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{{Short description|American cable television channel}}
{{about|the TV channel in the United States}}
{{Infobox TV channel {{About|the TV channel in the United States}}
{{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
| name = '''Discovery Channel'''
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
| logofile = Discovery Channel International.svg
{{Infobox television channel
| logosize = 220px
| name = Discovery Channel
| slogan = ''The world is just awesome.''
| logo = ]
| launch = June 17, 1985
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1985|6|17}}<ref name="oscars.org">{{cite web |url=http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1987 |title=The 59th Academy Awards (1987) Nominees and Winners |access-date=July 23, 2011 |work=oscars.org |archive-date=April 2, 2015 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150402004243/http://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1987 |url-status=live }}</ref>
| owner = ]
| closed_date =
| CEO = David Zaslav
| headquarters = ] | owner = ]
| parent = ]
| country = Worldwide
| country = United States
| language = ]
| language = {{Plainlist|
| sister names = ]
* English
| web = http://dsc.discovery.com
* Spanish (with ])
| picture format = ] (])<br>] (])
| terr serv 1 = Selective TV Inc.<br/>'''(])'''
| terr chan 1 = K47KZ (Channel 47)
| sat serv 1 = ]
| sat chan 1 = Channel 278<br> Channel 1278 (VOD)
| sat serv 2 = ]
| sat chan 2 = Channel 182
| sat serv 3 = ]
| sat chan 3 = AMC 10-Channel 21
| sat serv 6 = ]
| sat chan 6 = Channel 505
| sat serv 7 = ]
| sat chan 7 = Channel 251
| sat serv 8 = Dish Network Mexico
| sat chan 8 = Channel 402
| sat serv 9 = ]
| sat chan 9 = Channel 401
| cable serv 1 = CableVision (Argentina)
| cable chan 1 = Channel 52
| cable serv 2 = Available on most cable systems
| cable chan 2 = Check your local listings
| adsl serv 1 =]
| adsl chan 1 =Channel 313
| adsl serv 2 =]
| adsl chan 2 =Channel 120 (SD)<br> 1120 (HD)
}} }}
| area = Nationwide
| headquarters = 230 Park Avenue South New York City<ref>{{cite web|title=Discovery Selects 230 Park Avenue South As New Global Headquarters|url=https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-selects-230-park-avenue-south-as-new-global-headquarters/|access-date=27 October 2023|archive-date=May 29, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230529025332/https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-selects-230-park-avenue-south-as-new-global-headquarters/|url-status=live}}</ref>
| former_names = The Discovery Channel (1985–1995)
| sister_channels = ]
| website = {{official website|https://www.discovery.com/|discovery.com}}
| picture_format = ] ]<br />{{small|(downscaled to ] ] for the ] feed)}}
| online_serv_1 = Affiliated streaming services
| online_chan_1 = {{hlist|]|]}}
| online_serv_2 = Services
| online_chan_2 = ], ], ], ], ]
}}

'''Discovery Channel''', known as '''The Discovery Channel''' from 1985 to 1995, and often referred to as simply '''Discovery''', is an American cable channel that is best known for its ongoing ] shows and promotion of ].<ref name="Nahigyan">{{cite web |last1=Nahigyan |first1=Pierce |date=August 19, 2014 |title=Discovery's 'Shark Week' Criticized for Silliness, Pseudoscience and Lies |url=http://www.planetexperts.com/discoverys-shark-week-criticized-silliness-pseudoscience-lies/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417160116/http://www.planetexperts.com/discoverys-shark-week-criticized-silliness-pseudoscience-lies/ |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |website=Planet Experts}}</ref><ref name="Kirk">{{cite web |last1=Kirk |first1=Chris |date=August 6, 2013 |title=Wil Wheaton Says Discovery Channel Has 'Betrayed Its Audience' |url=http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/08/06/wil_wheaton_discovery_channel_megalodon_documentary_betrayed_viewers.html |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417161122/http://www.slate.com/blogs/browbeat/2013/08/06/wil_wheaton_discovery_channel_megalodon_documentary_betrayed_viewers.html |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |website=Slate}}</ref><ref name="Epstein">{{cite web |last1=Epstein |first1=Adam |date=August 15, 2014 |title=The sad devolution of Discovery Channel |url=https://qz.com/249615/the-sad-devolution-of-discovery-channel/ |url-status=live |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170417155620/https://qz.com/249615/the-sad-devolution-of-discovery-channel/ |archive-date=April 17, 2017 |access-date=April 17, 2017 |website=Quartz}}</ref>

It initially provided documentary television programming focused primarily on ], technology, and history, but by the 2010s had become increasingly dominated by programs that were ] shows, promoted ], or advocated ]. It is owned by ], a publicly traded company run by CEO ]. {{As of|2012|06}}, Discovery Channel was the third most widely distributed subscription channel in the United States, behind now-sibling channel ] and ];<ref>{{cite web|url= http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/08/23/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-networks-is-in-cable-network-coverage-estimates-as-of-august-2013/199072/|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20130825033059/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2013/08/23/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-networks-is-in-cable-network-coverage-estimates-as-of-august-2013/199072/|url-status=dead|archive-date= August 25, 2013|title= List of How Many Homes Each Cable Networks Is In – Cable Network Coverage Estimates As Of August 2013|last=Seidman|first=Robert|publisher=] |date=August 23, 2013|access-date=August 25, 2013}}</ref> it is available in 409&nbsp;million households worldwide, through its U.S. flagship channel and its various owned or licensed television channels internationally.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://corporate.discovery.com/brands/discoverychannel.html|title=DCI :: Businesses & Brands :: Discovery Channel|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20081012230919/http://corporate.discovery.com/brands/discoverychannel.html|archive-date=October 12, 2008}}</ref>


{{As of|2023|11}}, Discovery Channel is available to approximately 71,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its peak of 99,000,000 in 2011.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/|title=U.S. cable network households (universe), 1990 – 2023|website=wrestlenomics.com|date=May 14, 2024|access-date=July 28, 2019|archive-date=December 31, 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231231073226/https://wrestlenomics.com/u-s-cable-network-households-universe-1990-2023-nielsen-data/|url-status=live}}</ref>
'''Discovery Channel''' (formerly '''The Discovery Channel''') is an ] ] and ] ] (also delivered via ], ] and ] in other parts of the world), founded by ] and distributed by ]. It is a publicly traded company run by CEO, David Zaslav. It provides ] programming focused primarily on popular science, technology, and history. In the U.S., the programming for the main Discovery network is primarily focused on reality-based television themes, such as speculative investigation (with shows such as '']'', '']'', and '']''), automobiles, and occupations ('']'' and '']''); it also features documentaries specifically aimed at families and younger audiences.
A popular annual feature is '']''.<ref></ref>


==History== ==History==
On June 17, 1985, Discovery Channel was launched with $5&nbsp;million in start-up capital from the ], the American investment firm Allen and Compan, Venture America and several other investors. In the beginning it was available to 156,000 households and would broadcast for 12&nbsp;hours between 3&nbsp;p.m. and 3&nbsp;a.m. with about 75 percent of the content new to American viewers.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/16/movies/cable-tv-notes-a-channel-with-a-difference.html?&pagewanted=all|title=CABLE TV NOTES; A CHANNEL WITH A DIFFERENCE|date=June 16, 1985|publisher=New York Times | first=Steve | last=Schneider | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref> ] is credited with founding of the channel and its parent company, then known as Cable Educational Network Inc, in 1982.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73614317.html?dids=73614317:73614317&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+19%2C+1988&author=Martie+Zad&pub=The+Washington+Post+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=The+Discovery+Channel%3B+Science%2C+Nature%2C+Adventure+and+Animals+That+Bite&pqatl=google|title=The Discovery Channel; Science, Nature, Adventure and Animals That Bite|date=June 19, 1988|publisher=The Washington Post}}</ref> ] founded the channel and its parent company, Cable Educational Network Inc., in 1982.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73614317.html?dids=73614317:73614317&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+19%2C+1988&author=Martie+Zad&pub=The+Washington+Post+%28pre-1997+Fulltext%29&desc=The+Discovery+Channel%3B+Science%2C+Nature%2C+Adventure+and+Animals+That+Bite&pqatl=google|title=The Discovery Channel; Science, Nature, Adventure and Animals That Bite|date=June 19, 1988|newspaper=The Washington Post|first=Martie|last=Zad|access-date=July 6, 2017|archive-date=October 27, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121027085230/http://pqasb.pqarchiver.com/washingtonpost/access/73614317.html?dids=73614317:73614317&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:FT&type=current&date=Jun+19,+1988&author=Martie+Zad&pub=The+Washington+Post+(pre-1997+Fulltext)&desc=The+Discovery+Channel;+Science,+Nature,+Adventure+and+Animals+That+Bite&pqatl=google|url-status=dead}}</ref> Several investors (including the ], ], and Venture America) raised $5&nbsp;million in start-up capital to launch the network.


The Discovery Channel began broadcasting on June 17, 1985. It was initially available to 156,000 households and broadcast for 12 hours each day between 3 p.m. and 3&nbsp;a.m. About 75 percent of its program content had never been broadcast on U.S. television before.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/16/movies/cable-tv-notes-a-channel-with-a-difference.html |title=CABLE TV NOTES; A CHANNEL WITH A DIFFERENCE|date=June 16, 1985|newspaper=The New York Times|first=Steve|last=Schneider|access-date=May 1, 2010|archive-date=July 18, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200718061326/https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/16/movies/cable-tv-notes-a-channel-with-a-difference.html |url-status=live}}</ref> In its early years, the channel's focus centered on educational programming in the form of cultural and wildlife documentaries, and science and historical ]. It also broadcast some ] during this time, including the news program '']''.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963577,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417014020/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963577,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 17, 2008|title=Television: The Russians Are Coming|date=February 23, 1987|magazine=Time}}</ref> The channel also carried two ] services over its ] during this time, Infotext (offering news from the ], as well as information about ] and agriculture, including commodity prices from the ] on a 15-minute delay), and Datavizion (offering trivia, strange news stories, games and a satellite TV guide); both services originated from ] in ], and were run by the ].<ref>{{Cite web|last=|first=|date=|title=In Brief.|url=https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Broadcasting-IDX/1985-Broadcasting/1985-03-11-Broadcasting-Page-0028.pdf|access-date=February 13, 2021|website=World Radio History|archive-date=June 16, 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220616051510/https://worldradiohistory.com/hd2/IDX-Business/Magazines/Broadcasting-IDX/1985-Broadcasting/1985-03-11-Broadcasting-Page-0028.pdf|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book|last=Graziplene|first=Leonard R.|title=Teletext : its promise and demise|date=2000|publisher=Lehigh University Press|isbn=0-934223-64-5|location=Bethlehem, PA|oclc=43434699<!--|access-date=February 13, 2021|archive-date=July 10, 2022-->}}</ref>
In its early years, the channel broadcasted some Soviet programming, including the news program '']''.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963577,00.html|title=Television: The Russians Are Coming|date=February 23, 1987|publisher=Time}}</ref> In 1988, the channel premiered the nightly program ''World Monitor'', produced by the ]. 1988 also saw the very first '']'', which has since returned annually. Within five years, the channel's reach had extended to over 50&nbsp;million households.


The channel began to shift its focus in the early 2000s to attract a broader audience, by incorporating more ] focusing on automotive, occupations, and speculative investigation series; though the refocused programming strategy proved popular, Discovery Channel's ratings began to decline by the middle of the decade. Some critics<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/fraud-deception-and-lies-how-discoverys-shark-week-became-the-greatest-show-on-earth|title=Fraud, Deception And Lies: How Discovery's Shark Week Became The Greatest Show On Earth – Science Sushi|access-date=May 14, 2021|date=July 18, 2014|archive-date=May 14, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210514015750/https://www.discovermagazine.com/the-sciences/fraud-deception-and-lies-how-discoverys-shark-week-became-the-greatest-show-on-earth|url-status=live}}</ref> said such shows strayed from Discovery's intention of providing more educationally based shows aimed at helping viewers learn about the world around them. In 2005, Discovery changed its programming focus to include more ] and historical themes.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6361880.html|title=Dirty Work|date=August 14, 2006|work=Multichannel News|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070821194517/http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA6361880.html|archive-date=August 21, 2007|url-status=dead|access-date=October 30, 2009}}</ref> The network's ratings eventually recovered in 2006.<ref> {{webarchive |url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070124155038/http://corporate.discovery.com/news/press/06q2/083006.html |date=January 24, 2007}}</ref>
On January 4, 2006, Discovery Communications announced that ], longtime ] Tom Bettag, and eight former '']'' staff members were joining the Discovery Channel.


On January 4, 2006, Discovery Communications announced that anchor ], executive producer Tom Bettag, and eight other former staff members from the ] newsmagazine '']'' were joining Discovery Channel. The network was nominated for seven ]s that year for shows including '']'' (a documentary about the hijacking of ] during the ] of September 11, 2001) and '']'' (a reality series about a group of seafood fishermen).
The network's ratings improved in 2006<ref></ref> after a drop widely attributed to an over-reliance on a few hit series such as '']'' and '']''. Some critics said such series strayed from Discovery's mold of helping viewers learn about the world around them. Beginning in 2005, Discovery revamped its lineup to focus more closely on its traditional themes of popular science, history, and geography<ref></ref>. The network garnered a total of seven primetime ] award nominations in 2006 for shows including '']'' (about ]) and '']''.


In 2007, Discovery Channel's top series include '']'' with Mike Rowe, the Emmy-award winning '']'', '']'', and '']''. Discovery's announced plans for 2008 include a new series with Josh Bernstein, who left ] to join Discovery. Other announced series include '']'', '']'', and the fourth season of '']''. In 2007, Discovery Channel's top series included the Emmy Award– and Peabody Award–winning '']'', '']'', '']'', and '']''. Discovery Channel's 2008 lineup included '']'' and '']''.<ref> ({{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141204180547/http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/planet-earth |date=December 4, 2014 }}), May 2008.</ref>


On September 1, 2010, ] the Discovery Communications headquarters in ], armed with a handgun. Lee fired at least one shot and held several employees hostage; he was later shot dead by police.<ref name="Fox">{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/01/maryland-police-respond-hostage-situation-man-gun-enters-building/|title=Armed Man With Bomb Takes at Least One Hostage in Discovery Channel Building|date=September 1, 2010|publisher=]|access-date=September 1, 2010|archive-date=September 1, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901210347/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/01/maryland-police-respond-hostage-situation-man-gun-enters-building/|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref name="CNN">{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/01/maryland.discovery.suspect/ |title=Suspect in Maryland hostage situation published angry online manifesto|date=September 1, 2010|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20220418050345/http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/01/maryland.discovery.suspect/ |archive-date= 2022-04-18|publisher=]|access-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> Lee had published criticisms of the network at Savetheplanetprotest.com.<ref name="CNN"/>
Discovery Channel is currently the most widely distributed cable network in the United States,<ref></ref> reaching more than 92&nbsp;million households, part of its global audience of 431&nbsp;million homes in 170 countries and territories.<ref></ref> Versions of the channel are seen in Latin America, the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, Japan, Taiwan, India, Malaysia and other countries.<ref></ref>

In December 2015, Discovery Communications launched its ] service, Discovery Go, which features live and video-on-demand content from Discovery Channel and eight of its sister networks.<ref name="mcn-discoverygo">{{cite web|title=Discovery Bows TV Everywhere App|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/discovery-bows-tv-everywhere-app/395629|website=Multichannel News|access-date=January 8, 2016|archive-date=December 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203203209/http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/discovery-bows-tv-everywhere-app/395629|url-status=live}}</ref>


==Programming== ==Programming==
{{main|List of programs broadcast by Discovery Channel}} {{main|List of Discovery Channel original programming}}
Programming on the flagship Discovery Channel in the U.S. is primarily focused on reality television series, such as speculative investigation (with shows such as '']'', '']'', and '']''), automobiles, and occupations (such as '']'' and '']''). A popular annual feature on the channel is ], which airs on Discovery during the summer months.<ref> {{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>
Popular programming on the channel today includes ], an annual week of programming dedicated to facts about ]s; '']'', about fishing for crab in the Bering Sea; the popular science shows '']'' and '']''; '']'' about dirty and/or dangerous blue collar occupations; a quiz show '']'', '']'', about cutting edge weapons technology and '']'', showing how a man can survive in the wild. ] won a ] in 2000 for The Christopher Lowell Show, which aired on the Discovery Channel from 1998-2001.

Discovery has also featured documentaries specifically aimed at families and younger audiences. Other popular programs have included '']'', '']'', and '']''.


==Non-television ventures== ==Non-television ventures==

===Pro Cycling Team=== ===Pro Cycling Team===
{{main|Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team}} {{main|Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team}}
Shortly before the 2004 ], Discovery Channel announced it would become the primary sponsor of a professional bicycling team starting in 2005, featuring seven-time ] winner ]. However, after the 2007 victory with the Spaniard ] Discovery Channel announced its retirement from cycling sponsorship. This sponsorship ended after the 2007 cycling season. Shortly before the 2004 ], Discovery Channel announced it would become the primary sponsor of a professional bicycling team starting in 2005, featuring the then-seven-time ] winner ], whose wins were voided after he was proven to have cheated via doping. After the 2007 victory with the Spaniard ], Discovery Channel discontinued the cycling sponsorship.<ref>{{Cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/sports/othersports/10cycling.html|title=Discovery to End Sponsorship of Team|last=Wyatt|first=Edward|date=February 10, 2007|work=The New York Times|access-date=October 9, 2017|language=en-US|issn=0362-4331|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010104455/http://www.nytimes.com/2007/02/10/sports/othersports/10cycling.html|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/discovery-channel-to-end-sponsorship/|title=Discovery Channel to end sponsorship|work=Cyclingnews.com|access-date=October 9, 2017|language=en-gb|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010032221/http://www.cyclingnews.com/news/discovery-channel-to-end-sponsorship/|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Discovery Channel Radio===
Discovery Channel Radio was a channel on the both major ] ] services. The programming consisted of ] versions of popular programs from its multitude of TV channels. Discovery was previously on ] but was dropped in early September 2005. ] dropped Discovery Radio from its slate on February 21, 2007.


===Store=== ===Store===
{{About|the US chain of stores|the former gadget store chain in the United Kingdom|The Discovery Store}}
Discovery Channel also lent its branding to retail stores in malls and other locations across America, as well as an online store. Educational gifts were the store's specialty. On May 17, 2007, Discovery Communications announced it was closing its stand-alone and mall-based stores. Hudson Group will continue to operate the Discovery Channel Airport Stores, and the website remains in operation.<ref>{{cite news| url=http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/17/news/companies/discovery/?postversion=2007051717 | work=CNN | title=Discovery shuttering 103 locations | date=May 17, 2007 | accessdate=May 1, 2010}}</ref>


The Discovery Channel stores first opened in 1995. By 1997, the chain had 17 US and 1 UK stores. At that time, the chain was building a flagship store in Washington, DC, with three levels themed to various environments—sea and underground, land and outer space, aviation and science—to be opened in February 1998, with another flagship store in San Francisco to be opened in November 1998.<ref>{{cite news|last1=White|first1=George|title=New Theme Player|url=http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/16/business/fi-32873/2|work=Los Angeles Times|date=September 16, 1997|page=2|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170208035821/http://articles.latimes.com/1997/sep/16/business/fi-32873/2|archive-date=February 8, 2017|access-date=February 7, 2017}}</ref>
=== Telescope ===

Discovery Channel is also funding the construction of the , in partnership with ].
On May 17, 2007, Discovery Communications announced it would close its standalone and mall-based stores. Hudson Group will continue to operate the Discovery Channel Airport Stores, and the website remains in operation.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://money.cnn.com/2007/05/17/news/companies/discovery/?postversion=2007051717|work=CNN|title=Discovery shuttering 103 locations|date=May 17, 2007|access-date=May 1, 2010|archive-date=June 14, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100614011220/http://money.cnn.com/2007/05/17/news/companies/discovery/?postversion=2007051717|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Telescope===
{{main|Lowell Discovery Telescope}}
Discovery Channel funded the construction of the ], in partnership with ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.bu.edu/cas/boston-university-joins-discovery-channel-telescope-partners-for-celebration-of-%E2%80%9Cfirst-light%E2%80%9D/|title=Boston University Joins Discovery Channel Telescope Partners for Celebration of "First Light" {{!}} Arts & Sciences|website=www.bu.edu|language=en|access-date=October 9, 2017|archive-date=October 10, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171010004700/http://www.bu.edu/cas/boston-university-joins-discovery-channel-telescope-partners-for-celebration-of-%E2%80%9Cfirst-light%E2%80%9D/|url-status=live}}</ref>


===Website=== ===Website===
Discovery.com is the Discovery Channel's official website, which primarily provides information on the channel's programming and additional content, including articles, tied to those shows.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Shows |url=https://www.discovery.com/shows |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Discovery |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=TV Schedule |url=https://www.discovery.com/shows/tv-schedule |access-date=2023-10-27 |website=Discovery |language=en |archive-date=October 27, 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20231027145537/https://www.discovery.com/shows/tv-schedule |url-status=live }}</ref>
Discovery.com features several exclusive browser-based games, with various science-based or sociological challenges.


==Marketing and branding== ==Marketing and branding==
]
===Taglines===
The Discovery Channel's first logo was a television screen picturing a map of the world. For two decades, starting in 1987, the channel's logo incorporated the Discovery wordmark rendered in the Aurora Bold Condensed font with a circular shape in front of it. The circle usually took the form of a rising sun, or an animated version of the ]. Discovery Channel's previous ]s had been "Explore Your World" and "There's No Thrill Like Discovery." Keeping with its changing focus away from strictly educational programming toward reality TV, the slogan was changed in the early 2000s to "Entertain Your Brain".<ref>{{Cite news |last=Shin |first=Annys |date=June 17, 2004 |title=Discovery Channel Hopes TV Ads Find Their Target |url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2004/06/17/discovery-channel-hopes-tv-ads-find-their-target/e1a96c43-7be2-467b-be7b-631a16684ded/ |newspaper=The Washington Post}}</ref>
Discovery Channel's previous ]s had been "''Explore Your World''" and "''There's no thrill like discovery.''" However in view of its changing focus towards more reality-based programming and away from strictly educational programming, the slogan was changed to "''Entertain Your Brain''". The new tagline for the revamped Discovery Channel was "''Let's All Discover...''", with a continuing phrase or sentence that relates to a show. For example, when advertising for '']'', the commercial would end, "''Let's All Discover, Why No Myth Is Safe''". With the 2008 logo change came a new tagline: "''The World is Just...Awesome.''" The newest commercials includes an unreleased mix of the song "Wonders Never Cease" by ], from the album entitled ] and the song ] by ]. Their most recent commercial '']'', created by the 72andSunny agency, contains amended verses and the refrain from the traditional campfire song "I Love The Mountains".


In 1995, the channel's name was simplified to "Discovery Channel", dropping "The" from its name. A globe became a permanent part of the logo, and an underline was added to the bottom of the logo
===Logos===
The Discovery Channel's very first logo was a television screen picturing a map of the World.
]
For two decades on the air, the logo incorporated the Discovery wordmark in an Aurora Bold Condensed font with a circle shape in front of it. The circle usually took the form of a rising sun, or an animated version of the ].


On March 31, 2008, Discovery unveiled a new logo, which took effect on-air on April 15, 2008 (coinciding with the fourth season premiere of ''Deadliest Catch''). The new logo was designed by Viewpoint Creative, and integrated Discovery's long-time globe iconography into the "D" lettering of the wordmark, creating a ] that was usable as a standalone icon. The launch was accompanied by a new advertising campaign, "The World is Just Awesome", which featured scenes of Discovery personalities singing an adapted version of the song "I Love the Mountains". Discovery Channel president John Ford explained that the campaign was intended to "showcase our earned place in the greater pop culture landscape".<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/discovery-times-new-branding-campaign-deadliest-catch-debut-366142|title=Discovery Times New Branding Campaign To 'Deadliest Catch' Debut|last=Haugsted|first=Linda Moss & Linda|website=Multichannel|date=March 31, 2008|language=en-us|access-date=April 9, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515042232/https://www.multichannel.com/news/discovery-times-new-branding-campaign-deadliest-catch-debut-366142|url-status=live}}</ref>
In the mid-90s, the word "The" was dropped from the channel's name. A globe became a permanent part of the logo and a strap was added to the bottom of the logo. During this time, the company started expanding and launched several new networks. Many of the sister networks used designs similar to the one used by Discovery, often incorporation the globe and using the same typeface. Networks that had logos based on Discovery's were ], ], ], ] and ]. The logo was changed slightly in 2000 when the word "Channel" was moved into the strap.


In August 2013 (coinciding with ''Shark Week''), the aforementioned monogram became the main on-air logo as part of a new imaging campaign, "Grab Life By the Globe", which was designed to emphasize the channel's current focus on personality-driven programming. The logo was portrayed in promos with visual effects relevant to their respective program.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://adage.com/article/media/shark-week-ushers-discovery-channel-revamp/243411|title='Shark Week' Ushers in Discovery Channel Revamp|date=August 2, 2013|website=Ad Age|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2019|archive-date=May 15, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190515042236/https://adage.com/article/media/shark-week-ushers-discovery-channel-revamp/243411|url-status=live}}</ref>
On April 15, 2008, before the season premiere of '']'', Discovery Channel started using a new logo, new graphics and the new tagline "The World is Just Awesome". The new logo has been designed by Viewpoint Creative in Boston and replaced Aurora Bold Condensed with ].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.viewpointcreative.com/news/index.php?nc=73|title=Viewpoint Creative Designs New Discovery Channel Logo|publisher=Viewpoint Creative}}</ref> The globe has been merged with the "D" in "Discovery".<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/132649-Discovery_Times_New_Branding_Campaign_To_Deadliest_Catch_Debut.php|title=Discovery Times New Branding Campaign To ‘Deadliest Catch’ Debut|date=March 31, 2008|publisher=Multichannel News}}</ref> This D-globe part can be detached and used separately, for example it is used as the channel's ]. The new logo was rolled out to the rest of the world during the first half of 2009.


On April 1, 2019, Discovery unveiled a new logo, maintaining a refreshed version of the previous globe and D monogram. The new branding is accompanied by another new imaging campaign, "The World is Ours", which features scenes of Discovery personalities singing the ] version of "]". The static version of the globe icon uses a non-standard ] that shows all continents, reflecting Discovery's presence as an international brand.<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/discovery-launches-global-brand-refresh-1198545|title=Discovery Launches Global Brand Refresh (Exclusive)|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=April 2019|language=en|access-date=April 9, 2019|archive-date=April 6, 2019|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190406203225/https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/live-feed/discovery-launches-global-brand-refresh-1198545|url-status=live}}</ref>
==International==
Discovery Channel reaches 431&nbsp;million homes in 170 countries. Currently, Discovery Communications offers 29 network brands in 33 languages. In a number of countries, Discovery's channels are available on ] ] platforms with multiple ] ]s or ] including ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ]. In ], Discovery has since 2000&ndash;2001 been displayed with ] subtitles by all cable providers.


==Related and international units==
===Canada===
===Related channel===
{{main|Discovery Channel (Canada)}}
==== Discovery en Español ====
Discovery Channel Canada has an ownership structure different from Discovery Channel. ] viewers receive almost identical English-language programming to the channel that ] viewers watch, but with some added Canadian content to suit the audience. Most notably, the Canadian channel carries the daily science news show '']'', originally ''@discovery.ca'', the first of its kind. Occasionally, several segments on similar topics are taken from various episodes and put together into one-hour specials that are broadcast on the original Discovery Channel. Canadian channels ], ], ], ], and ] are also seen. All channels are under different ownership, with ] having a 20% share in each.
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Discovery en Español
| logo =Discovery en Español (2020).svg
| logo_size = 200px
| country = ]
| headquarters = ], ], ]
| language = ]
| owner = ]
| parent= ]
| picture_format = ] ]<br />(downscaled to ] ] for the ] feed)
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1998}}
| website = {{URL|discoveryenespañol.com}}
| online_serv_1 = ]
| online_chan_1 =
}}
'''Discovery en Español''' is an American ] channel that was launched as the ] version of the Discovery Channel. It is operated by the Latin American division of ] in ].


{{As of|February 2015|post=,}} approximately 6,476,000 American households (5.6% of households with television) receive Discovery en Español.<ref>{{cite web |last=Seidman |first=Robert |date=February 22, 2015 |title=List of how many homes each cable network is in as of February 2015 |url=http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/22/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-network-is-in-as-of-february-2015/366230/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150223220414/http://tvbythenumbers.zap2it.com/2015/02/22/list-of-how-many-homes-each-cable-network-is-in-as-of-february-2015/366230/ |archive-date=February 23, 2015 |access-date=March 14, 2015 |work=TV by the Numbers |publisher=Zap2it}}</ref>
===Europe===
===International===
{{main|Discovery Channel (UK TV channel)}}
Discovery Channel reaches 431&nbsp;million homes in 170 countries. Discovery Communications currently offers 29 network brands in 33 languages. In a number of countries, Discovery's channels are available on ] ] platforms with multiple ] soundtracks or ] including Spanish, German, Russian, ], ], ], ], ], ], Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, ], Greek, ], Hungarian, ], Arabic, ], Japanese, Korean and ]. In 2011, a separate ]-language channel was launched. In ], Discovery has, since 2000–2001, displayed ] subtitles by all cable providers and since 2010 – with Bulgarian dubbing for some shows.
In the ], Discovery Channel UK has some programs in common with the US version, including '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. The channel is carried as a basic subscription channel on digital satellite (SKY) and digital cable (]. Discovery UK also operates many additional channels: Discovery HD, Discovery Knowledge, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, DMAX, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Travel & Leisure and Discovery Shed. Many of these channels also have timeshifted versions.


====Australia and New Zealand====
In the ] the UK edition is available on most cable/digital operators but with local advertisements on Discovery Channel.
{{main|Discovery Channel (Australia and New Zealand)}}
In Australia, the Discovery Channel is part of a six-channel package (not including timeshifts) on digital subscription television, available on ], ] and ].


In New Zealand, the Australian version of Discovery is broadcast on ].
In ], ] and ] Discovery Channel is part of the ]-digital-network and supplies specific programs to other networks like ] and ]. ] is also owner of the documentary-channel XXP. The channel was bought in spring 2006 from its former shareholders ] and "dctp". All programs are dubbed into German. The channel is now known as "]", presumably to associate the channel with Discovery.
====Canada====
{{main|Discovery (Canada)}}
The Canadian version of Discovery was established in 1995, and is currently owned by a joint venture between ] (via the subsidiary CTV Specialty Television; ] is a minority partner in this subsidiary due its ] to sports channel ]) and Discovery Inc.


The channel airs similar programming to its U.S. counterpart, but also airs ] to comply with local broadcasting regulations (which, in the past, included the daily science newsmagazine '']'' cancelled in 2018). Some of its original series (such as, most prominently, '']'') have been picked up in the U.S. by Discovery's sister networks (such as ]), but others have not necessarily aired on Discovery's networks. Since 2018, the channel has increasingly aired blocks of fiction programming with science- or technology-oriented themes.
In the ], the Discovery Channel is included in most cable subscriptions, as well as in the IPTV and DVB-T subscribtions. Nearly all of the programs are broadcast in their original language, but they are subtitled in ] as is the policy of all Dutch television stations. Some programs as well as most promos and program announcements have a Dutch voice-over.
====India====
In Flanders, the Dutch speaking part of Belgium, Discovery Channel will be available on Cable Television from 1 October 2009.
{{Main|Discovery Channel (India)}}


Discovery Channel was launched in 1995 in India broadcasting originally in English and Hindi. In June 2010, a Bengali audio track was added to the channel as well as a Telugu track in October 21 of that same year.<ref name="Bangla">{{cite web | url=http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2011/05/discovery-channel-launches-bangla-feed | title=Discovery channel launches Bangla feed | publisher=BestMediaInfo | date=May 11, 2011 | access-date=May 11, 2011 | archive-date=May 13, 2011 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513104506/http://www.bestmediainfo.com/2011/05/discovery-channel-launches-bangla-feed/ | url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web | title= Discovery Channel in Telugu | url= http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/television/article293395.ece | access-date= September 26, 2015 | archive-date= September 27, 2015 | archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150927170814/http://www.newindianexpress.com/entertainment/television/article293395.ece | url-status= dead }}</ref> On August 15, 2011, a separate Tamil-language channel was launched<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.discoverychannel.co.in/tv-shows/discovery-tamil-rebrand|title=Discovery Tamil Rebrand|access-date=October 19, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131020074323/http://www.discoverychannel.co.in/tv-shows/discovery-tamil-rebrand/|archive-date=October 20, 2013|url-status=dead}}</ref> with an estimate audience of 10&nbsp;million households.<ref>{{cite news | url=http://www.indianexpress.com/news/discovery-networks-to-launch-24hour-tamil-c/829828/ | title=Discovery Networks to launch 24-hour Tamil channel | newspaper=The Indian Express | date=August 10, 2011 | access-date=September 10, 2012}}</ref><ref>{{cite web | url=http://www.medianewsline.com/news/118/ARTICLE/9508/2012-07-19.html | title=Discovery Channel Tamil now available on Dish TV | publisher=Login Media Publishing | date=July 19, 2012 | access-date=September 10, 2012 | last=Manohar | first=Sandhya | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120728034439/http://www.medianewsline.com/news/118/ARTICLE/9508/2012-07-19.html | archive-date=July 28, 2012 | url-status=dead}}</ref>
In ], the Discovery Channel (and HD) is distributed via satellite by ], the most italian pay TV. It is incluse on the documentary pack. In addition, Italy has four Discovery-branded channels: Discovery Science, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Animal Planet and Discovery Travel and Living
Discovery recently launched Discovery Plus, a new streaming service for India priced at ₹300 per year, offering content in eight languages—], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ].<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.livemint.com/news/india/discovery-launches-discovery-plus-new-streaming-service-for-india-11584355463152.html|title=Discovery launches Discovery Plus, new streaming service for India|last=Jha|first=Lata|date=March 16, 2020|website=Livemint|language=en|access-date=March 26, 2020|archive-date=March 26, 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200326131546/https://www.livemint.com/news/india/discovery-launches-discovery-plus-new-streaming-service-for-india-11584355463152.html|url-status=live}}</ref>


====Europe====
In ], the Discovery Channel is included in most cable television offers. It is also available on satellite digital platforms (sometimes requiring an additional fee). ] makes it possible to see the programs in ] as well as in ]. Also on digital platform "]" there is an additional channel Discovery Historia produced in cooperation with one of the biggest Polish broadcaster - ].
{{main|Discovery Channel Europe}}
In the United Kingdom, Discovery Channel UK airs some common programs as the U.S. version, including '']'', '']'', '']'' and '']''. The channel is carried as a basic subscription channel on the ]digital satellite service and digital cable provider ]. Discovery UK also operates Discovery HD, Discovery Knowledge, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, DMAX, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Travel & Leisure and Discovery Shed. Many of these channels also have timeshifted versions. In the ], the UK version of Discovery Channel is available on most cable providers in that country, but with local advertisements.


In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Discovery Channel is part of the ] digital network and supplies specific programs to other networks like ] and ]. ] is also owner of the documentary-channel XXP. The channel was bought in the spring of 2006 from its former shareholders ] and "dctp". All programs are dubbed into German. The channel is now known as "]", presumably to associate the channel with Discovery.
In ], the Discovery Channel is one of the most popular channels, with a very wide audience, especially after subtitling in ] was introduced. It is quite common for a bar in Slovenia to set their TV to Discovery Channel. Thus it is included in all (except some basic) Cable / IPTV subscriptions.


In the Netherlands, the Discovery Channel is included on most cable, IPTV and DVB-T providers. Nearly all of the programs are broadcast in their original language, but they are subtitled in ] as is the policy of all Dutch television stations. Some programs and most promotions and program announcements have a Dutch voice-over. In Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, a Flemish Discovery Channel launched (previously the Dutch version was available for IPTV, DVB-C and DVB-S) on cable (and digital) television on October 1, 2009.
In ], the Discovery Channel is distributed via cable television providers with ] subtitles. It enjoys moderate popularity, with shows like ''MythBusters'' and ''American Chopper'' being especially well received.


In Italy, the Discovery Channel (and HD) is distributed via satellite by ] as part of the documentary pack. In addition, Italy has four Discovery-branded channels: Discovery Science, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Animal Planet and Discovery Travel and Living.
In ], the channel shares a schedule and programs with ] and is available through most satellite and cable platforms, making it possible to broadcast both in ] and ]. In Spain all programs are dubbed whereas in Portugal most of them are subtitled. In addition, Portugal has three Discovery-branded channels: ] (motorsports), ] (science and technology) and ] (ancient history, crimes, terrorist attacks, etc.). They follow the same model as the original Discovery Channel, except for advertising (which doesn't exist on this channels). Spanish adverts are broadcasted to the Portuguese feed, non-subtitled or dubbed.


In ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and ], Discovery Channel is carried by most cable television and ] providers with all the content subtitled in the respective languages. Additionally, it is also available on digital satellite platforms in Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia (sometimes requiring an additional fee). In Poland, ] broadcasts the programs dubbed in Polish and in original English. A few other channels from Discovery are also in offer, like Discovery Historia, launched in cooperation with Polish broadcaster ], which later ended.
===Australia and New Zealand===
{{main|Discovery Channel Australia}}
In ], the Discovery Channel is part of a six channel bouquet (not including timeshifts) on digital subscription television, available on ], ] and ].


In Spain, the channel shares a schedule and programs with Portugal and is available on most satellite and cable platforms, making it possible to broadcast both in Spanish and Portuguese. In Spain, all programs are dubbed; whereas in Portugal, most of them are subtitled. In addition, Portugal has three Discovery-branded channels: ] (focusing on motorsports), ] (focusing on science and technology) and ] (focusing on historical events). These channels follow the same model as the original Discovery Channel, except for the absence of advertising. Spanish advertisements are broadcast on the Portuguese feed, non-subtitled or dubbed.
In ], the Australian version of Discovery is broadcast on ].
====Southeast Asia====
{{main|Discovery Channel (Southeast Asia)}}
In ], Discovery Channel is available on digital subscription television. Discovery Channel Asia still shows crime programs (such as '']'' and '']''). Many programs feature development and society in Asian countries, especially in India and China. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have other channels branched from the main Discovery Channel, including Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Discovery Home & Health and ].


The ] has its own semifeed derived from the Southeast Asian channel, in which offers ]s with local advertisements during the commercial breaks.
===South-East Asia===
{{main|Discovery Channel (South East Asian TV channel)}}
In ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ], ] and the rest of ], the S.E. Asian version of the Discovery Channel is available on digital subscription television. Discovery Channel Asia still shows crime programs e.g. '']'', '']'', ]. There also is a large number of programming featuring development and society in Asian countries, especially in ] and ]. For example, Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore has a number of other channels branched from the main Discovery Channel: Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Discovery Home & Health and ].


====South Africa====
The ] on the other hand, has their own version of the said channel, it will separate from S.E Asian feed. But recently the Philippine feed share the program schedule both from the S.E Asian feed, except for the inclusion of the Philippine Advertisement during commercial breaks.
In South Africa, Discovery Channel shares a schedule and programming with all of Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Discovery Channel and sibling channels ], ],<ref>{{Cite web|title = Satellite pay-TV operator loses TLC channel|url = http://www.channel24.co.za/TV/News/Satellite-pay-TV-operator-loses-TLC-channel-20131220|access-date = May 9, 2015|archive-date = September 23, 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20150923222046/http://www.channel24.co.za/TV/News/Satellite-pay-TV-operator-loses-TLC-channel-20131220|url-status = live}}</ref> ] and Animal Planet are available on the DStv/Multichoice platform.


===South Africa=== ==Controversies==
In ], Discovery Channel shares a schedule and programming with all of Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Discovery Channel as well as sibling channels Discovery World and Animal Planet are available on the DStv/Multichoice platform.

==Controversy==
===RFID=== ===RFID===
In August 2008 it was reported<ref>{{cite web|title=Mythbusters Gagged: Credit Card Companies Kill Episode Exposing RFID Security Flaws|url=http://consumerist.com/5043831/mythbusters-gagged-credit-card-companies-kill-episode-exposing-rfid-security-flaws|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> that the Discovery Channel had stopped their popular ] program from airing an episode examining ] security in regard to its implementation in ] because the episode would upset the credit card companies, who are major advertisers on the Discovery Channel. It was later determined that the decision not to investigate the issue was made by ], the ]' production company, and was not made by Discovery or their advertising department.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mythbusters Host Retracts RFID Censorship Comments|url=http://consumerist.com/5045633/mythbusters-host-retracts-rfid-censorship-comments|accessdate=2008-12-12}}</ref> In August 2008, it was reported by ''The Consumerist'' that Discovery Channel had preempted an episode of '']'' examining ] security in regard to its implementation in ] before its original broadcast because the episode would upset credit card companies, who are major advertisers on Discovery Channel.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mythbusters Gagged: Credit Card Companies Kill Episode Exposing RFID Security Flaws|url=http://consumerist.com/5043831/mythbusters-gagged-credit-card-companies-kill-episode-exposing-rfid-security-flaws|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008204341/http://consumerist.com/5043831/mythbusters-gagged-credit-card-companies-kill-episode-exposing-rfid-security-flaws|archive-date=October 8, 2009|access-date=December 12, 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> It was later determined that the decision not to investigate the issue was made by ], the ''MythBusters'' production company, and was not made by Discovery Channel or their advertising department.<ref>{{cite web|title=Mythbusters Host Retracts RFID Censorship Comments|url=http://consumerist.com/5045633/mythbusters-host-retracts-rfid-censorship-comments|access-date=December 12, 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091008204311/http://consumerist.com/5045633/mythbusters-host-retracts-rfid-censorship-comments|archive-date=October 8, 2009|url-status=dead}}</ref>


===Enigmatic Malaysia=== ===''Enigmatic Malaysia''===
{{Main|2009 Pendet controversy}}
An ad promoting the network's Enigmatic Malaysia, a special series meant to highlight the cultural heritages of ] featured ]nese ] dancers. This prompted ] from the dancers in Bali, who posted messages demanding that Malaysia apologize over the misinformation, which then sparked a series of street protests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Protests over presence of Pendet dance in Malaysia’s tourism ad continue|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/23/protests-over-presence-pendet-dance-malaysia%E2%80%99s-tourism-ad-continue.html?page=2|date=2009-09-03|accessdate=2009-09-03|author=Niken Prathivi and Irawaty Wardany|work=Jakarta Post}}</ref> Further demands were made from the local governments, cultural historians as well as the tourism ministry in Indonesia for Malaysia to clarify the situation.<ref>{{cite web|author=Jakarta Post|date=2009-08-28|author=I Wayan Juniartha|title=Pendet, the dance that rocks the cradle|work=Jakarta Post|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/28/pendet-dance-rocks-cradle.html|accessdate=2009-09-03}}</ref> The Malaysian government reportedly offered their apologies, which was rejected by the Indonesian tourism minister, since the apology was given informally by phone, the Indonesian tourism minister demanded a written apology to make it more accountable.<ref>{{cite web|date=2009-08-27|title=Indonesian Minister Rejects Malaysian Pendet Apology|author=Dessy Sagita|work=The Jakarta Globe|accessdate=2009-09-03|url=http://thejakartaglobe.com/national/indonesian-minister-rejects-malaysian-pendet-apology/326562}}</ref>
An ad promoting ''Enigmatic Malaysia'', a special series on the network meant to highlight the cultural heritages of ], mistakenly featured ]nese ]. This prompted outrage from Balinese dancers, who posted messages demanding that Malaysia apologize over the misinformation, which then sparked a series of street protests.<ref>{{cite web|title=Protests over presence of Pendet dance in Malaysia's tourism ad continue|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/23/protests-over-presence-pendet-dance-malaysia%E2%80%99s-tourism-ad-continue.html?page=2|date=September 3, 2009|access-date=September 3, 2009|author1=Niken Prathivi|author2=Irawaty Wardany|work=Jakarta Post|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090829133013/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/23/protests-over-presence-pendet-dance-malaysia%E2%80%99s-tourism-ad-continue.html?page=2|archive-date=August 29, 2009}}</ref> Further demands were made from the local governments, cultural historians and the tourism ministry in ] for Malaysia to clarify the situation.<ref>{{cite web|author=I Wayan Juniartha|title=Pendet, the dance that rocks the cradle|work=Jakarta Post|url=http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/28/pendet-dance-rocks-cradle.html|date=August 28, 2009|access-date=September 3, 2009|archive-date=September 14, 2009|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914052422/http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/08/28/pendet-dance-rocks-cradle.html|url-status=live}}</ref> The Malaysian government reportedly offered an apology, which was rejected by the Indonesian tourism minister, since the apology was given informally by phone, the Indonesian tourism minister demanded a written apology to make it more accountable.<ref>{{cite web |date=August 27, 2009 |title=Indonesian Minister Rejects Malaysian Pendet Apology |author=Dessy Sagita |work=The Jakarta Globe |url-status=dead |access-date=September 3, 2009 |url=http://thejakartaglobe.com/national/indonesian-minister-rejects-malaysian-pendet-apology/326562 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090831160121/http://thejakartaglobe.com/national/indonesian-minister-rejects-malaysian-pendet-apology/326562 |archive-date=August 31, 2009}}</ref>


==List of series== ===Shark Week===
{{Main|Shark Week#Criticism}}
*]
], Discovery's annual shark-themed programming block, has been criticized for sensationalism and the promotion of ].<ref>{{cite web|title=When Wildlife Documentaries Jump the Shark|url=https://www.npr.org/2014/08/30/344562317/when-wildlife-documentaries-jump-the-shark|publisher=]|date=August 30, 2014|access-date=March 11, 2018|archive-date=March 12, 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180312205037/https://www.npr.org/2014/08/30/344562317/when-wildlife-documentaries-jump-the-shark|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=Grant|first1=Bob|title=Shark Week Veers Into Fiction . . . Again|url=http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40760/title/-Shark-Week--Veers-Into-Fiction-------Again/|website=The-Scientist.com|access-date=July 6, 2015|archive-date=July 7, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150707205834/http://www.the-scientist.com/?articles.view/articleNo/40760/title/-Shark-Week--Veers-Into-Fiction-------Again/|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]

*American Loggers
===Romanian RCS&RDS===
*]
In November 2012, the Romanian ], the largest company of its kind on the internal market, interrupted its carriage of Discovery Communications channels, including Discovery Channel. The CEO of Discovery Communications Mark Hollinger sent an open letter in his attempt to counteract the action of RCS&RDS, attracting the attention to the negation of the alleged right of the viewer to choose the viewed channels.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://economie.hotnews.ro/stiri-media_publicitate-13718443-scrisoare-deschisa-din-partea-ceo-discovery-networks-catre-telespectatorii-romani-suntem-indignati-ceea-intampla-motiv-pentru-care-demarat-discutiile-autoritatile-din-romania-uniunea-europeana.htm|title=Scrisoare deschisa din partea CEO Discovery Networks catre telespectatorii afectati de decizia RCS&RDS: Suntem indignati de ceea ce se intampla, am demarat discutiile cu autoritatile din Romania si cu Uniunea Europeana|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=December 3, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121203021032/http://economie.hotnews.ro/stiri-media_publicitate-13718443-scrisoare-deschisa-din-partea-ceo-discovery-networks-catre-telespectatorii-romani-suntem-indignati-ceea-intampla-motiv-pentru-care-demarat-discutiile-autoritatile-din-romania-uniunea-europeana.htm|url-status=live}}</ref> In turn, RCS&RDS issued a press statement accusing of hypocrisy Hollinger's discourse attentive at the needs of viewers and attracted attention to the fact that, during negotiations, the main preoccupations of the Discovery representatives was maintaining as high as possible tariffs and monetary gains".<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcs-rds.ro/comunicat?id=271|title=Reactie RCS & RDS la scrisoarea deschisa adresata presei de catre Mark Hollinger, presedinte Discovery Networks Bucuresti|date=December 3, 2012|access-date=February 22, 2013|archive-date=March 4, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130304224854/http://www.rcs-rds.ro/comunicat?id=271|url-status=live}}</ref>
*]

*Curiosity
After four years of absence, on December 30, 2016, the Discovery Channel and its sister channel TLC returned to the RCS&RDS CATV, IPTV and DTH networks.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rcs-rds.ro/comunicat?id=578|title=RCS & RDS introduce canale noi in grila de televiziune Digi TV: Discovery Channel, TLC, E! Entertainment HD, HBO2 HD si Cinemax 2|access-date=January 18, 2017|archive-date=January 4, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170104043320/http://www.rcs-rds.ro/comunicat?id=578|url-status=live}}</ref>
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===''Eaten Alive''===
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'']'' was a television program in which wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie was purportedly going to be "eaten alive" by an ]. It aired on December 7, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|title=Reality TV's New Extreme: Being 'Eaten Alive' by a Giant Anaconda Snake|url=https://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/reality-tvs-extreme-eaten-alive-giant-anaconda-snake/story?id=26727681|access-date=November 23, 2014|work=ABC News|date=November 6, 2014|archive-date=November 26, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141126081658/http://abcnews.go.com/Entertainment/reality-tvs-extreme-eaten-alive-giant-anaconda-snake/story?id=26727681|url-status=live}}</ref> When the special aired, the anaconda attacked Rosolie but did not swallow him, as its title had implied, prompting numerous complaints of a ].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.today.com/popculture/eaten-alive-ending-leaves-viewers-angrier-anaconda-1D80341775|title=Outrage! 'Eaten Alive' ending leaves viewers angrier than the anaconda|last=Hines|first=Ree|work=NBC News|date=December 8, 2014|access-date=December 8, 2014|archive-date=December 8, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141208233429/http://www.today.com/popculture/eaten-alive-ending-leaves-viewers-angrier-anaconda-1D80341775|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>Hibberd, James (December 8, 2014). . ''Entertainment Weekly''. Retrieved December 8, 2014.</ref>
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=== ''World’s Ultimate Frontier'' ===
*Factory Made
{{Further|Persecution of Uyghurs in China}}
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In February 2024, a group of US congressmen sent a letter to the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery criticizing ''World's Ultimate Frontier'', a joint production between Discovery and Chinese ] outlet ] (CGTN), for "whitewashing genocide" of the ] in ]. They called on Discovery to "suspend this partnership with CGTN immediately and to abstain from entering into any similar partnership with any other agent of ] influence."<ref>{{Cite web |last=Parete |first=Dalia |date=2024-03-05 |title=New Frontiers in Foreign Propaganda |url=https://chinamediaproject.org/2024/03/05/new-frontiers-in-foreign-propaganda/ |access-date=2024-03-08 |website=China Media Project |language=en-US |archive-date=March 6, 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240306233936/https://chinamediaproject.org/2024/03/05/new-frontiers-in-foreign-propaganda/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
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==References== ==References==
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==External links== == External links ==
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{{Warner Bros. Discovery Networks}}{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}
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Revision as of 19:20, 23 December 2024

American cable television channel This article is about the TV channel in the United States. For other uses, see Discovery Channel (disambiguation).

Television channel
Discovery Channel
CountryUnited States
Broadcast areaNationwide
Headquarters230 Park Avenue South New York City
Programming
Language(s)
  • English
  • Spanish (with SAP)
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to 480i letterbox for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
ParentWarner Bros. Discovery Networks
Sister channelsSister channels
History
LaunchedJune 17, 1985; 39 years ago (1985-06-17)
Former namesThe Discovery Channel (1985–1995)
Links
Websitediscovery.com
Availability
Streaming media
Affiliated streaming services
ServicesFuboTV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Philo, Hulu + Live TV

Discovery Channel, known as The Discovery Channel from 1985 to 1995, and often referred to as simply Discovery, is an American cable channel that is best known for its ongoing reality television shows and promotion of pseudoscience.

It initially provided documentary television programming focused primarily on popular science, technology, and history, but by the 2010s had become increasingly dominated by programs that were reality television shows, promoted conspiracy theories, or advocated junk science. It is owned by Warner Bros. Discovery, a publicly traded company run by CEO David Zaslav. As of June 2012, Discovery Channel was the third most widely distributed subscription channel in the United States, behind now-sibling channel TBS and The Weather Channel; it is available in 409 million households worldwide, through its U.S. flagship channel and its various owned or licensed television channels internationally.

As of November 2023, Discovery Channel is available to approximately 71,000,000 pay television households in the United States-down from its peak of 99,000,000 in 2011.

History

John Hendricks founded the channel and its parent company, Cable Educational Network Inc., in 1982. Several investors (including the BBC, Allen & Company, and Venture America) raised $5 million in start-up capital to launch the network.

The Discovery Channel began broadcasting on June 17, 1985. It was initially available to 156,000 households and broadcast for 12 hours each day between 3 p.m. and 3 a.m. About 75 percent of its program content had never been broadcast on U.S. television before. In its early years, the channel's focus centered on educational programming in the form of cultural and wildlife documentaries, and science and historical specials. It also broadcast some Soviet programming during this time, including the news program Vremya. The channel also carried two teletext services over its VBI during this time, Infotext (offering news from the Associated Press, as well as information about agribusiness and agriculture, including commodity prices from the Chicago Mercantile Exchange on a 15-minute delay), and Datavizion (offering trivia, strange news stories, games and a satellite TV guide); both services originated from WHA-TV in Madison, Wisconsin, and were run by the University of Wisconsin-Madison.

The channel began to shift its focus in the early 2000s to attract a broader audience, by incorporating more reality-based series focusing on automotive, occupations, and speculative investigation series; though the refocused programming strategy proved popular, Discovery Channel's ratings began to decline by the middle of the decade. Some critics said such shows strayed from Discovery's intention of providing more educationally based shows aimed at helping viewers learn about the world around them. In 2005, Discovery changed its programming focus to include more popular science and historical themes. The network's ratings eventually recovered in 2006.

On January 4, 2006, Discovery Communications announced that anchor Ted Koppel, executive producer Tom Bettag, and eight other former staff members from the ABC newsmagazine Nightline were joining Discovery Channel. The network was nominated for seven Primetime Emmy Awards that year for shows including The Flight that Fought Back (a documentary about the hijacking of United Airlines Flight 93 during the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001) and Deadliest Catch (a reality series about a group of seafood fishermen).

In 2007, Discovery Channel's top series included the Emmy Award– and Peabody Award–winning Planet Earth, Dirty Jobs, MythBusters, and Deadliest Catch. Discovery Channel's 2008 lineup included Fight Quest and Smash Lab.

On September 1, 2010, 43-year-old James Jay Lee entered the Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, armed with a handgun. Lee fired at least one shot and held several employees hostage; he was later shot dead by police. Lee had published criticisms of the network at Savetheplanetprotest.com.

In December 2015, Discovery Communications launched its TV Everywhere service, Discovery Go, which features live and video-on-demand content from Discovery Channel and eight of its sister networks.

Programming

Main article: List of Discovery Channel original programming

Programming on the flagship Discovery Channel in the U.S. is primarily focused on reality television series, such as speculative investigation (with shows such as MythBusters, Unsolved History, and Best Evidence), automobiles, and occupations (such as Dirty Jobs and Deadliest Catch). A popular annual feature on the channel is Shark Week, which airs on Discovery during the summer months.

Discovery has also featured documentaries specifically aimed at families and younger audiences. Other popular programs have included How It's Made, Cash Cab, and Man vs. Wild.

Non-television ventures

Pro Cycling Team

Main article: Discovery Channel Pro Cycling Team

Shortly before the 2004 Tour de France, Discovery Channel announced it would become the primary sponsor of a professional bicycling team starting in 2005, featuring the then-seven-time Tour de France winner Lance Armstrong, whose wins were voided after he was proven to have cheated via doping. After the 2007 victory with the Spaniard Alberto Contador, Discovery Channel discontinued the cycling sponsorship.

Store

This article is about the US chain of stores. For the former gadget store chain in the United Kingdom, see The Discovery Store.

The Discovery Channel stores first opened in 1995. By 1997, the chain had 17 US and 1 UK stores. At that time, the chain was building a flagship store in Washington, DC, with three levels themed to various environments—sea and underground, land and outer space, aviation and science—to be opened in February 1998, with another flagship store in San Francisco to be opened in November 1998.

On May 17, 2007, Discovery Communications announced it would close its standalone and mall-based stores. Hudson Group will continue to operate the Discovery Channel Airport Stores, and the website remains in operation.

Telescope

Main article: Lowell Discovery Telescope

Discovery Channel funded the construction of the Lowell Discovery Telescope, in partnership with Lowell Observatory.

Website

Discovery.com is the Discovery Channel's official website, which primarily provides information on the channel's programming and additional content, including articles, tied to those shows.

Marketing and branding

The logo of Discovery Channel from 1987 to 1995.

The Discovery Channel's first logo was a television screen picturing a map of the world. For two decades, starting in 1987, the channel's logo incorporated the Discovery wordmark rendered in the Aurora Bold Condensed font with a circular shape in front of it. The circle usually took the form of a rising sun, or an animated version of the Vitruvian Man. Discovery Channel's previous slogans had been "Explore Your World" and "There's No Thrill Like Discovery." Keeping with its changing focus away from strictly educational programming toward reality TV, the slogan was changed in the early 2000s to "Entertain Your Brain".

In 1995, the channel's name was simplified to "Discovery Channel", dropping "The" from its name. A globe became a permanent part of the logo, and an underline was added to the bottom of the logo

On March 31, 2008, Discovery unveiled a new logo, which took effect on-air on April 15, 2008 (coinciding with the fourth season premiere of Deadliest Catch). The new logo was designed by Viewpoint Creative, and integrated Discovery's long-time globe iconography into the "D" lettering of the wordmark, creating a monogram that was usable as a standalone icon. The launch was accompanied by a new advertising campaign, "The World is Just Awesome", which featured scenes of Discovery personalities singing an adapted version of the song "I Love the Mountains". Discovery Channel president John Ford explained that the campaign was intended to "showcase our earned place in the greater pop culture landscape".

In August 2013 (coinciding with Shark Week), the aforementioned monogram became the main on-air logo as part of a new imaging campaign, "Grab Life By the Globe", which was designed to emphasize the channel's current focus on personality-driven programming. The logo was portrayed in promos with visual effects relevant to their respective program.

On April 1, 2019, Discovery unveiled a new logo, maintaining a refreshed version of the previous globe and D monogram. The new branding is accompanied by another new imaging campaign, "The World is Ours", which features scenes of Discovery personalities singing the Blue Swede version of "Hooked on a Feeling". The static version of the globe icon uses a non-standard projection that shows all continents, reflecting Discovery's presence as an international brand.

Related and international units

Related channel

Discovery en Español

Television channel
Discovery en Español
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersMiami, Florida, United States
Programming
Language(s)Spanish
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to letterboxed 480i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
ParentWarner Bros. Discovery Networks
History
Launched1998; 27 years ago (1998)
Links
Websitediscoveryenespañol.com
Availability
Streaming media
Fubo TVLive Stream

Discovery en Español is an American pay television channel that was launched as the Spanish-language version of the Discovery Channel. It is operated by the Latin American division of Warner Bros. Discovery International in Miami, Florida.

As of February 2015, approximately 6,476,000 American households (5.6% of households with television) receive Discovery en Español.

International

Discovery Channel reaches 431 million homes in 170 countries. Discovery Communications currently offers 29 network brands in 33 languages. In a number of countries, Discovery's channels are available on digital satellite platforms with multiple language soundtracks or subtitles including Spanish, German, Russian, Czech, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Bengali, Dutch, Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, Turkish, Greek, Polish, Hungarian, Romanian, Arabic, Slovene, Japanese, Korean and Serbian. In 2011, a separate Tamil-language channel was launched. In Bulgaria, Discovery has, since 2000–2001, displayed Bulgarian subtitles by all cable providers and since 2010 – with Bulgarian dubbing for some shows.

Australia and New Zealand

Main article: Discovery Channel (Australia and New Zealand)

In Australia, the Discovery Channel is part of a six-channel package (not including timeshifts) on digital subscription television, available on Foxtel, Optus TV and AUSTAR.

In New Zealand, the Australian version of Discovery is broadcast on SKY Network Television.

Canada

Main article: Discovery (Canada)

The Canadian version of Discovery was established in 1995, and is currently owned by a joint venture between Bell Media (via the subsidiary CTV Specialty Television; ESPN Inc. is a minority partner in this subsidiary due its ties to sports channel TSN) and Discovery Inc.

The channel airs similar programming to its U.S. counterpart, but also airs domestically produced programs to comply with local broadcasting regulations (which, in the past, included the daily science newsmagazine Daily Planet cancelled in 2018). Some of its original series (such as, most prominently, How It's Made) have been picked up in the U.S. by Discovery's sister networks (such as Science Channel), but others have not necessarily aired on Discovery's networks. Since 2018, the channel has increasingly aired blocks of fiction programming with science- or technology-oriented themes.

India

Main article: Discovery Channel (India)

Discovery Channel was launched in 1995 in India broadcasting originally in English and Hindi. In June 2010, a Bengali audio track was added to the channel as well as a Telugu track in October 21 of that same year. On August 15, 2011, a separate Tamil-language channel was launched with an estimate audience of 10 million households. Discovery recently launched Discovery Plus, a new streaming service for India priced at ₹300 per year, offering content in eight languages—English, Hindi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, Bengali and Marathi.

Europe

Main article: Discovery Channel Europe

In the United Kingdom, Discovery Channel UK airs some common programs as the U.S. version, including MythBusters, American Chopper, How It's Made and Deadliest Catch. The channel is carried as a basic subscription channel on the SKYdigital satellite service and digital cable provider Virgin Media. Discovery UK also operates Discovery HD, Discovery Knowledge, Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Animal Planet, DMAX, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Home & Health, Discovery Travel & Leisure and Discovery Shed. Many of these channels also have timeshifted versions. In the Republic of Ireland, the UK version of Discovery Channel is available on most cable providers in that country, but with local advertisements.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland, Discovery Channel is part of the Premiere digital network and supplies specific programs to other networks like ZDF and kabel eins. Discovery Communications is also owner of the documentary-channel XXP. The channel was bought in the spring of 2006 from its former shareholders Spiegel TV and "dctp". All programs are dubbed into German. The channel is now known as "DMAX", presumably to associate the channel with Discovery.

In the Netherlands, the Discovery Channel is included on most cable, IPTV and DVB-T providers. Nearly all of the programs are broadcast in their original language, but they are subtitled in Dutch as is the policy of all Dutch television stations. Some programs and most promotions and program announcements have a Dutch voice-over. In Flanders, the Dutch-speaking part of Belgium, a Flemish Discovery Channel launched (previously the Dutch version was available for IPTV, DVB-C and DVB-S) on cable (and digital) television on October 1, 2009.

In Italy, the Discovery Channel (and HD) is distributed via satellite by Sky Italia as part of the documentary pack. In addition, Italy has four Discovery-branded channels: Discovery Science, Discovery Real Time, Discovery Animal Planet and Discovery Travel and Living.

In Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Croatia, Hungary, Poland, Romania, Slovakia, Serbia and Slovenia, Discovery Channel is carried by most cable television and IPTV providers with all the content subtitled in the respective languages. Additionally, it is also available on digital satellite platforms in Czech Republic, Poland and Slovakia (sometimes requiring an additional fee). In Poland, nc+ broadcasts the programs dubbed in Polish and in original English. A few other channels from Discovery are also in offer, like Discovery Historia, launched in cooperation with Polish broadcaster TVN, which later ended.

In Spain, the channel shares a schedule and programs with Portugal and is available on most satellite and cable platforms, making it possible to broadcast both in Spanish and Portuguese. In Spain, all programs are dubbed; whereas in Portugal, most of them are subtitled. In addition, Portugal has three Discovery-branded channels: Discovery Turbo (focusing on motorsports), Discovery Science (focusing on science and technology) and Discovery Civilization (focusing on historical events). These channels follow the same model as the original Discovery Channel, except for the absence of advertising. Spanish advertisements are broadcast on the Portuguese feed, non-subtitled or dubbed.

Southeast Asia

Main article: Discovery Channel (Southeast Asia)

In South East Asia, Discovery Channel is available on digital subscription television. Discovery Channel Asia still shows crime programs (such as Most Evil and The FBI Files). Many programs feature development and society in Asian countries, especially in India and China. Thailand, Malaysia and Singapore have other channels branched from the main Discovery Channel, including Discovery Turbo, Discovery Science, Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Travel & Living.

The Philippines has its own semifeed derived from the Southeast Asian channel, in which offers regional variations with local advertisements during the commercial breaks.

South Africa

In South Africa, Discovery Channel shares a schedule and programming with all of Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Discovery Channel and sibling channels Discovery World, TLC, Investigation Discovery and Animal Planet are available on the DStv/Multichoice platform.

Controversies

RFID

In August 2008, it was reported by The Consumerist that Discovery Channel had preempted an episode of MythBusters examining RFID security in regard to its implementation in credit cards before its original broadcast because the episode would upset credit card companies, who are major advertisers on Discovery Channel. It was later determined that the decision not to investigate the issue was made by Beyond Productions, the MythBusters production company, and was not made by Discovery Channel or their advertising department.

Enigmatic Malaysia

Main article: 2009 Pendet controversy

An ad promoting Enigmatic Malaysia, a special series on the network meant to highlight the cultural heritages of Malaysia, mistakenly featured Balinese Pendet dancers. This prompted outrage from Balinese dancers, who posted messages demanding that Malaysia apologize over the misinformation, which then sparked a series of street protests. Further demands were made from the local governments, cultural historians and the tourism ministry in Indonesia for Malaysia to clarify the situation. The Malaysian government reportedly offered an apology, which was rejected by the Indonesian tourism minister, since the apology was given informally by phone, the Indonesian tourism minister demanded a written apology to make it more accountable.

Shark Week

Main article: Shark Week § Criticism

Shark Week, Discovery's annual shark-themed programming block, has been criticized for sensationalism and the promotion of junk science.

Romanian RCS&RDS

In November 2012, the Romanian RCS&RDS, the largest company of its kind on the internal market, interrupted its carriage of Discovery Communications channels, including Discovery Channel. The CEO of Discovery Communications Mark Hollinger sent an open letter in his attempt to counteract the action of RCS&RDS, attracting the attention to the negation of the alleged right of the viewer to choose the viewed channels. In turn, RCS&RDS issued a press statement accusing of hypocrisy Hollinger's discourse attentive at the needs of viewers and attracted attention to the fact that, during negotiations, the main preoccupations of the Discovery representatives was maintaining as high as possible tariffs and monetary gains".

After four years of absence, on December 30, 2016, the Discovery Channel and its sister channel TLC returned to the RCS&RDS CATV, IPTV and DTH networks.

Eaten Alive

Eaten Alive was a television program in which wildlife filmmaker Paul Rosolie was purportedly going to be "eaten alive" by an anaconda. It aired on December 7, 2014. When the special aired, the anaconda attacked Rosolie but did not swallow him, as its title had implied, prompting numerous complaints of a bait and switch.

World’s Ultimate Frontier

Further information: Persecution of Uyghurs in China

In February 2024, a group of US congressmen sent a letter to the CEO of Warner Bros. Discovery criticizing World's Ultimate Frontier, a joint production between Discovery and Chinese state media outlet China Global Television Network (CGTN), for "whitewashing genocide" of the Uyghurs in Xinjiang. They called on Discovery to "suspend this partnership with CGTN immediately and to abstain from entering into any similar partnership with any other agent of CCP influence."

See also

References

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  2. "The 59th Academy Awards (1987) Nominees and Winners". oscars.org. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved July 23, 2011.
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