Military Channel Honors Service Men and Women with Upfront Programming Slate Dedicated to Elite Units, Advanced Technology and Heartwarming Homecomings

April 2, 2009

(New York, N.Y.) The Military Channel's upfront programming brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism and bravery from the frontlines of the armed forces and honors veterans returning home. The network provides unique access to all aspects of military service, helping viewers experience and understand the full spectrum of human drama, courage and patriotism intrinsic to each branches' long-held traditions.

Military Channel's upfront programming builds upon more than 34 straight months of year-over-year growth for People 18-49 delivery in total day, as well as 33 straight months for Men 25-54.* In primetime, Military Channel has experienced 31 straight months of year-over-year growth in both People 2+ and People 25-54 delivery* and possesses the most male-skewing audience in television. In 2008, Military Channel had a record year, with double-digit delivery growth in key demos (P25-54, M25-54) in both primetime and total day, a trend which continues in 2009 to date.**

"Military Channel's mission is to honor the courage, commitment and heroism of active duty and veteran service men and women," said Clark Bunting, president and general manager, Discovery Emerging Networks. "With subject matters ranging from remarkable innovations in battlefield technology to the historical events and figures that shaped our world, this year Military Channel will pay special tribute to the more than 16,000 troops returning home to family and loved ones." Highlights of Military Channel's 2009-2010 upfront programming slate include:

NEW SERIES:

SNIPER TRAINING
With ever-changing environments on the modern battlefield, the sniper's contributions to a mission have never been more important. To succeed, snipers must utilize the latest technology in concealment, use the most accurate weapons and engage in missions that their predecessors could only dream of completing. SNIPER TRAINING takes viewers deep into the world of sniper training by exploring the unique skills required for this vital role within the armed forces. Additionally, the series profiles stories from the men and women behind the rifles and demonstrates how their missions are changing the rules of modern combat.

WORLD WAR II IN COLOR (wt)
This series takes a unique and rare look at one of the most turbulent and deadly wars in the history of mankind - World War II. Through the use of exclusive rare color film reels, WORLD WAR II IN COLOR sheds new light on everything from the frontlines to the supply lines.

TOUGHEST JOBS
From operating the catapult and arresting gear on a modern aircraft carrier to clearing improvised explosives within a hostile warzone, some of the toughest jobs in the world are performed by the men and women in uniform. TOUGHEST JOBS breaks down some of the most difficult jobs in the military and introduces viewers to devoted men and women who are brave enough to take them on.

GREATEST TANK BATTLES
Using stunning, ultra-realistic CGI animation, GREATEST TANK BATTLES provides a 360-degree view of history's most remarkable clashes between armored vehicles. Of all the modes of warfare, tank battles are the least documented because of their sheer intensity, which has rendered them too dangerous to capture on film-until now. This unique series showcases the gritty realism, harrowing pressure and spectacular visuals inherent to tank warfare and the strategies and tactics required to be successful.

OPERATION HOMECOMING
As conflicts overseas come to a conclusion and tours of duty come to an end, the men and women who represented our country return home to their friends, families in hometowns across the United States. OPERATION HOMECOMING honors their service and documents their transition as they experience the comforts of home once again. Whether it is meeting a newborn for the first time or eating a long-missed hot dog in the stands of a baseball game, these service members begin to overcome their physical and mental battle scars and enjoy their lives back home.

RETURNING SERIES:

TOP SNIPER
The International Sniper Competition, held at the U.S. Army's Sniper School in Fort Benning, Ga., brings together some of the best two-man sniper teams from around the world to test their skills. For the third year, Military Channel's TOP SNIPER chronicles this elite competition, which features realistic scenarios inspired by modern day conflicts. The participants' precision, camouflage, stalking and observational skills are what separates teams within this grueling multi-day competition that determines who wins the coveted title of "top sniper."

ULTIMATE WEAPONS
Military Channel viewers are given a voice in ULTIMATE WEAPONS, a series dedicated to counting down the best modern weapons as voted for by Military Channel's online community and a panel of experts. In order to determine each category's "ultimate weapon," each episode features equipment from submarines to machine guns that are currently in service and analyzes their relative explosive power, effectiveness and unique features.

SPECIALS:

A GENERATION COMES HOME
U.S. servicemen and women face many challenges upon their return home, but their primary focus is picking up the threads of an ordinary life and reconnecting with their family, friends and community. A GENERATION COMES HOME looks to fulfill the wishes of some of these men and women who sacrificed so much for their country. Whether their desire is to play drums with a headlining band or have the opportunity to lead the racing field from the pace car, the Military Channel will make sure these heroes get to fulfill those dreams. These specials will share the inspiring and heart-felt stories from their experiences abroad, as well as create amazing new experience for these heroes back at home.

SECRETS OF WAR
Sometimes the most intriguing part of war is what happens in secret-covert operations, never-before-seen weapons and unknown heroes. SECRETS OF WAR reveals past secrets of warfare and shares the stories of people who experienced these missions first-hand. Whether it is the first use of stealth aircraft or a courageous special forces commander of a previously top-secret mission, SECRETS OF WAR unveils these clandestine pioneers and technological breakthroughs.

About Military Channel
The Military Channel brings viewers compelling, real-world stories of heroism, military strategy, and significant turning points in history. The network takes viewers "behind the lines" to hear the personal stories of servicemen and women and offers in-depth explorations of military training, aviation technology and cutting-edge weaponry. As the only cable network devoted to military subjects, it also provides unique access to this world, allowing viewers to experience and understand the full spectrum of human drama, courage, and patriotism intrinsic to the armed forces. Military Channel is available in nearly 54 million homes. For more information, please visit military.discovery.com.

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 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 www.discoverycommunications.com.

* Source: *Nielsen Live+SD, NHI Calendar (12/29/08-3/1/09). Time Period Based Dayparts.
** Source: Nielsen Live+7, NHI Calendar (2006-2008 & 2009(thru 3/8/09)), Time Period Based Dayparts (Primetime).