Discovery To Launch Investigation Discovery (ID) Internationally
-- ID to Launch in the UK in January 2009 --
December 4, 2008
(Silver Spring, Md.) Discovery Networks International, a division of number-one nonfiction media company Discovery Communications, today announced that it will launch a 24-hour Investigation Discovery (ID) channel in the UK on January 20, 2009. This will be the first international launch of the ID brand, which debuted in the United States in January 2008.
Launched in the U.S. on January 27, Investigation Discovery is the destination for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition from the past to the present. Featuring core series including CALL 911, DATELINE ON ID, SOLVED and EXTREME FORENSICS, since its launch, ID is the fastest growing network among the target audience of W25-54 in all of ad-supported cable.*
Offering a compelling line-up of investigative programming from the US and the UK, the international ID network will focus on the science of forensics and how it is used to unlock the real life stories behind some of the world's most fascinating investigations. ID will use dramatic, fact-based storytelling to provide in-depth analysis of investigations along with first-hand testimony from the experts who uncover the evidence, methods and motives.
"International consumer interest in investigative programming is robust and growing," said Greg Ricca, President and CEO, Discovery Networks International. "Investigation Discovery will strengthen our best-in-class portfolio of international networks by engaging new audiences with intriguing, quality content that only Discovery can provide with credibility and remarkable storytelling."
ID's UK programming line-up kicks off on January 20 with original content including the new series SERIAL KILLERS. Commissioned by Discovery Networks UK in partnership with UK production company IWC, the nine-part series uses police video material, archive news footage, dramatic reconstructions and interviews to tell the stories behind some of the world's most infamous killers, including the Yorkshire Ripper, Dennis Nilsen, Steven Wright, Aileen Wuornos and Alexander Pichushkin - the Chessboard Killer.
Other key titles for the UK include DEADLY WOMEN, CRIME MUSEUM UK WITH MARTIN KEMP and the feature documentary, GOLD DIGGERS: WORLD'S BIGGEST BANK ROBBERY.
About Discovery Communications
Discovery Communications (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB, 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, 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. Discovery Networks International distributes 17 international brands, reaching 885 million cumulative subscribers with programming available in 35 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.
*(Source: Nielsen, Live + Same Day, NHI calendar, Time Period Based Dayparts, Jan.-Nov. 2008 total day W25-54 (000) vs same number of weeks year ago)