Discovery Networks International grew ratings to new heights in the third quarter, reaching more than 643 million homes in the period and reporting its highest ever average audience – 3 million, up 8% year-over-year – in the period.
“Discovery’s international business continues to grow organically and reach new heights, as evidenced by another record-breaking quarter,” said DNI president JB Perrette in a statement. “With solid global brands, immersive programming and multi-platform fan engagement spanning more than 220 countries and territories around the world, Discovery continues to satisfy viewers’ curiosity and be a valued destination for compelling storytelling, larger-than-life characters and must-have content that is second to none.”
DNI attributed the average audience growth to its Discovery Kids network, which grew 23% in the period led by its Brazilian and Indian markets; and a strong showing by its Discovery Home & Health network in Brazil and Argentina.
DNI’s free-to-air networks -- including DMAX Germany, DMAX Italy, Real Time Italy and Discovery MAX, Spain – delivered double-digit overall growth. Global brands like Animal Planet (8%), Investigation Discovery (7%) and TLC (7%) also reported healthy quarters.
On the digital front, DNI attracted 10 million unique visitors (up about 11%) to its non-U.S. websites and grew its international Facebook footprint to 42 million fans (up about 217%) this quarter.
In its first full quarter since DNI purchased a controlling stake in May, Eurosport delivered an additional average of 209K audience, reached an additional 16 million television viewers, saw 58 million monthly unique Eurosport website users, and grew its Facebook footprint to 4 million fans.
