HD is the international name of the high-definition television channels from Discovery Communications.The international Discovery HD first launched in Korea on February 2005 as a programming block...
(now Discovery HD WorldDiscovery HD WorldDiscovery HD World , is a satellite and cable TV subscription channel that provides documentary and non-fiction programming; focuses primarily on science, technology, history and culture. It is operated by Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of Discovery Communications Inc...
) - Europe, Middle East, and Africa: Discovery Channel, Animal PlanetAnimal PlanetAnimal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, DMAXDMAX (TV channel)DMAX is a men's lifestyle channel operated by Discovery Networks Deutschland free-to-air in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Though the channel is widely available throughout the rest of Europe...
, Discovery ScienceDiscovery Science Europe/MEDiscovery Science Europe/ME is a television channel targeting the European countries and the Arab World, focusing on programmes relating science and technology. It is broadcast from Discovery Networks Europe in the United Kingdom using a broadcasting license from Ofcom.It is available from numerous...
, Discovery WorldDiscovery World (TV channel)Discovery World is a European television network known as Discovery Civilisation from 1999 - 2008. Discovery World offers an experience of the very best factual programming from around the globe. Discovery World showcases a rich and colourful selection of high quality factual programmes from around...
, Discovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & Living EuropeDiscovery Travel & Living Europe is a television channel broadcasting to several countries in Europe.The channel was originally known as Discovery Travel & Adventure Channel and then featured more adventure-related programmes. On February 1, 2005, the channel changed its name to Discovery Travel &...
, Discovery Real TimeDiscovery Real TimeDiscovery Real Time is a factual television channel owned by Discovery Networks Europe.It was originally launched in the UK in March 1992 as TLC, a British version of the US channel of the same name...
, People+ArtsPeople+ArtsLiv is an entertainment television channel in Latin America. It is jointly owned by Discovery Communications.The channel was launched in October 1997 as the local version of Travel Channel...
, Discovery GeschichteDiscovery GeschichteDiscovery Geschichte was a German television channel focusing on history-related programmes owned by Discovery Networks Europe...
, Discovery TurboDiscovery TurboDiscovery Turbo can mean:*Discovery Turbo , a UK television channel, which replaced Discovery Wings in March 2007*Discovery Turbo , an Asian television channel, which replaced Discovery Real Time in October 2008...
, Discovery HistoriaDiscovery HistoriaDiscovery Historia is a Polish television channel broadcasting history-related programmes. The channel was originally a joint-venture between Discovery Networks and TVN, but TVN left the venture in 2009...
, Discovery HDDiscovery HDDiscovery HD is the international name of the high-definition television channels from Discovery Communications.The international Discovery HD first launched in Korea on February 2005 as a programming block... - Latin America: Discovery Channel, Discovery KidsDiscovery Kids (Latin America)Discovery Kids Latin America is a cable television channel owned by Discovery Communications and headquartered in Miami, Florida, which started as a programming block on the Latin American version of Discovery Channel. It is the only Discovery channel to feature spokescharacters. Since the original...
, Liv, Animal PlanetAnimal PlanetAnimal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, Discovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & Health is a television channel based in the United Kingdom.Discovery Home & Health is available in Latin America , Australia, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.It was formerly available on SelecTV from March 2007...
, Discovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & Living is a channel brand from Discovery Communications. This name is used in countries of Europe, Latin America and Asia. In other parts of the world the channel is known as TLC . It features travel shows rather than the documentaries on Discovery Science.Discovery Travel &...
, Discovery CivilizationDiscovery Civilization ChannelDiscovery Science is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel owned by CTV Speciality Television Inc. in partnership with Discovery Communications airing science-related programming.-History:...
, Discovery ScienceThe Science ChannelScience is a United States cable, satellite and IPTV Television Network produced by Discovery Communications. Science features programming in the fields of space, technology, prehistory and animals.-History:...
, Discovery TurboDiscovery TurboDiscovery Turbo can mean:*Discovery Turbo , a UK television channel, which replaced Discovery Wings in March 2007*Discovery Turbo , an Asian television channel, which replaced Discovery Real Time in October 2008... - United Kingdom and Ireland: Discovery Channel, Animal PlanetAnimal PlanetAnimal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:...
, DMAXDMAX (TV channel)DMAX is a men's lifestyle channel operated by Discovery Networks Deutschland free-to-air in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Though the channel is widely available throughout the rest of Europe...
, Discovery Real TimeDiscovery Real TimeDiscovery Real Time is a factual television channel owned by Discovery Networks Europe.It was originally launched in the UK in March 1992 as TLC, a British version of the US channel of the same name...
, Discovery ShedDiscovery ShedDiscovery Shed is a TV channel in the United Kingdom from Discovery Networks Western Europe which replaced Discovery Real Time Extra. The channel launched on 20 March 2009....
, Discovery History, Discovery ScienceDiscovery ScienceDiscovery science is a scientific methodology which emphasizes analysis of large volumes of experimental data with the goal of finding new patterns or correlations, leading to hypothesis formation and other scientific methodologies.Discovery-based methodologies are often viewed in contrast to...
, Discovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & HealthDiscovery Home & Health is a television channel based in the United Kingdom.Discovery Home & Health is available in Latin America , Australia, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.It was formerly available on SelecTV from March 2007...
, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & LivingDiscovery Travel & Living is a channel brand from Discovery Communications. This name is used in countries of Europe, Latin America and Asia. In other parts of the world the channel is known as TLC . It features travel shows rather than the documentaries on Discovery Science.Discovery Travel &...
, Discovery HDDiscovery HDDiscovery HD is the international name of the high-definition television channels from Discovery Communications.The international Discovery HD first launched in Korea on February 2005 as a programming block...
, Investigation Discovery, QuestQuest (TV channel)Quest is a TV channel in the United Kingdom. Quest provides factual, lifestyle, entertainment programmes and other imported material. The channel is operated by Discovery Networks Western Europe.-History:... - Canada: Discovery ChannelDiscovery Channel CanadaDiscovery Channel is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel devoted to nature, adventure, science and technology programming. Discovery Channel is currently owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc...
, Animal PlanetAnimal Planet CanadaAnimal Planet is a Canadian English language Category B specialty channel. The channel is 80% owned by CTV Speciality Television Inc., which is owned by Bell Media and ESPN ; 10% owned by BBC Worldwide; and 10% owned by Discovery Communications...
, Discovery Science, Discovery HealthDiscovery Health (Canada)Twist TV is a Canadian English language Category A specialty channel owned by Shaw Media. Twist TV is a reality channel aimed primarily at women with programming featuring what the channel calls "people facing extraordinary situations", meaning the channel primarily features situational and...
, Discovery World HD, and Investigation Discovery (licensing agreement only)
The division's channels include:
| Channel | Launch Date | International Networks Households | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Discovery Channel Discovery Channel Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav... |
1989 | 279 million | |
| Animal Planet Animal Planet Animal Planet is an American cable tv specialty channel that launched on October 1, 1996. It is distributed by Discovery Communications. A high-definition simulcast of the channel launched on September 1, 2007.-History:... |
1997 | 242 million | |
| Discovery Travel & Living Discovery Travel & Living Discovery Travel & Living is a channel brand from Discovery Communications. This name is used in countries of Europe, Latin America and Asia. In other parts of the world the channel is known as TLC . It features travel shows rather than the documentaries on Discovery Science.Discovery Travel &... |
2005 | 180 million | |
| DMAX DMAX (TV channel) DMAX is a men's lifestyle channel operated by Discovery Networks Deutschland free-to-air in Germany, Austria and Switzerland. Though the channel is widely available throughout the rest of Europe... |
2006 | 44 million | Launch: 2006 Germany, 2008 UK |
| Discovery Science | 1997 | 42 million | |
| Discovery Home & Health Discovery Home & Health Discovery Home & Health is a television channel based in the United Kingdom.Discovery Home & Health is available in Latin America , Australia, Republic of Ireland, Hong Kong, Philippines, New Zealand, Indonesia, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia.It was formerly available on SelecTV from March 2007... |
2000 | 38 million | |
| Discovery Kids Discovery Kids Discovery Kids is an American website owned by Discovery Communications, Inc. created for children. Until October 10, 2010, it was an American digital cable specialty channel, owned by Discovery Communications with television programming for education of children. It was launched in October 1996... |
1996 | 29 million | |
| Liv | 2010 | 22 million | |
| Discovery World Discovery World (TV channel) Discovery World is a European television network known as Discovery Civilisation from 1999 - 2008. Discovery World offers an experience of the very best factual programming from around the globe. Discovery World showcases a rich and colourful selection of high quality factual programmes from around... |
2008 | 17 million | |
| Discovery Real Time Discovery Real Time Discovery Real Time is a factual television channel owned by Discovery Networks Europe.It was originally launched in the UK in March 1992 as TLC, a British version of the US channel of the same name... |
1994 | 15 million | |
| Discovery Turbo Discovery Turbo Discovery Turbo can mean:*Discovery Turbo , a UK television channel, which replaced Discovery Wings in March 2007*Discovery Turbo , an Asian television channel, which replaced Discovery Real Time in October 2008... |
2005 | 15 million | |
| Discovery HD Discovery HD Discovery HD is the international name of the high-definition television channels from Discovery Communications.The international Discovery HD first launched in Korea on February 2005 as a programming block... |
2005 | 14 million | |
| Investigation Discovery | 13 million | ||
| Discovery Knowledge Discovery Knowledge Discovery History is a channel with programming about history from Discovery Networks Europe.-History:The channel was initially known as Discovery Civilisation and was devoted to documentaries regarding history and civilizations, historic, ancient or present. On 1 November 2007, Discovery... |
1999 | 11 million | |
| Shed Discovery Shed Discovery Shed is a TV channel in the United Kingdom from Discovery Networks Western Europe which replaced Discovery Real Time Extra. The channel launched on 20 March 2009.... |
2009 | 10 million | |
| Quest Quest (TV channel) Quest is a TV channel in the United Kingdom. Quest provides factual, lifestyle, entertainment programmes and other imported material. The channel is operated by Discovery Networks Western Europe.-History:... |
2009 | 9 million | |
| TLC Canada TLC (TV channel) TLC is an American cable TV specialty channel which initially focused on educational content. Since 1991 TLC has been owned by Discovery Communications, the same company that operates the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and The Science Channel, as well as other learning-themed networks... |
8 million | ||
| Discovery Civilization | 1996 | 5 million | |
| Discovery Historia Discovery Historia Discovery Historia is a Polish television channel broadcasting history-related programmes. The channel was originally a joint-venture between Discovery Networks and TVN, but TVN left the venture in 2009... |
2006 | 1 million |
Discovery Commerce
Discovery Commerce operates a catalog and electronic commerce business offering lifestyle, health, science and education-oriented products, as well as products specifically related to programming on Discovery's networks. In addition, the e-commerce site serves as a licensing business that licenses Discovery trademarks and intellectual property to third parties for the purpose of creating and selling retail merchandise. The Discovery shopping website offers products similar to those previously sold in the Discovery Channel retail stores. Recently the Discovery Channel retail stores were closed, however, the products are still available online.Discovery Education
Discovery Education is a division which offers "streaming educational video material into schools via the internet." Discovery Education operates unitedstreaming, a "leading educational broadband streaming service in the United States." In April 2006, Discovery Education acquired a premier assessment company, ThinkLink Learning, which is based in Nashville, Tennessee. Now called Discovery Education Assessment, the program is designed to help students improve on state standardized tests.Discovery Education also sells DVD, VHS, CD-ROM, and Multimedia kits with the same content. Other products include COSMEO, an online homework subscription help site, Discovery Health Connection, Discovery Science Connection and they recently purchased other video streaming companies. They have two free services. One is their website, Discovery School and the other is a teacher community, the Discovery Educator Network, commonly referred to as the DEN.
Other interests
Discovery Communcations currently operates Petfinder.com (acquired in November 2006), TreeHuggerTreeHugger
TreeHugger is a prominent sustainability website. It was rated the top sustainability blog of 2007 by Nielsen Netratings,and was included in Time Magazine's 2009 blog index as one of the top twenty-five blogs....
.com (acquired in August 2007), and HowStuffWorks
HowStuffWorks
HowStuffWorks is a commercial edutainment website that was founded by Marshall Brain with the goal of giving its target audience an insight into the way in which many things work. The site uses various media in its effort to explain complex concepts, terminology and mechanisms, including...
.com (acquired on October 15, 2007 for US$250 million), under their "Discovery Digital Media" business unit. The company later chose to use the name HowStuffWorks as the title of a television series on Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel
Discovery Channel is an American satellite and cable specialty channel , founded by John Hendricks and distributed by Discovery Communications. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav...
. The series, which focuses on commodities
Commodity
In economics, a commodity is the generic term for any marketable item produced to satisfy wants or needs. Economic commodities comprise goods and services....
, premiered in November 2008 and is similar in style and content to other "how it works" programs like Modern Marvels
Modern Marvels
Modern Marvels is a documentary television series that premiered on January 1, 1995 on History. The program focuses on how technologies affect and are used in today's society....
.
In addition to their in-house production unit Discovery Studios, Discovery also maintains an interest in several Hollywood audio studios through their CSS Studios
CSS Studios
CSS Studios, LLC is a wholly owned subsidiary of Discovery Communications, Inc. , an American global media and entertainment company.The company's main activity is to provide creative and technical post production sound and music services for motion picture studios, independent producers,...
subsidiary. These include Todd-AO
Todd-AO
Todd-AO is a post-production company founded in 1953, providing sound-related services to the motion picture and television industries. The company operates three facilities in the Los Angeles area.-History:...
, Soundelux
Soundelux
Soundelux is an audio post production company based in Hollywood, California. Founded by Lon Bender and Wylie Stateman in 1982, Soundelux is currently a member of the CSS Studios, LLC consortium of sound companies....
, Sound One, POP Sound, Modern Music, Soundelux Design Music Group
Soundelux Design Music Group
Soundelux Design Music Group is a sound studio located in Hollywood, California.Soundelux Design Music Group specializes in sound design, music composition and voiceover recording for video games....
and The Hollywood Edge.
On March 17, 2009, Discovery revealed that it owned the rights to several patent
Patent
A patent is a form of intellectual property. It consists of a set of exclusive rights granted by a sovereign state to an inventor or their assignee for a limited period of time in exchange for the public disclosure of an invention....
s related to e-book
E-book
An electronic book is a book-length publication in digital form, consisting of text, images, or both, and produced on, published through, and readable on computers or other electronic devices. Sometimes the equivalent of a conventional printed book, e-books can also be born digital...
s, in announcing a patent infringement
Patent infringement
Patent infringement is the commission of a prohibited act with respect to a patented invention without permission from the patent holder. Permission may typically be granted in the form of a license. The definition of patent infringement may vary by jurisdiction, but it typically includes using or...
lawsuit
Lawsuit
A lawsuit or "suit in law" is a civil action brought in a court of law in which a plaintiff, a party who claims to have incurred loss as a result of a defendant's actions, demands a legal or equitable remedy. The defendant is required to respond to the plaintiff's complaint...
against Amazon.com
Amazon.com
Amazon.com, Inc. is a multinational electronic commerce company headquartered in Seattle, Washington, United States. It is the world's largest online retailer. Amazon has separate websites for the following countries: United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Japan, and...
, maker of the Kindle
Amazon Kindle
The Amazon Kindle is an e-book reader developed by Amazon.com subsidiary Lab126 which uses wireless connectivity to enable users to shop for, download, browse, and read e-books, newspapers, magazines, blogs, and other digital media...
e-book reading device. The patents were originally developed by the company's founder John Hendricks
John Hendricks
John Hendricks is the founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, a broadcasting and film production company which owns the Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet cable tv networks, among other ventures.-Early life:...
; the specific patent in question in the suit was applied for in 1999 but issued in late 2007.
On April 30, 2009, it was announced that Discovery would be forming a joint-venture with Hasbro
Hasbro
Hasbro is a multinational toy and boardgame company from the United States of America. It is one of the largest toy makers in the world. The corporate headquarters is located in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, United States...
to re-launch Discovery Kids
Discovery Kids
Discovery Kids is an American website owned by Discovery Communications, Inc. created for children. Until October 10, 2010, it was an American digital cable specialty channel, owned by Discovery Communications with television programming for education of children. It was launched in October 1996...
as a new children's channel known as The Hub.
On November 2, 2009, Discovery joined Jeff Arnold (founder of WebMD
WebMD
WebMD is an American corporation which provides health information services. It was founded in 1996 by Jim Clark and Pavan Nigam as Healthscape, later Healtheon, and then acquired WebMD in 1999 to form Healtheon/WebMD...
), Dr. Mehmet Oz, Harpo Productions
Harpo Productions
Harpo Productions, Inc. is an incorporated US-based multimedia production company founded by Oprah Winfrey . It also includes Harpo Films & Harpo Radio, Inc....
, Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television
Sony Pictures Television, Inc. is an American and global television production/distribution subsidiary of Sony Pictures Entertainment. In turn, the latter is part of the Japanese conglomerate Sony.-Background:...
and HSW International as co-founder of Sharecare, Inc.
Sharecare
Sharecare.com is an interactive question-and-answer platform that allows industry experts to answer health and wellness questions. Founded in 2009, Sharecare was created by Jeffrey T. Arnold and Dr...
, a Q&A platform for users to ask health- and wellness-related questions and receive answers from recognized experts.
Discovery launched a 3DTV channel in conjunction with Sony and IMAX
IMAX Corporation
IMAX Corporation is a Canadian theatre company which designs and manufactures IMAX cameras and projection systems as well as film development, production, post production and distribution to IMAX affiliated theatres worldwide. It was founded in 1968 as a result of Expo 67 in Montreal...
in early 2011, called 3net
3net
3net is a 3D television channel that launched on February 13, 2011. It is a joint venture of Discovery Communications, Sony, and IMAX. The partnership was announced in June of 2010 and the channel was previewed publicly at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show...
.
2010 Hostage taking
On September 1, 2010, the DCI headquarters was the site of a hostage taking, a lone gunman identified as James J. Lee took hostages inside of the Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, prompting an evacuation of the building. The gunman made his manifesto on his website SaveThePlanetProtest.comSavetheplanetprotest.com
According to WHOIS record, SaveThePlanetProtest.com was first registered on January 7, 2008 under registrant James Lee. The domain was registered with a private registration service, which hid the registrant’s information...
with several demands. Lee was shot dead by police and the hostages were released safely. James J. Lee had previously been arrested in 2008 while protesting in front of the same site.
See also
- Antenna AudioAntenna AudioAntenna International is a company that produces audio tours and multimedia interpretation for many museums, art galleries and heritage sites around the world.-History:...
, acquired in 2006 - National Geographic SocietyNational Geographic SocietyThe National Geographic Society , headquartered in Washington, D.C. in the United States, is one of the largest non-profit scientific and educational institutions in the world. Its interests include geography, archaeology and natural science, the promotion of environmental and historical...
- A&E Television NetworksA&E Television NetworksA&E Television Networks is a U.S. media company that owns a group of television channels available via cable & satellite in the US and abroad...