Discovery Channel
Network Overview
DISCOVERY CHANNEL FAST FACTS
Discovery Channel showcases some of the best factual programming in Britain and enables viewers to satisfy their curiosity of the world around them. The channel takes viewers around the world and beyond, with documentaries that enlighten, inspire and entertain whilst getting to the heart of a wide diversity of topics, from space travel and forensic science to the natural world and the history of mankind. Discovery seeks to take viewers into the heart of the subject matter - bringing them closer to the wonders and mysteries of the world - with programmes on exploration, science, nature, history and adventure. Discovery Channel is aimed at adults of all ages - for viewers with enquiring minds. Reflecting its commitment to provide original programming, Discovery Channel is well established as a major co-production partner in Europe, and broadcasts 65% original programming during primetime hours for its European audience. Of this, 150 hours per year are global commissions or co-productions and 60 are regional commissions and co-productions. Some of the most notable events in recent factual programming have been produced and broadcast by Discovery Channel. In 1998, Discovery funded the exploration of the harbour at Alexandria, which resulted in the discovery of Cleopatra's palace. The documentary which tracked this landmark event was broadcast on Discovery Channel early in 1999.
- Discovery was also a major funder of the mammoth excavation in Siberia which resulted in the broadcast of Raising the Mammoth in March 2000. This "Watch with the World" set cable and satellite industry viewing records. It has been estimated that 62 million cumulative viewers tuned in worldwide. A follow-up programme, Land of the Mammoth, will air in March 2001.
- In 2000, original programmes produced in Europe like The Space Game, Tales from the Black Museum, War Months and Addicted to Death earned Discovery Channel Europe critical acclaim and high ratings.
SUBSCRIBERS
Since its launch in April 1989, Discovery Channel's subscriber base has risen to over 22 million subscribers throughout Europe, Africa and the Middle East via cable, satellite and digital transmission.
PARENT COMPANY
Discovery Networks, Europe is wholly owned by Discovery Communications, Inc., which is a privately held, diversified media company with headquarters in Bethesda, Maryland, USA. DNE's channels are now available in 49 territories across Europe, the Middle East and Africa, customised into 19 languages, via 20 feeds
ONLINE
The Discovery Channel web-site can be accessed from www.discoveryeurope.com. Press information and programme images can be accessed at the Discovery Press Web on press.discovery.com