Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific Announces Key Management Promotions and New Lines of Business

September 11, 2008

(Singapore) Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, a division of the number one non-fiction media company Discovery Communications, today announced several executive promotions and the creation of two new lines of business for Southeast Asia and North Asia (spanning Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong), which will join the region's existing operations in Japan, Australia/New Zealand, India and China. Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific will promote its country managers for Australia, China, and Taiwan to senior vice presidents and general managers, and create a new general manager role for Southeast Asia. This follows the recent announcement to integrate the India and Asia operations, and the appointment of Rahul Johri as senior vice president and general manager, Discovery Networks India.

"Discovery Networks has grown from strength to strength since its first launch in the region 14 years ago, increasing its portfolio from one network to seven and achieving the #1 PAX ranking for Discovery Channel for the past ten consecutive years. We've aggressively evolved our business and grown distribution, reaching over 439 cumulative subscribers in Asia-Pacific today. These changes reflect the increasing maturity, complexity and scale of our businesses across the region," said Tom Keaveny, executive vice president and managing director, Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific, to whom all general managers will report to.

Tommy Lin, vice president and country manager for Discovery's Taiwan operations, has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager, North Asia. In his expanded role, Lin will be responsible for all aspects of Discovery's operations across Taiwan, South Korea and Hong Kong. He will continue to be based in Taipei. Lin joined Discovery Networks Asia-Pacific in June 2002 from

Satellite Entertainment Communications where he was Deputy General Manager for JET TV and Knowledge Channel. Lin has worked in the cable and satellite industry since 1994 and helped launch the Japanese Channel for Videoland Networks. Prior to that, Tommy worked in advertising with Funtastic International and Taiwan-Dentsu Advertising Company.

Kevin Dickie has been appointed senior vice president and general manager, Southeast Asia. In this newly created role, Dickie will be based in Singapore and will provide direction for the Southeast Asia business. In his previous role, Dickie was senior vice president, marketing and communications, overseeing all marketing and communications activities for Discovery Networks' portfolio of channels. Dickie joined Discovery Networks in August 2000 as director of marketing and communications. Before joining Discovery Networks, Dickie was Shandwick International's director of corporate practice in Singapore where his clients included Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and MasterCard International. He began his marketing career in London in 1990 with consumer communications consultancy Murray and Company before joining media marketing specialists Propellor Marketing Communications.

"The creation of a general manager role for Southeast Asia demonstrates Discovery's commitment to these markets. It will help position us more competitively and allow us to fully tap the potential of the rapidly evolving Southeast Asia business," added Keaveny.

Mandy Pattinson, vice president and country manager for Discovery's operations in Australia and New Zealand, has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager. Based in Sydney, Pattinson joined Discovery in January 2006. Prior to joining Discovery, Pattinson managed the Optus Television platform as acting general manager, business affairs, and also worked with Optus in the area of multimedia regulation and strategy.

Fang Chang, vice president and country manager for Discovery's operations in China, has also been promoted to senior vice president, general manager and public affairs, China. Fang has been with Discovery since July 2002 and was hired to establish the company's China operations in Beijing.  Discovery currently offers programming blocks throughout China. A seasoned media professional, Fang Chang's experience includes previous roles as business director for Zenith Media Holding Ltd., Taiwan and Deputy General Manager for Television Corporation of Singapore's Taiwan subsidiary.

James Gibbons remains as senior vice president and general manager, Discovery and Animal Planet Japan. He was appointed in July 2007. Based in Tokyo, he reports to the board of directors for Discovery and Animal Planet Japan. Discovery Japan was established on 12 August 1997 as a joint venture between Discovery Networks Asia and Jupiter TV Co., Ltd. Animal Planet Japan, Co., Ltd was established on 20 December 2000 also a joint venture company.

About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications 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, Animal Planet, Discovery Science and Discovery HD, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. In Asia Pacific, seven Discovery brands reach 348 million cumulative subscribers in 25 countries with programming customized in eight languages. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Co. (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman.