MONDAY, NOVEMBER 3, 2006
THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND TLC CONTINUE RATINGS CLIMB IN OCTOBER WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASES IN HOUSEHOLDS AND AVERAGE AUDIENCE
-- Discovery Channel Charts Six Consecutive Months of Double-Digit PrimetimeRatings Increases --
(Silver Spring, Md.) - For October 2006 (vs. October 2005), Discovery Channel and TLC earned double-digit ratings gains in primetime household ratings and P2+. October 2006 marks Discovery Channel's sixth straight month of growth over the year ago time period for prime time household ratings and P2+ delivery.
Compared to October 2005, Discovery Channel's average primetime household rating grew 14 percent and P2+ delivery increased 20 percent to 1,003,000 average primetime viewers. Discovery Channel's October ratings growth was due in large part to strong performance in core series such as MYTHBUSTERS (Wednesday at 9pm) (+50 percent to a 1.2. household rating), A HAUNTING (Thursday at 9pm) (+40 percent to 0.7 household rating), and EXTREME ENGINEERING (Wednesday at 8pm) (+33 percent to a 0.8 household rating).
TLC's household ratings grew 17 percent in primetime compared to October 2005 and the network's P2+ delivery jumped 16 percent, bringing in 802,000 average primetime viewers. October marks the eighth consecutive month TLC has seen a year-over-year increase in P2+ delivery. TLC's ratings increases were bolstered by the return of three hit series. The October 2006 premiere episodes of LITTLE PEOPLE, BIG WORLD saw an impressive 86 percent gain on the year-ago time slot averages for households with a 1.3 rating, and delivered an average audience of 1,624,000 P2+. MIAMI INK (Tuesday at 10pm), which returned with new episodes this month, was seen by an P2+ average audience of 1,011,000, while increasing TLC's household time slot ratings by 33 percent (0.8) versus October 2005. FLIP THAT HOUSE achieved a 1.1 time slot average rating (Saturday at 9pm) among households for October 2006, a 22 percent increase compared to the October 2005, with an average audience of 1,246,000 P2+.
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman. More information about Discovery and its businesses can be found at www.discovery.com.
###
TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2006
DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND TLC CONTINUE RATINGS MOMENTUM WITH DOUBLE-DIGIT INCREASES IN THIRD QUARTER AND SEPTEMBER 2006
(Silver Spring, Md.) - Discovery Channel and TLC continued their 2006 ratings climb by concluding third quarter 2006 with double-digit gains in households, target demos and average primetime audience vs. the same time period last year.
Discovery Channel
Bolstered by solid signature series, for the quarter, Discovery Channel garnered a year-over-year primetime household ratings increase of 25% (1.0) and the network delivered an average primetime audience of 1,194,000 viewers (P2+), representing a 20% increase over the year-ago timeslot average. Across key demos, the channel saw an increase of 14% in M25-54 (0.8) and a 25% increase among W25-54 (0.5) year-over-year.
Viewer favorites MYTHBUSTERS and DIRTY JOBS saw steady growth throughout the quarter, premiering record-setting episodes. The MYTHBUSTERS: Mega Movie Myths premiere earned a 2.2 household rating, and DIRTY JOBS: Alpaca Shearer delivered a 2.1 household rating.
For September 2006 specifically, Discovery Channel earned an 11% increase in household prime ratings (1.0), a 17% increase in P25-54 (0.7) and a 14% increase in M25-54 (0.8) ratings compared to September 2005. The network delivered an average primetime audience of 1,219,000 P2+, representing a 17% increase vs. the year-ago timeslot average. September showed significant ratings gains across a diverse range of series such as A HAUNTING (Thursday at 9pm) +75%, MOST EVIL (Thursday at 10pm) +50% and SURVIVORMAN (Friday at 10pm) +50% among P25-54 AA%.
TLC
Returning viewer favorites MIAMI INK, WHAT NOT TO WEAR and PROPERTY LADDER and new Saturday night series FLIP THAT HOUSE, scored primetime ratings gains for TLC. These series, coupled with the continued strength of the "Life Lessons" marketing and branding campaign, earned the network double-digit increases in prime ratings year-over-year for third quarter 2006. In terms of household ratings, the channel garnered a 17% increase (0.7), while across the demos, the network saw a 25% increase among P25-54 (0.5) and 20% among W25-54 (0.6). Over the quarter, the channel expanded its average primetime P2+ audience to 818,000, an increase of 11% compared to third quarter 2005.
For September 2006, TLC saw notable increases in target demos. P25-54 and P18-49 ratings grew an impressive 25% vs. September 2005 (0.5 in both demos). TLC also racked up average primetime audience gains of 14% with an average of 869,000 viewers tuning in, compared to 759,000 a year ago.
"Discovery Channel continues to set the standards higher and higher both in its production values and delivery goals. It is gratifying to have surpassed our benchmarks on both specials and series across the schedule with 14 shows delivering strong ratings," said Jane Root, executive vice president and general manager, Discovery Channel.
"September marks TLC's seventh consecutive month of year-on-year average audience growth for both primetime and total day," added David Abraham, executive vice president and general manager, TLC. "With even more exciting series coming in the next two quarters, we're truly delivering on our brand promise."
Discovery Communications, Inc.
Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman. More information about Discovery and its businesses can be found at www.discovery.com.
###
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2006
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS ANNOUNCES PRESIDENT AND CEO JUDITH A. MCHALE TO STEP DOWN DECEMBER 1, 2006
(Sliver Spring, MD) Judith A. McHale, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery Communications, Inc., announced today that she is stepping down as of December 1 to participate more directly in discussions related to critical domestic and global issues. Discovery's Founder and Chairman John S. Hendricks announced that McHale will play an on-going special role advising him on all of Discovery's education business initiatives and will continue to serve in a voluntary capacity as the Chairman of the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership.
"Judith McHale is one of the world's most talented executives, a media pioneer who has become a thought leader on so many issues that concern our nation and our planet," said Hendricks. "Throughout her distinguished career at Discovery, Judith has made an unparalleled contribution towards making Discovery the phenomenal business success and force for good it has become. The Discovery brand and our services around the world are more respected and acclaimed than ever. Ratings and revenues are up. Our education initiatives have launched and are a key part of our future success, and our multiplatform strategy is propelling Discovery as an industry leader."
"With this strong foundation in place, Judith has decided this is an advantageous time to pursue her public affairs interests. She has my full support and best wishes as she embarks on this new course. On behalf of the entire Discovery family, I know we all will miss her leadership, creativity and passion for our business. I, nevertheless, look forward to continuing our partnership as she helps with Discovery's crucially important education businesses that she helped to spearhead," said Hendricks.
"I am enormously proud of all that we at Discovery have achieved together," said McHale. "When I first came to Discovery, we were a small company with great ambitions. Today we are the leading provider of factual media in the world with over 100 networks distributed to over one billion subscribers in 170 countries. In addition, we have expanded our efforts to reach consumers with the trusted knowledge-based products and services they need to help navigate this increasingly complex world."
McHale continued: "I have been truly privileged and honored to have been part of such an amazing organization with incredibly dedicated and creative people. In particular, we have had an extraordinary group of shareholders who have always been supportive of all our efforts. Their unflinching support of quality programming and services is rare in today's media marketplace."
"As hard as it is to leave this outstanding company," said McHale, "I believe passionately that we all have an obligation to participate fully and actively in the civic life of the communities in which we live. Today, as a global society, we face enormous social and political challenges. Throughout my life and career, I have tried to do what I could to confront and understand these issues. Now I want to become more directly involved in working with others to find solutions."
Discovery will conduct a search of both internal and external candidates for a new Chief Executive Officer to succeed McHale. Discovery's shareholder representatives from Discovery Holding Company, Advance/Newhouse Communications and Cox Communications will serve on the Discovery CEO Search Committee, which John Hendricks will chair.
"With Judith's fulltime leadership until December 1, I am confident that Discovery can accomplish a seamless leadership transition," said Hendricks. "At Discovery, we have built a very special leadership team of some of our industry's leading executives in all the key aspects of our business. It is a priceless opportunity for someone to lead this team of outstanding professionals."
The Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, which McHale will continue to serve as Chairman, is a 501(c) (3) public non-profit organization. The Partnership brings together organizations from the public and private sectors to support education and technology projects serving communities left out of the Information Age. McHale spearheaded the launch of the Partnership in 1997, with support from Discovery's shareholders.
A statement from Judith McHale to Discovery's employees is attached.
Discovery Communications, Inc. (DCI) is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 television networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA - News, DISCA - News), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, DCI's Founder and Chairman. More information about DCI and its businesses can be found at http://www.discovery.com.
###
TUESDAY, AUGUST 1, 2006
DISCOVERY CHANNEL AND TLC SCORE DOUBLE-DIGIT RATINGS INCREASES IN JULY 2006
(Silver Spring, Md.) - Discovery Channel and TLC earned double-digit ratings gains in households and average primetime audience in July 2006. In July 2006, Discovery Channel earned a 13% increase in prime household ratings compared to July 2005 and delivered an average primetime audience of 1,156,000 P2+, representing a 14% increase versus the year-ago timeslot average. Discovery Channel's month was bolstered by the July 16 premiere of GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW with Tom Brokaw, which delivered more than 2.8 million viewers (2.2 HH), establishing it as Discovery Channel's top-rated special so far this year. Discovery's month was also lifted by the July 30 premiere of Shark Week's DIRTY JOBS: JOBS THAT BITE, which delivered close to 2.5 million people (1.7 HH) and by core series DIRTY JOBS (1.1 HH), MYTHBUSTERS (1.1 HH) and new forensics-based series MOST EVIL (0.9 HH), all of which also drew high audience numbers in their premiere timeslots -- coming in at or above the network's prime HH average (0.9). TLC also logged significant increases in July 2006, led by the strength of new and returning series, most notably MIAMI INK. The network earned year-over-year primetime household ratings increases of 17%, and delivered an average primetime audience of 784,000 P2+ -- representing an increase of 17 % vs. July 2005. The channel attracted an increase in women across the board, showing double-digit audience primetime ratings gains across the age groups: W 25-54 +25%; W 18-49 +25%; and W 18-34 +25%. TLC's season two premiere of MIAMI INK (7/18/2006, 10pm) achieved impressive gains over the prior six-week time slot averages for HH (+120%, 1.1 vs. 0.5), P25-54 (+167%, 0.8 vs. 0.3), P18-49 (+125%, 0.9 vs. 0.4) and P18-34 (+175%, 1.1 vs. 0.4). The season two premiere also outperformed the MIAMI INK season one average by double-digit percentages for HH (+22%, 1.1 vs. 0.9), P25-54 (+33%, 0.8 vs. 0.6), P18-49 (+29%, 0.9 vs. 0.7), P18-34 (+22%, 1.1 vs. 0.9) and W18-34 (+50%, 1.2 vs. 0.8). Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company with operations in 170 countries and territories reaching 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 28 trusted brands including Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and COSMEO, a revolutionary online homework help service, as well as Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. Discovery brings the real world to the whole world through its global multiplatform initiatives including Discovery Travel Media, Discovery Mobile and multiple broadband services. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman. More information about Discovery and its businesses can be found at www.discovery.com.
###
THURSDAY, JULY 20, 2006
DISCOVERY COMMUNICATIONS:
Discovery Communications announced today that it has launched a major enhancement of its Discovery News service to include daily video webcasts, featuring breaking news in areas of increasing concern for consumers and about which Discovery is the world's most authoritative source for timely insight. As the first major feature of these video webcasts, Discovery News has broken a story from Montana, where Jack Horner, renowned paleontologist and chief curator of the Museum of the Rockies discovered the fossil of a baby triceratops skull, only the sixth ever found. The link to the webcast is http://dsc.discovery.com/beyond/player.html?bctab=discovery%20news.
The discovery reflects the type of subjects to be explored on the new Discovery News webcast. The news service will provide consumers fast, in- depth and relevant information in the areas of science, natur! e, health, travel, all things about planet earth and current affairs. Links to the video news webcasts can be found on the company's website http://www.discovery.com/ and the Discovery News text site http://www.discoverychannelnews.com/, as well as the recently launched broadband channel, Discovery Channel Beyond http://www.discoverychannelbeyond.com/. Discovery has also significantly enhanced its Discovery News text-based offering.
###
WEDNESDAY, JULY 19, 2006
GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW WITH TOM BROKAW IS DISCOVERY CHANNEL'S HIGHEST RATED SPECIAL THIS YEAR
GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW, with Tom Brokaw, delivered more than 2.8 million viewers on Sunday (2.2 HH), July 16, establishing it as Discovery Channel's top rated special this year, followed by KRAKATOA (1.8 HH) and EGYPT'S NEW TOMB REVEALED (1.8 HH).
GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW posted ratings gains of 83% among households (2.2) and 44% among persons 25-54 (1.3) compared to the previous six-week timeslot average (Sun 9-11pm) of regular programming. The special ranked as the third highest ad-supported cable program for persons 25-54 and the fourth highest ad-supported cable program among households, during Sunday primetime.
"These ratings show that viewers come to Discovery Channel for perspective about current events and global issues because they know that we will look deeper to find the truth about issues that matter," said Jane Root, EVP and GM of Discovery Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel and Discovery Times Channel. "GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW is an example of what we do best at Discovery - high quality, immersive specials that are both fascinating and injected with useful knowledge about the world around us."
Discovery Channel's GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW visits global warming tipping points across the globe, talks to the world's leading experts and examines the latest evidence to establish the facts about global warming. Hosted by award-winning journalist Tom Brokaw, the two-hour special presents the facts and leaves it up to the viewers to determine their own truth about global warming.
GLOBAL WARMING: WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW airs again this Saturday, July 22 at 8pm.
Discovery Communications is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI's over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands. DCI's other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI's ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company's Founder and Chairman.
###
