Discovery Press Web United States

• Print

(London, February 13, 2015) - Discovery Networks International has closed the books on another record-setting quarter and year, making both 4Q14 and 2014 its best ever.  Discovery's global portfolio of flagship channels and immersive brands saw a 10% increase in average audience across the portfolio (vs. 2013) as well as an average audience increase to 3.2M (+13% vs. 4Q13).  Overall, the portfolio reached a massive 654M viewers this past quarter (+4% vs. 4Q13), marking its highest-ever international reach. 

"Growing our audiences and increasing our share is a guiding principle that has led to consistent global growth for the Discovery portfolio," said JB Perrette, President of Discovery Networks International.   "We are razor-sharp in our focus to super-serve our fans on-air and online across more than 220 countries and territories.   Looking ahead to 2015, we will continue to invest in new series and specials and bring our signature high-quality content across more screens to more viewers, ensuring maximum benefit for our advertisers, affiliates and audiences around the world." 

Discovery Networks International grew its audience across all brands and genres, including in these key areas:

• Channel portfolio reached 654M viewers in 4Q14 (+4% vs. 4Q13).

• Double-digit audience growth from networks such as Investigation Discovery (+24%), TLC (+23%), Animal Planet (+15%), Home and Health (+33%) and Discovery Kids (+27%).

• Combined Free-to-Air portfolio delivered 661K viewers on average (+12%) against 4Q13. 

• Online growth continued, with Discovery's non-U.S. websites increasing to an average of 73M visitors each month, up 737% vs 4Q13.

Top performing programs in 4Q14 include:

• The return of Discovery Channel's hit series GOLD RUSH, which cemented its position as a global favorite.  Its launch in the Nordic region saw a number one ranking for both Norway and Sweden among Discovery Channel premieres.

• 4Q14 was a dynamic and prosperous quarter for Turbo content around the world. WHEELER DEALERS continued to bring in enormous global numbers --this last quarter alone, the series was a Top 10 premiere title on Discovery networks in 13 key markets.  The strong rollout of FAST N LOUD completes the Turbo success story, with the latest series being the highest ranking premiere of the quarter on Discovery Channel UK.

• For Discovery's lifestyle content, 4Q14 was dominated by medical titles, with TOO UGLY FOR LOVE? debuting with very strong numbers and BODY BIZARRE - which aired on both Discovery Channel and TLC around the world - continuing to be one of the most successful series in the portfolio.

  ###

  About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 pay-TV programmer reaching nearly 3 billion cumulative subscribers in more than 220 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying curiosity, engaging and entertaining viewers with high-quality content on worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Investigation Discovery and Science, as well as U.S. joint venture network OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network. Discovery also controls Eurosport International, a premier sports entertainment group, including six pay-TV network brands across Europe and Asia. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools, including an award-winning series of K-12 digital textbooks, through Discovery Education, and a digital leader with a diversified online portfolio, including Discovery Digital Networks. Discovery Networks International distributes 51 international brands via 329 localized feeds, with programming available in 45 languages. For more information, please visitwww.discoverycommunications.com