Editing Discovery Channel

{{Short description|American cable television channel}}
{{About|the TV channel in the United States}}
{{Pp-vandalism|small=yes}}
{{Use mdy dates|date=October 2021}}
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Discovery Channel
| logo = [[File:2019 Discovery logo.svg|250px|class=skin-invert]]
| 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>
| closed_date = 
| owner = [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]
| parent = [[Warner Bros. Discovery Networks]]
| country = United States
| language = {{Plainlist|
* English
* Spanish (with [[Secondary audio program|SAP]])
}}
| 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 = [[List of assets owned by Warner Bros. Discovery#Warner Bros. Discovery Networks|Sister channels]]
| website = {{official website|https://www.discovery.com/|discovery.com}}
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[High-definition television|HDTV]]<br />{{small|(downscaled to [[480i]] [[Letterboxing (filming)|letterbox]] for the [[Standard-definition television|SDTV]] feed)}}
| online_serv_1 = Affiliated streaming services
| online_chan_1 = {{hlist|[[Discovery+]]|[[Max_(streaming_service)|Max]]}}
| online_serv_2 = Services
| online_chan_2 = [[Sling TV]], [[YouTube TV]], [[Philo (company)|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]].<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 [[popular science]], technology, and history, but by the 2010s had become increasingly dominated by programs that were [[reality television]] shows, promoted [[Conspiracy theory|conspiracy theories]], or advocated [[junk science]]. It is owned by [[Warner Bros. Discovery]], a publicly traded company run by CEO [[David Zaslav]]. {{As of|2012|06}}, Discovery Channel was the third most widely distributed subscription channel in the United States, behind now-sibling channel [[TBS (American TV channel)|TBS]] and [[the Weather Channel]];<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=[[TV by the Numbers]] |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>

==History==
[[John Hendricks]] 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 [[BBC]], [[Allen & Company]], 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 [[television special|specials]]. It also broadcast some [[Television in the Soviet Union|Soviet programming]] during this time, including the news program ''[[Vremya]]''.<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 [[teletext]] services over its [[Vertical blanking interval|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 [[PBS Wisconsin|WHA-TV]] in [[Madison, Wisconsin]], and were run by the [[University of Wisconsin–Madison|University of Wisconsin-Madison]].<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>

The channel began to shift its focus in the early 2000s to attract a broader audience, by incorporating more [[reality television|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<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 [[popular science]] 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>[http://corporate.discovery.com/news/press/06q2/083006.html DCI :: Press and News Releases] {{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 anchor [[Ted Koppel]], executive producer Tom Bettag, and eight other former staff members from the [[American Broadcasting Company|ABC]] newsmagazine ''[[Nightline (U.S. TV program)|Nightline]]'' were joining Discovery Channel. The network was nominated for seven [[Primetime Emmy Award]]s that year for shows including ''[[The Flight that Fought Back]]'' (a documentary about the hijacking of [[United Airlines Flight 93]] during the [[September 11 attacks|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 (2006 TV series)|Planet Earth]]'', ''[[Dirty Jobs]]'', ''[[MythBusters]]'', and ''[[Deadliest Catch]]''. Discovery Channel's 2008 lineup included ''[[Fight Quest]]'' and ''[[Smash Lab]]''.<ref>[http://www.peabodyawards.com/award-profile/planet-earth 67th Annual Peabody Awards] ({{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, [[Discovery Communications headquarters hostage crisis|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.<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=[[Fox News Channel]]|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=[[CNN]]|access-date=September 1, 2010}}</ref> Lee had published criticisms of the network at Savetheplanetprotest.com.<ref name="CNN"/>

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.<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==
{{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 ''[[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.<ref>[http://publications.mediapost.com/index.cfm?fuseaction=Articles.showArticleHomePage&art_aid=64477 MediaPost Publications – Discovery Rebrands, Upgrades Marketing Efforts – 07/24/2007<!-- Bot generated title -->] {{dead link|date=January 2017|bot=medic}}{{cbignore|bot=medic}}</ref>

Discovery has also featured documentaries specifically aimed at families and younger audiences. Other popular programs have included ''[[How It's Made]]'', ''[[Cash Cab (American game show)|Cash Cab]]'', and ''[[Man vs. Wild]]''.

==Non-television ventures==

===Pro Cycling Team===
{{main|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.<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>

===Store===
{{About|the US chain of stores|the former gadget store chain in the United Kingdom|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.<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>

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 [[Lowell Discovery Telescope]], in partnership with [[Lowell Observatory]].<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===
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>

==Marketing and branding==
[[File:Discovery1985.svg|100px|thumb|left|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 [[slogan]]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>

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".<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 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 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 (song)|Hooked on a Feeling]]". The static version of the globe icon uses a non-standard [[Map projection|projection]] 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>

==Related and international units==
===Related channel===
==== Discovery en Español ====
{{Infobox television channel
| name = Discovery en Español
| logo =Discovery en Español (2020).svg
| logo_size = 200px
| country = [[United States]]
| headquarters = [[Miami]], [[Florida]], [[United States]]
| language = [[Spanish Language|Spanish]]
| owner = [[Warner Bros. Discovery]]
| parent= [[Warner Bros. Discovery Networks]]
| picture_format = [[1080i]] [[HDTV]]<br />(downscaled to [[letterboxed]] [[480i]] for the [[SDTV]] feed)
| launch_date = {{start date and age|1998}}
| website = {{URL|discoveryenespañol.com}}
| online_serv_1 = [[Fubo TV]]
| online_chan_1 = [https://www.fubo.tv/lp/latino/?title=Watch%20Discovery%20en%20Español%20on%20fuboTV&sr=watchLiveHPbutton Live Stream]
}}
'''Discovery en Español''' is an American [[pay television]] channel that was launched as the [[Spanish language|Spanish-language]] version of the Discovery Channel. It is operated by the Latin American division of [[Warner Bros. Discovery|Warner Bros. Discovery International]] in [[Miami, Florida]].

{{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>
===International===
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 [[Digital data|digital]] [[direct broadcast satellite|satellite]] platforms with multiple [[language]] soundtracks or [[subtitles]] including Spanish, German, Russian, French, [[Czech Language|Czech]], [[Hindi]], [[Tamil language|Tamil]], [[Telugu language|Telugu]], [[Bengali language|Bengali]], [[Dutch language|Dutch]], Portuguese, Italian, Norwegian, Swedish, Danish, Finnish, [[Turkish language|Turkish]], Greek, [[Polish language|Polish]], Hungarian, [[Romanian language|Romanian]], Latvian, Arabic, [[Slovene language|Slovene]], [[Estonian language|Estonian]], Japanese, Korean and [[Serbian language|Serbian]]. In 2011, a separate [[Tamil language|Tamil]]-language channel was launched. In [[Bulgaria]], Discovery has, since 2000–2001, displayed [[Bulgarian language|Bulgarian]] subtitles by all cable providers and since 2010 – with Bulgarian dubbing for some shows.

====Australia and New Zealand====
{{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 [[Foxtel]], [[Optus TV]] and [[AUSTAR]].

In New Zealand, the Australian version of Discovery is broadcast on [[SKY Network Television]].
====Canada====
{{main|Discovery Channel (Canada)}}
The Canadian version of Discovery was established in 1995 by Labatt Communications, and before 2024 the channel was owned by joint venture of [[Bell Media]] and WBD.

The channel airs similar programming to its U.S. counterpart, but also airs [[Canadian content|domestically produced programs]] to comply with local broadcasting regulations (which, in the past, included the daily science newsmagazine ''[[Daily Planet (TV series)|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.

In June 2024, [[Rogers Sports & Media]] announced that it had acquired the Canadian rights to all WBD factual and lifestyle brands beginning January 1, 2025, including Discovery Channel. Bell subsequently announced that it would enter into a licensing agreement with [[NBCUniversal]] for two of its Discovery-branded channels, with Discovery being relaunched as [[USA Network (Canadian TV channel)|USA Network]] on January 1, 2025. A [[Discovery Channel (Canadian TV channel)|new iteration of Discovery]] owned by Rogers concurrently launched the same day.

====India====
{{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>
Discovery recently launched Discovery Plus, a new streaming service for India priced at ₹300 per year, offering content in eight languages—[[English Language|English]], [[Hindi]], [[Tamil Language|Tamil]], [[Telugu Language|Telugu]], [[Malayalam]], [[Kannada]], [[Bengali Language|Bengali]] and [[Marathi Language|Marathi]].<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====
{{main|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 [[Sky (UK and Ireland)|SKY]]digital 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 (pay television network)|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 [[Der Spiegel|Spiegel TV]] and "dctp". All programs are dubbed into German. The channel is now known as "[[DMAX (TV channel)|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 language|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 (Poland)|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 (European TV channel)|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|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 variation]]s 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 (international TV channel)|Discovery World]], [[TLC (TV network)|TLC]],<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> [[Investigation Discovery Europe|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.<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 [[Beyond Productions]], 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''===
{{Main|2009 Pendet controversy}}
An ad promoting ''Enigmatic Malaysia'', a special series on the network meant to highlight the cultural heritages of [[Malaysia]], mistakenly featured [[Bali]]nese [[Pendet|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.<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 [[Indonesia]] 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>

===Shark Week===
{{Main|Shark Week#Criticism}}
[[Shark Week]], Discovery's annual shark-themed programming block, has been criticized for sensationalism and the promotion of [[junk science]].<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=[[NPR]]|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>

===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.<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|date=November 30, 2012 |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>

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>

===''Eaten Alive''===
''[[Eaten Alive (TV special)|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.<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 [[bait and switch]].<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). [https://time.com/3623093/eaten-alive/ Eaten Alive Viewers Outraged Man Wasn’t Actually Eaten Alive] . ''Entertainment Weekly''. Retrieved December 8, 2014.</ref>

=== ''World’s Ultimate Frontier'' ===
{{Further|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 [[Chinese Communist Party|CCP]] 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>

==See also==
* [[Discovery Kids]]
* [[Discovery Times Square Exposition]]
* [[List of documentary channels]]

==References==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
*{{commons-inline}}

{{Warner Bros. Discovery Networks}}
{{Warner Bros. Discovery}}
{{Webby Awards|cat=Science|year=1997|type=Nominee}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:Discovery Channel| ]]
[[Category:English-language television stations in the United States]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1985]]
[[Category:Television channels and stations established in 1998]]
[[Category:Spanish-language television networks in the United States]]
[[Category:Warner Bros. Discovery networks]]
[[Category:Peabody Award winners]]
[[Category:Television networks in the United States]]
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