Corporate Newsletter Q4 2013

A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications
Volume 6, Number 4, February 2014
03
04
08
JB Perrette Tapped to Lead
Discovery International
American Heroes Channel
Launches March 3
PUPPY BOWL X Delivers
Big Bark for Animal Planet
{ A MESSAGE FROM }
David
Zaslav
Strong financial results, an expanding
content portfolio that is boosting market
share around the globe and further
investments in strategic growth made
2013 another very successful year for
Discovery. Overall, our revenue grew
23%, and Adjusted OIBDA was up 16%
over 2012. This outstanding performance
demonstrates how well our uniquely
high quality content resonates with a
worldwide audience. It’s an expanding
audience that wants to learn something
new, satisfy its boundless curiosity
about the universe and keep discovering.
Last year’s results also highlight the
sturdiness of our business model and
the opportunities generated by our
unmatched global footprint.
Domestically, our audience grew for the
fifth consecutive year, with viewership
across our portfolio up 4%. Domestic
advertising grew, too, increasing a healthy
8% over last year. This growth reflects the
unrivaled ability of Discovery’s creative
teams to stay in sync with audience tastes,
and is a clear indicator of our success in
reinforcing existing brands while continuing
to grow new ones. Discovery Channel,
Animal Planet and ID had their most
watched years ever in their key demos and
OWN grew 25% while delivering positive
cash flow and equity earnings. Emerging
brands Destination America and Velocity
also continued to grow.
Thanks to increased distribution and strong
content, viewership grew 22% across our
extensive international portfolio, which
averages eight networks in over 220
countries. Because that portfolio has been
so carefully balanced, we averaged doubledigit audience gains in nearly every part
of the globe with our total international
advertising revenue up 23%.
In addition, we are already off to a strong
start in 2014 even though the year is
young. In January, Discovery Channel
generated the most watched month in
its history, while TLC, ID, Destination
America and Velocity recorded
remarkably strong growth. We also
announced our newest brand, American
Heroes Channel, and agreed to acquire
majority control of Eurosport, broadening
and strengthening our international
programming offering and reach.
(
“…there has never been
)
a better time to be in the
global content business.”
As we move further into 2014, there has
never been a better time to be in the
global content business. Around the world,
people are watching more TV over more
platforms than ever before. Discovery is
superbly positioned to take advantage of
the opportunities that are emerging every
day, through compelling programming
and strategic growth that deliver solid
financial results while building long-term
value for shareholders.
David Zaslav is President and Chief Executive
Officer of Discovery Communications and
serves on the company’s Board of Directors.
JB Perrette Tapped to Head DNI
In January, Discovery announced that JB Perrette will become the next President of Discovery
Networks International.
Perrette joined Discovery in 2011 as Chief Digital Officer. Under his leadership, the company has
become a leading provider of high-quality nonfiction media across all screens. Perrette’s credits
include: the successful acquisitions of Revision3 and DeFranco Creative, strategic investments in
Lumosity and Learnist, the launches of digital/online networks Animalist and TestTube and the
implementation of innovative live online experiences such as SKYWIRE LIVE and Animal Planet L!VE.
Having spent half his career outside the U.S., and with a unique mix of distribution, digital strategy
and business development experience, Perrette will oversee all aspects of the company’s growing
international operations. In 2013, Discovery completed the acquisition and integration of SBS Nordics; acquired a stake in Eurosport,
the largest pan-European sports platform; launched TLC in the UK; and grew international ratings by 25 percent – all solidifying the
company’s position as the #1 Pay-TV programmer in the world.
Perrette succeeds 23-year Discovery veteran Mark Hollinger, who announced his resignation last September.
Discovery Debuts First-of-Its-Kind Learning Marketplace
On January 14, Discovery unveiled Curiosity.com, a consumer-centered online
marketplace that aggregates and organizes the best learning-based content from across
the web. This new learning tool expands upon Discovery’s commitment to education and
affords online users the opportunity to explore their passions and discover new interests
through an expanding collection of digital content from dozens of trusted partners,
including Big Think, Coursera, Craftsy, Khan Academy, Udacity and Udemy.
Whether you are looking to develop new skills, brush up on existing interests or simply learn something new, Curiosity.com connects
knowledge-seekers with high-quality knowledge sources. Users can browse categories including Art & Design, Business, Languages
and Technology and receive personalized content recommendations. Visitors also can browse trending content or use the Surprise Me
feature to allow the system to randomly choose content for them.
Curiosity.com is the company’s latest investment in the education space, adding to current learning-focused assets that include Discovery
Education, Lumosity and Learnist. Life-long learners can feed their curiosity at Curiosity.com, which is optimized for mobile and tablet users.
Discovery Communications Named to the 2014 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For List
Discovery Communications has been named to the 2014 FORTUNE 100 Best Companies to Work For® list. Recognized for its commitment
to creating a healthy and balanced workplace and a culture of innovation, inclusion and continuous learning, Discovery is one of only two
media companies in the Top 100.
Discovery’s global workforce has access to a best-in-class suite of benefits and rewards including on-site child care at its headquarters;
Discovery Wellness Centers in Miami, New York, Silver Spring and Sterling; and an employee stock purchase program. Employees stay
informed and engaged through myriad offerings including quarterly town halls hosted by senior leadership and special events featuring
on-air talent. Additionally, the company sponsors “Discover Your Impact Day,” an annual day of global volunteerism each June when all
worldwide employees can give back to the communities where they live and work.
Great Place to Work®, creator of the list, evaluates each company using its unique methodology based on five dimensions: credibility,
respect, fairness, pride and camaraderie.
A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications | FEBRUARY 2014
3
{ COVER STORY }
American
Heroes Channel
Discovery Communications to Rename Military Channel:
American Heroes Channel
Programming will feature the iconic people and pivotal moments of our time
On Monday, March 3, the Military
Channel will become American
Heroes Channel in 62 million homes.
American Heroes Channel expands on
the Military Channel’s niche appeal,
while providing viewers with additional
insight into history, contemporary
world events and biographical stories.
At the intersection between military
and history programming, American
Heroes Channel will feature major
events that shaped our world, visionary
leaders and unexpected heroes who
made a difference and the great
defenders of our freedom on
and off the battlefield.
The only network
dedicated to the
timeless stories in
which a challenge
appears – be it
a situation or
a villain – and
a hero rises,
American Heroes
Channel explores
compelling
and uplifting
true stories of
the bold men
and women who
have distinguished
themselves by their
actions as well as events that
transcend time and place.
“With the continuing trend of
character-driven content, the
new name provides Discovery
with a tremendous opportunity
to showcase more narrative-style
storytelling that is currently missing
from the television landscape,”
said Henry Schleiff, Group
President, Investigation Discovery,
Destination American and American
Heroes Channel. “The American
Heroes Channel will be the next great
platform for Discovery to engage
and entertain an information-hungry
audience with exciting programming
that viewers have come to know and
love from Discovery Communications.”
On debut night, American Heroes
Channel is excited to present the
network original series, AGAINST THE
ODDS. Narrated by actor Rob Lowe,
this six-part series introduces reallife bands of brothers who exhibited
unparalleled bravery, solidarity and
endurance on the battlefield and came
out on top in fights against seemingly
insurmountable odds. Reliving battles
from WWII, Korea, Vietnam and Iraq,
these are true stories of the harsh
realities of war, as told by the veterans
who survived to share their experiences.
American Heroes Channel’s first year
will include 17 new series and specials,
with three additional originals launching
in the first week. Debut night also will
feature the special RAW WAR: THE
LOST FILM OF DAK TO. This original
network documentary presents gripping
personal stories through film and
photographs from combat cameramen
during the Vietnam War who risked
– and sometimes lost – their lives to
capture some of the bloodiest battles
of our time. Additional launch week
series include CIA: DECLASSIFIED,
which travels back to the Cold War
to reveal inside stories of America’s
most top-secret missions, and CODES
& CONSPIRACIES, a series that unveils
the startling truth and hidden history
behind the world’s most iconic,
clandestine institutions, top-secret
locations and mysterious symbols.
Discovery Channel and TLC Rank as Most Attractive Factual Entertainment
and Lifestyle Brands in India
Discovery Channel and TLC were named the Most Attractive Factual and Lifestyle entertainment
brands in India, based on results from India's Most Attractive Brands Report 2013.
The report, conducted by the Trust Research Advisory, is based on consumer research from 16 cities
across India, through a matrix of 36 traits. In a market as highly competitive and fragmented as
in India, brand attractiveness is one critical differentiator used to measure and highlight the most
exceptional brands.
Over the years, Discovery has emerged as an important player in Indian television, establishing itself as a
high-performing and popular content provider amidst competitors in the country. The recognition for the two
networks underscores the diversity and wide appeal of Discovery’s portfolio of seven networks in the country.
Social Media: A Key Ingredient to Success of “Cake Boss”
On December 30, TLC celebrated the worldwide premieres of CAKE BOSS and BAKERY
BOSS with CAKE BOSS KICKOFF LIVE.
The live social media integration event paired the popularity of TLC’s beloved baker, Buddy
Valastro, with the power of Twitter, encouraging fans to Tweet along with the show using
#CakeBossKickoff. Throughout the premiere event, Buddy checked in from the Cake Boss
Café in New York City to read fans’ Tweets and give out prizes live on-air. Fans also had a
chance to see their Tweets featured live on the shows.
The live Tweet event was a sweet success, garnering more than 334,000 Twitter mentions,
drove three U.S. Trending Topics and propelled CAKE BOSS to the #1 spot on SocialGuide’s
rankings across all TV programs (excluding sports) for the night. The event also ranked as
CAKE BOSS’ most social night ever and the second most social night ever for TLC.
A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications | FEBRUARY 2014
5
WATCH WITH THE WORLD:
RATINGSHIGHLIGHTS
BEST YEAR EVER AMONG MEN 25-54
In 2013, Animal Planet exceeded its recordbreaking 2012 performance by achieving its
most-watched year ever in both primetime and
total day across major demos. Animal Planet currently ranks #16
among all ad-supported cable networks with men 25-54. The
network had 10 programs that delivered or surpassed one million
total viewers in 2013, including MERMAIDS: THE NEW EVIDENCE,
PUPPY BOWL IX, RIVER MONSTERS, TREEHOUSE MASTERS,
CALL OF THE WILDMAN, GATOR BOYS, FINDING BIGFOOT, WILD
WEST ALASKA, PIT BULLS & PAROLEES and TANKED.
HIGHEST VIEWERSHIP IN 12 YEARS
DOUBLE-DIGIT YEAR-OVER-YEAR GROWTH
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network finished 2013
on top achieving its second consecutive year
of double-digit growth across key demos. The
network delivered increases of 16% in women 25-54, 21% in total
viewers and 76% in African American women 25-54 in primetime
versus 2012. OWN also ranked as the #5 primetime cable network
in 2013 among all African American women.
OWN’s popular Saturday night lineup boasts the night’s top six
original series with African American women 25-54: WELCOME
TO SWEETIE PIE’S, IYANLA: FIX MY LIFE, HOUSTON BEAUTY, SIX
LITTLE MCGHEES, RAISING WHITLEY and LIFE WITH LA TOYA.
Scripted series helped the network kickoff 2014 in a big way.
The February 4 episode of OWN’s hit Tyler Perry drama THE
HAVES AND THE HAVE NOTS delivered a record-breaking 3.4
million viewers, its most-watched telecast in series history. The
episode ranked as the #1 show on cable, #2 in all of television
and helped propelled the network to #1 among women 25-54 on
Tuesday night. The episode was the second highest telecast in
OWN history and the show marked its third consecutive week of
growth among women 25-54.
Discovery Channel ended the year with
11 series averaging over two million total
viewers each and 36 series averaging
over one million total viewers, up from 31
series in 2012. GOLD RUSH grabbed the
top spot for the year as the channel’s #1 series. NAKED AND
AFRAID, DEADLIEST CATCH, AMISH MAFIA, GOLD RUSH –
SOUTH AMERICA and FAST N’ LOUD rounded out the top six.
SKYWIRE LIVE captivated 13 million total viewers and smashed
television, live, social media and digital ratings records, making
it cable’s #1 live event in 2013. The live telecast also generated
1.3 million Tweets and had a special ranking as the #1 most
social show across broadcast and cable in the U.S. In similar
fashion, the wildly popular summer television event SHARK
WEEK drew its largest audience in its 26th year, snapping up
50 million viewers and garnering 2.6 million Tweets for the
week – breaking all previous social records.
STRONG PERFORMANCE FOR THE YEAR
TLC wrapped 2013 as a top 10 cable network
among key demos, with a total of 32 shows
that delivered at least a million viewers.
The network had seven series deliver two million viewers or
more — a new record for TLC. Most notable were the growing
successes of fan-favorites: THE LITTLE COUPLE and 19 KIDS
AND COUNTING. THE LITTLE COUPLE recently delivered its
highest rated season ever among households, persons 2+
and among key demos with women and adults, while 19 KIDS
AND COUNTING finished its highest rated season ever among
households and best persons 2+ delivery in its six-year history.
HERE COMES HONEY BOO BOO captured its most-watched
episode in series history, as 3.2 million viewers tuned in to
celebrate the commitment ceremony of June and Sugar Bear.
BEST YEAR AND BEST QUARTER EVER
The fourth quarter of 2013, ID marked its 20th
consecutive quarter of year-over-year growth
in primetime delivery among persons 2+ and
households, and in total day delivery among
women 25-54. ID earned the #4 rank for total day
delivery of women 25-54 in ad-supported cable for the quarter.
The network also continued its streak for longest length of tune
in all of television, capturing the #1 spot in both total day and
primetime among English speaking networks. ID launched 2014
with a bang, premiering 14 new and returning original series that
averaged more than one million viewers each.
and Colombia. It also achieved an outstanding performance
during fourth quarter in Argentina, increasing primetime
ratings by 77% and by 50% year-over-year during total day
among women 18-49, ranking as the leading lifestyle channel
during both total day and primetime in Argentina.
In addition, both TLC and ID had impressive growth stories: TLC
grew 67% year-over-year among its core target of adults 25-49
during primetime, while Investigation Discovery was up 22%
year-over-year among adults 25-54 across Latin America.
SPEEDING ACROSS THE FINISH LINE
Velocity crossed the finish line in 2013 with
impressive ratings gains in primetime among
men 25-54 for the month of December. The
network climbed 16 slots in cable rankings in 2013, more than any
other cable network. Freshman series including DALLAS CAR
SHARKS and GRAVEYARD CARZ, as well as popular returning
series CHASING CLASSIC CARS, OVERHAULIN’ and WHEELER
DEALERS helped Velocity achieve a stellar performance for 2013.
December 2013 marked 19 straight months of year-over-year
delivery growth in primetime for the network among persons/
men 25-54 and persons/men 18-49.
BREAKING RECORDS ACROSS LATIN AMERICA
The flagship Discovery Channel
dominated Latin America’s 2013 factual
space for the twelfth consecutive year,
ranking as the #1 factual network and one of the Top 5 Pay-TV
networks across the entire region among its target persons
25-54 demographic.
Discovery Kids also posted giant gains, growing an impressive
12% year-over-year since the premiere of its new original series
DOKI and the launch of its updated graphics package last April.
Discovery Kids ranks as the leading preschool network panregionally among kids 4-11 and the #1 Pay-TV network among
women 25-49. In addition, it is the #1 Pay-TV channel among
Brazilian households for the fifth year in a row.
Discovery Home and Health finished 2013 as the #1 lifestyle
network among women 18-49 and ranked among the Top 10
Pay-TV networks pan-regionally during primetime. The network
was also the #1 lifestyle network in key markets: Brazil, Mexico
A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications | FEBRUARY 2014
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TUNE IN:
PROGRAMMINGHIGHLIGHTS
PUPPY BOWL X: A BARKING SUCCESS! On Sunday, February 2, the most anticipated, eagerly awaited and
cutest sporting event on television returned when 66 adorable,
adoptable pups took the field for PUPPY BOWL X. Celebrating the
tenth anniversary of the main event, Animal Planet upped the ante
with all new features and guest stars, including First Lady of the
United States, Michelle Obama, and First Dogs, Bo and Sunny. With
all that firepower, PUPPY BOWL X was a blowout scoring a whopping 13.5 million unique persons 2+ viewers throughout the 12-hour
marathon – its largest audience ever!
While the dogs duked it out on the field, a parade of penguin cheerleaders waddled the sidelines and cheered on every fido first down
and the audiences’ favorite puppy players. Not to be outdone by their
canine counterparts, kittens also took center stage on this super
day. Animalist digital network’s own Lil BUB was on hand to provide
commentary throughout the game, and some of her feline friends
got a bit feisty at the “Xtraordinary” KITTY HALFTIME SHOW, which
featured a rousing rendition of Bruno Mars’ “Locked Out of Heaven”
performed by world-famous, Internet sensation Keyboard Cat.
New this year, viewers played along at home when they drafted
their own team and competed for dominance in the network’s
Fantasy Puppy League. And, off the field, Animal Planet in collaboration with the ASPCA® (The American Society for the Prevention of
Cruelty to Animals®), brought the PUPPY BOWL EXPERIENCE live
to New York City at Discovery Times Square! For the whole week
leading up to the big game, fans joined the celebration and played
tail-gate games, toured the Puppy Bowl Hall of Fame, met adoptable
pups and much more.
news that would change the course of their future: Jen was diagnosed with cancer. The season follows her courageous battle against
the disease, Zoey’s life back in Houston and how the family is coping
and adjusting to the life-altering news. SHINING LIGHT ON INJUSTICE
This February, Investigation Discovery is honored to present the
fourth installment of the critically acclaimed INJUSTICE FILES
series, hosted by investigative filmmaker Keith Beauchamp. In this
year’s film, Beauchamp explores the ugly and hidden phenomenon known as “sundown towns” – communities where African
Americans are not allowed to live, much less set foot in after dark.
INJUSTICE FILES: SUNDOWN TOWNS travels to three of these
former towns to visit communities where blacks were harassed,
threatened and even killed simply because of the color of their skin,
and Beauchamp explores whether these exclusionary practices still
exist today.
ICE COLD GOLD RETURNS WITH TREASURE IN SIGHT The first season of Animal Planet’s ICE COLD GOLD gave but a
glimpse of Greenland’s raw power and prize potentials, but the American miners are back and the threats and rewards are multiplied. In
the ruby-packed second season, the world's largest ruby in the Arctic
may be within reach, and Sixty Degree Resources returns to the most
remote mining location on the planet with their eyes on the prize. The
window to the mining season is tight and the team bares all in this
life-threatening, heart-pounding journey where the odds are stacked
against them and death is a very real possibility. The adventure begins
Thursday, March 6, at 10PM.
WORLDWIDE SEARCH FOR RIVER MONSTERS CONTINUES
BIG CHANGES FOR TLC’S LITTLE COUPLE
While last season covered Bill and Jen’s new life back at home as new
parents, the upcoming Spring 2014 episodes will be both heartwarming and heartbreaking. With Zoey’s adoption approved, the whole
family prepares for their trip to India, but what they didn’t expect was
8
RIVER MONSTERS, Animal Planet’s best performing series for five
record-breaking seasons returns this April for a monstrous sixth
season following biologist and extreme angler, Jeremy Wade, on his
journey to unravel freshwater fish tales of giant killers. This season,
Wade continues his search for harrowing stories of bloodthirsty fish
in South America, a continent where he has nabbed some of his more
legendary catches. Wade goes into the “heart of darkness,” to locations so remote and so forgotten, few have ever seen them. A fearless
explorer, he aims to hook the finned culprits that are thought to attack humans and reveal how much truth lies in the myth.
ALL-NEW SEASON ON THE HUB NETWORK
On February 1, the Hub Network premiered the star-studded original
movie STAN LEE'S MIGHTY 7, with legendary comic book genius Stan
Lee in his first starring role, plus an impressive cast, including Sean
Astin, Jim Belushi, Teri Hatcher and Christian Slater to name a few.
Also, this spring the hit series SPOOKSVILLE returns with all-new
original episodes, helping round out the network’s Emmy® Awardwinning R.L. STINE’S THE HAUNTING HOUR: THE SERIES.
IS ANYONE OUT THERE?
From infinite Earths to alien life forms, we are fascinated with
what lies beyond our galaxy and how it will affect us in the future.
Beginning March 2, join Science Channel for a weeklong look at the
age-old question: Are we alone in the universe?
From CLOSE ENCOUNTERS to NASA’S UNEXPLAINED FILES and
THROUGH THE WORMHOLE, Science Channel brings a week of
series and specials that go to the outer limits bringing cutting-edge
information and incredible stories of chance alien encounters. So, you
decide… “Are We Alone?”
LOOKOUT BELOW!
Coming in March is Destination America’s newest series, TIMBER
KINGS, which follows the best log builders on the planet as they
hand-craft stunning homes for the rich and famous. However,
every day is a challenge whether compromising with temperamental clients, fighting the elements or managing work yard egos, the
stakes are high.
PURSUIT OF THE ULTIMATE HOTROD
Season after season, car collector extraordinaire Wayne Carini
has scoured the country for the rarest cars that pack a historical
punch. On February 18 at 10PM, Velocity celebrates the 100th
episode of CHASING CLASSIC CARS with an ode to Wayne as he
attempts to track one of his most elusive cars to date. He’s on the
trail of a rare 1934 Lincoln Convertible – one of only ten made –
and he’ll have to barter with a group of nostalgic owners to get it.
BEWARE OF CUPID’S ARROW
Beginning February 7, ID will “celebrate” Valentine’s Day in its own
unique style with the first-ever FORGET YOU WEEK, anchored by day-
time talk personality Wendy Williams, who also hosts the original special 50 WAYS TO LEAVE YOUR LOVER (Friday, February 14 at 9PM).
Love hurts on ID’s anti-Valentine’s Day special, as we reveal breakup
tactics taken by real people spurned by lousy lovers. But before
feeling the sting of Cupid’s acid-laced arrows, FORGET YOU WEEK
primes viewers for the darkly funny special with an on-air watch & win
sweepstakes, as well as digital extensions including a “Relationship
Personality Quiz” and a March Madness-style “Break-up Bracket.”
ALL-STAR BLITZ
DEION'S FAMILY PLAYBOOK is the hilarious and compelling real-life
story of Deion Sanders, the only pro athlete to ever play in both a
Super Bowl and a World Series. Deion, best known as “Prime Time,”
is a single father raising five kids of his own, while also helping to
raise four other children who live with him. Additionally, Deion is
co-founder and football coach of Prime Prep Academy, a charter
school that aims to make a lasting impact on the lives of children in
underserved areas. With so much on his plate both at school and at
home, Deion strives to keep everything under control. Help is on the
way every other week when his Hollywood-producer girlfriend Tracey
Edmonds, who has two sons of her own, comes to visit. The game
starts Saturday, March 1 on OWN.
A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications | FEBRUARY 2014
9
Discovery Inks Successful Renewal
with Time Warner Cable In an industry where public-facing distribution disputes are increasingly
frequent, Discovery has once again reached a successful affiliate agreement
without service interruption. The deal, signed with Time Warner Cable well
before the January deadline, allows for the continued delivery of Discovery’s
networks to Time Warner Cable subscribers across the country and is
the first to include TV Everywhere rights. The multi-platform agreement
ensures the continued carriage of Discovery’s channels and VOD content
from them, including Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation
Discovery, Science, OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, Hub Network, American
Heroes Channel, Discovery Fit & Health, Discovery en Español, Discovery
Familia, Velocity and Destination America. The deal not only adds to the
legacy of success for Discovery’s award-winning distribution team, but
also highlights the strength of the portfolio’s must-have content.
DOMESTIC DISTRIBUTION
Discovery Consumer Products
Found Gold On Cyber Monday
On Cyber Monday, Discovery Consumer
Products launched the new Gold Rush Panning
Kit based on the hit Discovery Channel series.
The product, in partnership with Pay Dirt Gold
Company, is designed to provide the thrill
of gold mining in the comfy terrain of your
own home. Each kit includes a professional
gold pan, a snuffer bottle for retrieving gold
from the dirt, a classic vile to store the gold, a
certificate of authenticity and a one pound
bag of dirt guaranteed to contain real gold.
Since the product’s launch on DiscoveryStore.
com, more than 500 units have been sold. The
Gold Rush Panning Kit generated the second
highest Cyber Monday sales on DiscoveryStore.
com and was the best selling product for
Gold Rush in 2013 overall. In the first part of
2014, Discovery Consumer Products and Pay
Dirt Gold Company will debut the Gold Rush
Panning Kit at retail stores across the country.
10
Discovery Acquires Espresso Education
As part of Discovery Education’s overall expansion strategy, the company recently acquired
U.K. market leader Espresso Group Limited, a top provider of primary school digital education content. The purchase highlights Discovery Education’s commitment to supporting educators in the U.S. and around the world as they transition from static textbooks to dynamic
digital learning environments.
More than one million teachers serving 35 million students use Discovery Education’s high-quality digital resources, professional development and networking opportunities to create authentic learning environments that engage today’s learners and
accelerate academic achievement.
In the 16 years since its founding, Espresso Education has become a leader in e-learning, transforming the way students learn
through a blend of visual media and interactive resources. Espresso Education currently serves nearly 50% of primary schools
across the United Kingdom with its Espresso Primary services.
Texas Adopts Science Techbook
Following a rigorous evaluation, the Texas State Board
of Education approved,
through its state adoption
process, the use of the Discovery Education Science Techbook
series as a core instructional resource for elementary, middle
and high school science courses. All K-12 Discovery Education
Science Techbook courses were adopted by the state, with 100%
coverage of the Texas Essential Knowledge and Skills (TEKS) and
English Language Proficiency standards. School districts across
Texas now have the option to implement the Discovery Education
Science Techbook, a fully interactive digital solution that replaces
traditional textbooks and can be used on any device.
In January, Discovery
Communications announced
plans to acquire a controlling
interest in TF1 Group’s Eurosport
International, the leading panEuropean sports broadcasting
platform, reaching more than 133
million homes across 54 countries
in 20 languages.
Earlier in the year, 11-year-old
Peyton Robertson was crowned
winner of the 2013 Discovery
Education 3M Young Scientist
Challenge for his innovative
sandbag design, aiming to better
protect flood zones against saltwater damage.
›
A complete digital solution built from the ground up, Discovery
Education Science Techbook features compelling video; digital simulations and explorations; virtual and hands-on labs; an
interactive glossary with animations, audio and video; and core
interactive text with text-to-speech, leveled reading and notetaking and highlighting capabilities. Recognizing that districts
with Spanish-speaking populations require additional specialized
resources, Science Techbook supports learners through features
such as hundreds of Spanish language video segments, a multimodal interactive glossary with definitions in Spanish and a Spanish reading path with text-to-voice capability.
DID YOU KNOW?
Animal Planet’s TREEHOUSE
MASTERS delivered a sky-high
performance for its season 2
debut drawing in 1.6 million
viewers and garnering its
best-ever performance among
persons 25-54, persons 18-49,
men 18-49, women 25-54 and
women 18-49.
Discovery Digital Networks
provided in-depth live coverage
from the show floor of the 2014
Consumer Electronics Show
through 15 shows and more than
120 pieces of content.
On November 7, Discovery
employees participated in
the company’s fourth
annual Discovery Impact:
Creating Change, a 12-hour
marathon to create
marketing, communications
and social media materials for
nonprofit companies.
The finale of BAKE OFF ITALIA
was the most watched show
ever on Real Time as 2.8 million
cumulative viewers tuned in to
watch Madalina from Perugia
crowned the first-ever winner of
this major new Italian series.
A Quarterly Publication of Discovery Communications | FEBRUARY 2014
11
FACTS & FIGURES
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching 2.5 billion cumulative
subscribers in over 224 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity through more than 190 worldwide
television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture
networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network and the Hub Network. Across the Nordic region, Discovery owns and operates SBS Discovery
Media, a top-three portfolio of television brands that feature leading nonfiction content, as well as locally produced entertainment
programs, sports and the best scripted series and movies from major studios. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational
products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, and a digital leader with a diversified
online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
International Networks
GLOBAL REACH
Cumulative Global Subscribers ................................... 2.5 billion
Countries & Territories..............................................................224
Worldwide Networks.................................................................. 197
Languages ......................................................................................45
Network Entertainment Brands............................................... 50
VIEWING SUBSCRIBERS (IN MILLIONS)
US Networks
As of
As of
Feb 2014
Feb 2013
Discovery Channel ...........................................98 ..................... 99
TLC .......................................................................97 ..................... 99
Animal Planet ....................................................96 ......................97
Investigation Discovery ..................................85 .......................81
OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network .....................83 ......................83
Science ................................................................ 76 ...................... 77
The Hub Network .............................................. 71 ...................... 72
Military Channel (AHC) ..................................62 ......................62
Destination America .......................................59 ..................... 60
Velocity ............................................................... 57 ..................... 46
Discovery Fit & Health ....................................48 ......................49
3net ......................................................................40 ..................... 40
Discovery en Español ........................................ 5 ........................ 5
Discovery Familia ................................................ 4 ........................4
As of
As of
Feb 2014
Feb 2013
Discovery Channel ........................................ 340 ................... 328
Animal Planet ................................................. 298 ................... 285
TLC .....................................................................248 .....................221
Switchover Media ........................................... 105 .................... 104
Discovery Science .............................................81 ......................79
DMAX ................................................................... 78 ......................78
Discovery Kids ................................................... 76 ......................65
Investigation Discovery .................................. 74 ......................65
Discovery Home & Health ..............................64 ..................... 58
Fatafeat ...............................................................55 ......................55
Discovery Turbo ................................................52 ......................42
Quest ................................................................... 26 ......................38
Discovery Real Time ........................................ 25 ......................24
SBS Nordics ....................................................... 25 .....................n/a
Discovery World .................................................18 .......................17
Discovery Max .................................................... 17 .......................16
Shed ...................................................................... 12 .......................12
Discovery History .............................................. 12 ........................ 11
Discovery HD Showcase ................................... 9 ........................ 7
Discovery HD Theater ....................................... 6 ........................ 6
Discovery HD World .......................................... 6 ........................ 4
Discovery Civilization ....................................... 5 ........................ 5
Discovery Travel & Living ................................. 4 ........................ 4
Discovery Historia .............................................. 2 ........................ 2
DIGITAL MEDIA HIGHLIGHTS
• 110+ original online web series
• 600 hours of original online videos
• 65M+ monthly unique visitors
Subscriber numbers as of January 30, 2014, according to The Nielsen Company in the US and internal data review and external sources outside of
the US. Subscriber numbers include unbranded programming blocks in China, which are generally provided without charge to third-party channels
and represented approximately 280 million cumulative subscribers as of January 30, 2014. US Hispanic networks are distributed to US subscribers, but are operated by and included as part of Discovery International Networks for financial reporting and management purposes. Internet
traffic data as of January 30, 2014, according to ComScore, Inc.
WORLD HEADQUARTERS
One Discovery Place
Silver Spring, MD 20910
TEL: 240.662.2000
DISCOVERY NETWORKS
ASIA-PACIFIC
DISCOVERY NETWORKS
WESTERN EUROPE
DISCOVERY NETWORKS
CEEMEA
21 Media Circle
#08-01
Singapore 138562
TEL: 65.6510.7500
Chiswick Park Building 2
566 Chiswick High Road
London - W4 5YB, England
TEL: 44.208.811.3000
59 Zlota Street
Zlote Tarasy. Lumen Building
00-120 Warsaw, Poland
TEL: 011.48.22.365.11.00
DISCOVERY NETWORKS
LATIN AMERICA/US
HISPANIC
6505 Blue Lagoon Drive
Suite 190
Miami, FL 33126
TEL: 786.273.4700
discoverycommunications.com