Tag: discovery+

Discovery’s International Networks ad rev down in 2016

BENGALURU: Discovery Communications Inc., (DCI) reported 1.6 percent growth in revenue at $ 6,497 million for the year ended 31 December 2016 (FY-16, current year) as compared to the $6,394 million in the previous year. Overall, DCI reported adjusted OIBDA growth of 1.2 percent in the current year at $2,426 million as compared to $2,398 million in FY-15.

The company’s International Networks segment’s numbers were damped by a 5.5 percent decline in ad revenues to $1,279 million in the current year as compared to $1,353 million FY-15. International Networks Distribution revenue in FY-16 increased 2.7 percent to $1,681 million from $1,637 million in the previous year. International Networks total revenue declined 1.7 percent in FY-16 to $3,040 million from $3,092 million in the previous year.

Adjusted Operating Income before Depreciation and Amortisation (OIBDA) for International Networks in the current year declined 11.8 percent to $848 millon from $961 million in the previous year. Operating Income for International Networks in FY-16 declined 11.7 percent to $597 million from $676 million in the previous year.

The company attributes the decline in revenue to its sale of SBS Networks and currency effects and decline in operating incomes and revenue of its International Networks segment to changes in foreign exchange rates. Changes in foreign currency exchange rates reduced full year International Networks’ revenues and Adjusted OIBDA growth by 6 percent and 8 percent, respectively.

“Discovery’s diversified set of nonfiction, sports and kids’ entertainment brands, and strong strategic positioning continued to drive attractive distribution agreements, helping to deliver solid operating and financial results in 2016,” said DCI president and CEO David Zaslav. “As we begin 2017, we will continue to invest in our premier global IP and brands to nourish fans across all screens, all platforms and all services to drive shareholder value and propel our business for years to come amid the rapidly changing media landscape.

DCI’s US Networks reported 4.9 percent growth in revenue for FY-16 at $3,285 million as compared to $3,131 million in the previous year. US Networks distribution revenue increased 7.1 percent in FY-16 to $1,532 million from $1,431 million in FY-15. US Networks advertising revenue in the current year increased 2.4 percent to $1,690 million from $1,650 million in the previous year.

The company says that Distribution revenue growth was primarily driven by higher rates, partially offset by a slight decline in subscribers. Advertising revenues increased 2 percent primarily due to higher pricing and inventory management, partially offset by lower delivery.

US Networks Operating Income increased 12.4 percent in the current year to $1,195 million from $1,704 million in the previous year. The segment’s adjusted OIBDA increased 8.3 percent in FY-16 to $1,922 million from $1,774 million in FY-15. Adjusted OIBDA due to higher revenues and flat costs says the company.

The company’s reported 0.6 percent growth in its Education and other segment revenue at $174 million in FY-16 as compared to $173 million in the previous year. The segment’s OIBDA in the current year was negative $10 million as compared to $2 million in the previous year. The company says that Education and Other revenues for the full year 2016 were consistent with the prior year. Adjusted OIBDA decreased primarily due to additional investments in the Education business.

February 15, 2017
DishTV adds Discovery’s sports channel ‘DSports’

MUMBAI: DishTV has added the newly launched sports channel ‘DSports’ from the house of Discovery Communications. With this addition, DishTV now offers a total of 13 sports channels in Standard Definition, the highest to be offered by any DTH service provide.

The all new premium sports channel in India, ‘DSports’ aims to redefine sports engagement and provide viewers an unmatched ‘live’ sporting action from across the globe, through its dynamic coverage of sporting events. The channel will broadcast football from Brazilian League, Chinese Super League, Portuguese League, and Major League Soccer (USA); golf from British Open, US Open, PGA Championship and LPGA; NASCAR motor racing, and six Nations Rugby along with UK and Irish horse racing events.

On diversifying DishTV’s sports portfolio, DishTV Indiab chief executive officer Arun Kapoor said, “Being a pioneer and the market leader, DishTV has always stood up to the promise of providing uninterrupted and unlimited entertainment to the subscribers. By adding ‘DSports’ we intend to align India’s sports culture with international sporting events, and offer global exposure to our subscribers. We are delighted with this addition and will continue to enrich our portfolio for the viewers.”

‘DSports’ offers a rich catalogue that covers 4000+ hours of ‘live’ content every year. The channel is available on DishTV platform on LCN 654. As a promotional offer, the channel is free to preview for DishTV subscribers for a limited period.

February 13, 2017
DSport, Discovery’s expansion into under-served areas beyond factual

MUMBAI: After dividing its offering into two verticals- female & family entertainment product and real world entertainment product- Discovery Networks has now entered the sports genre with its latest offering. Priced at Rs 12.6 on reference interconnect offer (RIO), and Rs 32 for the high-definition version, DSport provides access to unmatched live sporting action from around the world. With an aim to provide 4000+ hours of live content annually, DSport will air international sports properties ranging from horse racing to football, motorsports, rugby and cycling. Targeted at the passionate community of sports lovers, the channel will offer a daily dose of 10+ hours of live content for viewers across the country.

The channel went live on 6 February and reached about 35 million households.

In this fast evolving digital space where more and more digital platforms are providing live coverage of several sports events, Discovery Networks, in the current scenario, does not see owning a digital platform as the best profitable business in India. Though, it is entering the digital space with its remarkable IPs which they are licensing across multiple digital Over-The-Top (OTT) platforms.

“The only thing we are not entering right now as is our own platform because I don’t think the economics of it are suitable for every broadcaster. Going on hypothesis, I think that owning a digital platform might not be the best profitable business in India because the consumer acquisition cost is very high and the retention rates of the platforms are very low. It’s the easiest thing to launch a technological platform with content offering but acquiring people to sign in on the platform is a high end cost. 80 per cent of the subscribers are out of the platform in a month. They have no stickiness to the platform. So, we will create remarkable IPs like we have for sports and then decide whether to sign exclusive deals with the existing platforms or to distribute it across a range of digital platforms. Whatever makes the best financial sense. Our push for digital is very aggressive,” said Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific senior vice president and general manager Karan Bajaj.

He further added, “I think that we should possess content that is so remarkable that every network wants to own it, which is much more profitable business rather than owning your own platform. We are acquiring linear and digital rights for every property. We are creating digital brands with digital native players which we will be licensing through multiple platforms. My objective is to serve the digital consumers; the consumers who are looking at things digitally. And launching a digital platform is subscale for us.”

Former MD of ESPN Star and former CEO of Dish TV India R.C. Venkateish will be working closely with DSport especially in areas related to content acquisition for the channel.

The channel will be a part of the sports tier via a subscription model on both DTH and cable in both HD and SD. It has already partnered with Hathway and bunch of other cable platforms and are in talks with several DTH players. “The channel will be distributed in the same way as our other channels,” added Bajaj.

Bajaj also opined that the channel has received very strong response from the advertisers. In its initial phase, the channel does not plan to have any advertisements to hit the scale and distribution for a lucrative business of its advertisers.

The network is marketing the channel thoughtfully. It is promoting the channel community wise rather than massively. “It is best to target specific communities to market the channel rather than doing one or two big promotional activities,” added Bajaj.

DSport redefines sports coverage in India with a wide repertoire of exciting properties from across the world of sports. These will initially include:

· Horse Racing: exclusive rights to telecast daily live racing from the best of UK and Irish tracks totaling over 7000 races/ year

· Football: Brazilian League, Chinese Super League, Portuguese League, Major League Soccer (USA)

· Golf: British Open (The Open Championship), US Open, PGA Championship, LPGA

· Motorsports: NASCAR, FIA World Rallycross Championship

· Rugby: 6 Nations Rugby

· Cycling: Tour de France (a property of Eurosport)

DSport is in advanced negotiations for selected high quality cricket events to add to the above-mentioned portfolio.

The other channels of the network, Discovery, Science, Turbo, Animal Planet, TLC, ID, Kids, will perceive a complete change in its look and feel starting with Discovery channel by June end followed by the rest. It plans to have 200 hours of original localized content not limited to infotainment but diversifying into other genres like crime, adventure, automation, etc. The key focus, apart from localisation and number of hours, will be on the nature of storytelling.

Also Read:

Discovery’s D-Sport goes live today

February 6, 2017
Discovery’s D-Sport goes live today

MUMBAI: D-Sport, a Discovery channel, has planned to launch home of live sports action in India. With significant investment, it plans to reach 35 million households.

Discovery has planned to offer 4000 hours of live content of under-served sports in India this year.

It plans 2000 hours of horse-racing live content, football 900 hours, motor sports 160 hours. Telecast of cycling, rugby and all other sports have alo been planned.

Top international racing events and horse-racing from the UK, Ireland, and the US will also be aired through the channel.

Watch this space for more..

Also Read:

Movies Now 2 exits, Zee Studio enters, History TV18 ratings drop

Sameer Rao joining Discovery in senior role

February 6, 2017
Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

MUMBAI: Experienced a war like a solider? With its new series “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” will bring viewers into the hearts and minds of soldiers, a captivating experience like nothing ever seen on film. For the first-time ever audience with an inside-look at the Afghanistan War from the perspective of four members of the 101st Airborne deployed to Combat Outpost Michigan. The series uses footage taken directly from the soldiers’ helmet and body cameras. Discovery’s five-part series will air one episode per week. It will premiere Thursday February 2 at 10 pm.

“Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is the story of a band of brothers deployed to defend one of the United States’ farthest flung outposts at the gateway to one of the deadliest places on earth: the mouth of the Taliban-held Korengal Valley in Northeast Afghanistan. Told by the men who fought on the frontlines themselves and illustrated with real combat footage shot on helmet cameras and handy cams, this material never-before-seen on television takes viewers along for a visceral experience not witnessed in news reports or traditional documentary portrayals of war.

Commenting on the series, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific – Real World Entertainment VP Sameer Rao said, “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is a war as never seen before. The footage these soldiers brought back, charts an extraordinary first-eye view of modern warfare in one of the deadliest places on earth.”

It is not simply a series of war stories, but a character-driven serial, showing the impact of war on a handful of men during the course of their year on the frontlines. Presented through the eyes of four American soldiers, Kyle Boucher, J.J. McCool, Kyle Petry and Ken Shriver, their unmediated rushes reveal personal struggles with the dilemmas, confusions, joys and sorrows of war. The men leave the United States seeking adventure, inspired to serve their country. What they experience in Afghanistan changes them forever. In flashes forward to their lives six years on, the men reflect on their year in the Korengal. Now, with their partners who waited anxiously for the safe return of their sweethearts, these soldiers reunite. For some, it’s their chance to lay old ghosts to rest.

January 31, 2017
Discovery to premiere ‘Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan’ from 2 Feb

MUMBAI: Experienced a war like a solider? With its new series “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” will bring viewers into the hearts and minds of soldiers, a captivating experience like nothing ever seen on film. For the first-time ever audience with an inside-look at the Afghanistan War from the perspective of four members of the 101st Airborne deployed to Combat Outpost Michigan. The series uses footage taken directly from the soldiers’ helmet and body cameras. Discovery’s five-part series will air one episode per week. It will premiere Thursday February 2 at 10 pm.

“Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is the story of a band of brothers deployed to defend one of the United States’ farthest flung outposts at the gateway to one of the deadliest places on earth: the mouth of the Taliban-held Korengal Valley in Northeast Afghanistan. Told by the men who fought on the frontlines themselves and illustrated with real combat footage shot on helmet cameras and handy cams, this material never-before-seen on television takes viewers along for a visceral experience not witnessed in news reports or traditional documentary portrayals of war.

Commenting on the series, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific – Real World Entertainment VP Sameer Rao said, “Taking Fire – Live from Afghanistan” is a war as never seen before. The footage these soldiers brought back, charts an extraordinary first-eye view of modern warfare in one of the deadliest places on earth.”

It is not simply a series of war stories, but a character-driven serial, showing the impact of war on a handful of men during the course of their year on the frontlines. Presented through the eyes of four American soldiers, Kyle Boucher, J.J. McCool, Kyle Petry and Ken Shriver, their unmediated rushes reveal personal struggles with the dilemmas, confusions, joys and sorrows of war. The men leave the United States seeking adventure, inspired to serve their country. What they experience in Afghanistan changes them forever. In flashes forward to their lives six years on, the men reflect on their year in the Korengal. Now, with their partners who waited anxiously for the safe return of their sweethearts, these soldiers reunite. For some, it’s their chance to lay old ghosts to rest.

January 31, 2017
CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency , has announced sale of several significant factual programmes in the Asian region, including deals with Discovery Asia, EBS South Korea, and CNN Southeast Asia.

Discovery Asia acquired multiple titles including Hippo Supremacy, which documents a mother hippopotamus who risks her safety to protect her struggling baby from the danger-filled waters of the Luagwa river, and River Battlefront, where the hippopotamus and the Nile crocodile share a home in East Africa, fighting for their survival. Other wildlife titles acquired by Discovery Asia include Tanzania’s Best Kept Secrets, Crocs of Katuma, and Fawn Identity.

South Korea’s EBS acquired Strip the Cosmo, which uses stunning CGI animation to strip planets, moons, black holes, stars and galaxies – layer by layer – to solve key mysteries surrounding the origin and destiny of the universe, Messiah at the Foundling Hospital, one-hour drama documentary which recreates the first performance of Messiah at London’s Foundling Hospital in 1750, Raccoons – The New European, Drain the Bermuda Triangle, and Drain the Titanic.

On top of Drain the Titanic, CNN Southeast Asia also took Cobra Mafia, Creative Killers, and People’s Health, a six-hour series that looks at how people in Thailand, China, United Kingdom, Brazil, Istanbul, and Turkey cope with some of the major health issues the world face today.

“Bomanbridge is the preeminent distributor in Asia of quality factual programming from around the globe. We represent first-rate production companies with award-winning documentaries and factual shows including gripping wildlife series; intriguing exploration and inspiring musical docs. Bomanbridge is also in a robust acquisition phase and look forward to acquiring even more premium factual programs for our library,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

January 17, 2017
CNN, EBS & Discovery buy factual programmes from Bomanbridge

MUMBAI: Bomanbridge Media, a Singapore-based content distribution and production agency , has announced sale of several significant factual programmes in the Asian region, including deals with Discovery Asia, EBS South Korea, and CNN Southeast Asia.

Discovery Asia acquired multiple titles including Hippo Supremacy, which documents a mother hippopotamus who risks her safety to protect her struggling baby from the danger-filled waters of the Luagwa river, and River Battlefront, where the hippopotamus and the Nile crocodile share a home in East Africa, fighting for their survival. Other wildlife titles acquired by Discovery Asia include Tanzania’s Best Kept Secrets, Crocs of Katuma, and Fawn Identity.

South Korea’s EBS acquired Strip the Cosmo, which uses stunning CGI animation to strip planets, moons, black holes, stars and galaxies – layer by layer – to solve key mysteries surrounding the origin and destiny of the universe, Messiah at the Foundling Hospital, one-hour drama documentary which recreates the first performance of Messiah at London’s Foundling Hospital in 1750, Raccoons – The New European, Drain the Bermuda Triangle, and Drain the Titanic.

On top of Drain the Titanic, CNN Southeast Asia also took Cobra Mafia, Creative Killers, and People’s Health, a six-hour series that looks at how people in Thailand, China, United Kingdom, Brazil, Istanbul, and Turkey cope with some of the major health issues the world face today.

“Bomanbridge is the preeminent distributor in Asia of quality factual programming from around the globe. We represent first-rate production companies with award-winning documentaries and factual shows including gripping wildlife series; intriguing exploration and inspiring musical docs. Bomanbridge is also in a robust acquisition phase and look forward to acquiring even more premium factual programs for our library,” said Bomanbridge Media CEO Sonia Fleck.

January 17, 2017
Discovery acquires ‘Untold Stories’ & ‘Cleveland Hustles’ from GRB

MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment has announced sale to Discovery of their Latin America and US Hispanic channels. Both picked up several seasons of long-running GRB-produced medical show Untold Stories of the E.R. and Discovery Latin America acquired the new LeBron James series, Cleveland Hustles.

Untold Stories of the E.R. breaks open the secret world of hospital Emergency Rooms. These are real doctors and the real cases that changed their lives! Witness the most amazing, bizarre, and emotionally explosive stories ever told about the clash of life and death in the Emergency Room.

Cleveland Hustles follows NBA superstar LeBron James and longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter as they give four aspiring local entrepreneurs the chance to realize their business dreams while also helping to revitalize neighborhoods in their hometown of Cleveland.

“GRB appreciates the strength of the Latin American and Hispanic markets and we are pleased to place two of our top shows in these territories with Discovery. Untold Stories of the E.R. has been one of our top selling programs around the world for many years and the brand new Cleveland Hustles is already proving to be a very hot property. We look forward to announcing further deals for Latin America and beyond from this year’s NATPE,” said GRB SVP international distribution Michael Lolato.

January 17, 2017
Discovery acquires ‘Untold Stories’ & ‘Cleveland Hustles’ from GRB

MUMBAI: GRB Entertainment has announced sale to Discovery of their Latin America and US Hispanic channels. Both picked up several seasons of long-running GRB-produced medical show Untold Stories of the E.R. and Discovery Latin America acquired the new LeBron James series, Cleveland Hustles.

Untold Stories of the E.R. breaks open the secret world of hospital Emergency Rooms. These are real doctors and the real cases that changed their lives! Witness the most amazing, bizarre, and emotionally explosive stories ever told about the clash of life and death in the Emergency Room.

Cleveland Hustles follows NBA superstar LeBron James and longtime friend and business partner Maverick Carter as they give four aspiring local entrepreneurs the chance to realize their business dreams while also helping to revitalize neighborhoods in their hometown of Cleveland.

“GRB appreciates the strength of the Latin American and Hispanic markets and we are pleased to place two of our top shows in these territories with Discovery. Untold Stories of the E.R. has been one of our top selling programs around the world for many years and the brand new Cleveland Hustles is already proving to be a very hot property. We look forward to announcing further deals for Latin America and beyond from this year’s NATPE,” said GRB SVP international distribution Michael Lolato.

January 17, 2017