- Special MYTHBUSTERS Viral Myths Viewer Challenge Kicks Off New Program
and Promotional Collaboration -
SILVER SPRING, Md. and SAN BRUNO, Calif., Sept. 24 /PRNewswire/ --
Discovery Communications and YouTube announced today the debut of nine
YouTube Channels, featuring a robust collection of clips from Discovery's
family of world-class network brands. Tailoring content to the global
YouTube community, Discovery will also roll out a series of targeted
international Channels showcasing localized and native language content for
specific regions around the world. The partnership also includes a number
of program promotion initiatives designed to tap into YouTube's engaged
community and drive viewers to Discovery's networks.
(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080918/NETH035LOGO )
"With YouTube's unmatched reach, Discovery fans from around the world
now have another platform to engage with their favorite shows, and new
audiences can sample our compelling nonfiction content like never before
online," said Josh Freeman, executive vice president, digital media,
Discovery Communications. "Our partnership with YouTube is a significant
step in the company's strategy to expand the global reach of our content on
the web and draw new viewers to our networks."
"Our partnership with Discovery exemplifies how the YouTube platform
can drive deeper engagement with U.S. viewers and help programs find new
fans around the world," said Jordan Hoffner, director of content
partnerships for YouTube. "For a media company like Discovery
Communications, with its 100-plus networks, distributing content through
targeted YouTube Channels is a strategic way to leverage individual brands
and drive television viewership."
Program Integrations
As part of the companies' new partnership, Discovery and YouTube will
collaborate on a number of programming promotion and development
initiatives that will engage YouTube's interactive community. The first of
these initiatives will provide Discovery Channel fans and YouTube users the
opportunity to contribute to a special MYTHBUSTERS "Viral Myths" episode.
Starting with tonight's MYTHBUSTERS episode airing at 9 PM ET/PT in the
United States, Discovery Channel will run a series of on-air spots
featuring MYTHBUSTERS' Jamie and Adam calling on viewers to help them find
new myths to bust. Fans can post videos of myths they would like to see
busted to the new Discovery Channel YouTube Channel at
http://www.youtube.com/discoverychannel . YouTube users can also create and post
their own videos. A selection of the submitted myths will be busted on a
special "Viral Myths" episode of MYTHBUSTERS. More information on how to be
part of Jamie and Adam's extended myth hunting crew can be found at
http://www.discovery.com/mythbusters .
Localized International Channels
Discovery reaches over 170 countries and the majority of YouTube's
community comes from outside the United States. Programming to such
substantial global audiences, Discovery will also launch localized YouTube
Channels featuring content from Discovery's international brands and
programming from several regions including the UK, Europe, Latin America,
Asia and everywhere in between.
In October, Discovery will debut its first international YouTube
Channel -- "Ink" -- for the passionate tattoo enthusiast community,
featuring content from the UK. The Channel will highlight video clips from
Discovery's "Ink" programming franchise, including MIAMI INK, LA INK, and
LONDON INK, and will encourage users to upload videos of their own tattoos
and the stories behind them. Also launching in fourth quarter will be a
German-language YouTube Channel for DMAX, a leading free-to-air channel
among men in Germany, as well as Discovery Channel and Discovery Kids
Spanish-language channels with localized content from Latin America.
YouTube Channel Brands
Discovery's nine branded YouTube destinations include Discovery Channel
(youtube.com/discoverychannel); TLC (youtube.com/tlc); Animal Planet
(youtube.com/animalplanet); Planet Green (youtube.com/planetgreen);
Discovery Health (youtube.com/discoveryhealth); Science Channel
(youtube.com/sciencechannel); Military Channel
(youtube.com/militarychannel); Investigation Discovery
(youtube.com/discoveryid); and TURBO (youtube.com/turbochannel). These
Channels offer a comprehensive selection of short-form content, including
program segments, outtakes, and behind-the- scenes clips, as well as
original short-form content produced expressly for digital properties.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISAD, DISBD, DISCK) is the world's
number one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion
cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to
explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide
networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel,
Planet Green, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading
consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio
of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com . For more
information, please visit http://www.discoverycommunications.com .
Forward-Looking Statements
This press release contains certain forward-looking statements based on
current expectations, forecasts and assumptions that involve risks and
uncertainties. These statements are based on information available to the
Company as of the date hereof; and Discovery's actual results could differ
materially from those stated or implied, due to risks and uncertainties
associated with its business, which include the risk factors disclosed in
its Registration Statement on Form S-4 filed with the Securities and
Exchange Commission on August 6, 2008. Forward-looking statements include
statements regarding Discovery's expectations, beliefs, intentions or
strategies regarding the future and can be identified by forward-looking
words such as "anticipate," "believe," "could," "estimate," "expect,"
"intend," "may," "should," "will," and "would" or similar words. Discovery
assumes no obligation to update the information included in this press
release, whether as a result of new information, future events or
otherwise.
About YouTube
YouTube is the world's most popular online video community allowing
millions of people to discover, watch and share originally created videos.
YouTube provides a forum for people to connect, inform and inspire others
across the globe and acts as a distribution platform for original content
creators and advertisers large and small. YouTube, LLC is based in San
Bruno, Calif., and is a subsidiary of Google Inc.
SOURCE Discovery Communications
 back to top
Related links:
http://www.discovery.com
http://www.youtube.com/discoverychannel
http://www.discovery.com/mythbusters
http://www.discoverycommunications.com
Photo Notes:http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20080918/NETH035LOGO
AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org
PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com
CONTACT:
Juliet Farrell for Discovery Communications,
+1-240-662-1707, juliet_farrell@discovery.com; or Kathleen
Fitzgerald for YouTube, +1-650-214-1150, press@youtube.com
|
