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Discovery Communications Introduces New Formats Strategy at MIPTV 2010


WEBWIRE

Silver Spring, Md. - Discovery Communications today announced that a new slate of formats programming that will be introduced at MIPTV 2010 for the first time.

“It’s a new and exciting time for Discovery as we move into the formats arena,” said Nicolas Bonard, Senior Vice President, Discovery Enterprises International. “Formats are becoming increasingly more popular in the industry as they provide a cost-effective solution to third parties. They enable producers to invest as much -- or as little -- into the production as long as it holds true to the format requirements.”

Formats present efficient solutions to third parties who are interested in adapting a successful formula and reinventing it for local audiences. Discovery will bring a wide array of formats to MIPTV that will extend across a variety of genres including adventure, competition, lifestyle and more, including the following:

Man vs. Wild
One of Discovery Channel’s signature series, Man vs. Wild featuring Bear Grylls, does not fail to offer intrigue and adventure. Each episode finds the host as he strands himself in popular wilderness destinations where tourists often find themselves lost or in danger. Once there he finds his way back to civilization, demonstrating local survival techniques -- and biting into gut-wrenching eats -- along the way. An international phenomenon, the series explores some of the most remote environments on the planet, teaching audiences key survival skills - skills that transcends borders and know no boundaries.

Catch It, Keep It
During each episode of Science Channel’s Catch It Keep It, three contestants test their scientific and engineering mettle against “engineer of destruction” Mike Senese who devises dastardly schemes uniquely designed to obliterate the prize of the week. The contestants must brainstorm, plan and construct a way to rescue the item within the span of 48 hours. The team can build anything from a blast/fire-proof box to a giant net used for catching objects in mid fall. Host Zach Selwyn guides viewers through the two-day pressure-packed yet organized chaos as the team works tirelessly, not only against the clock, but also against passionate differences of opinion and seemingly never-ending obstacles.

Groomer Has It
Animal Planet’s Groomer Has It is a hot reality, competition series that sniffs out 12 of America’s most passionate and skilled dog groomers to compete against each other in a test of desire, creativity and affinity for animals as they shave, shear and shampoo their way through a series of challenges that will crown only one “Groomer of the Year.” Contestants are put to the test to see who can turn the dirtiest dog into a glamorous, pampered pup. During each grooming challenge, the contestants work shoulder to shoulder and, sometimes as teams, tasked with everything from creating signature looks for a “bridal and groom party” in the show’s first-ever doggie wedding to using their canine-grooming skills on pot-belly pigs. After each challenge, a panel of judges decides which contestant does not make the cut. The grand-prize winner will receive his or her very own state of the art mobile grooming salon from Wag’n Tails Mobile Grooming, a brand-new Subaru Forester, a cash prize of $50,000 and the prestigious title of “Groomer of the Year.”

Battle of the Wedding Planners
In TLC’s Battle of the Wedding Planners, some of the best wedding planners in the country will compete to be able to plan a chosen couple’s dream wedding. To help the couple turn their dream wedding into a reality, they will have three of America’s best wedding planners competing for the chance to plan their wedding. Each planner will present the happy couple with a unique theme and venue. But the wedding planners are in for some serious penny pinching: they have to make the entire wedding happen on the couple’s limited budget. Some brides spend that much on a dress! Watch the claws come out as these three super competitive planners scramble to come up with a winning wedding concept. The planners must call in every favor they have and scour the city for the most romantic and economic venues. The competition is fierce and the concepts amazing. In the end, the couple is faced with the very tough decision of picking a winner.

American Chopper
TLC’s American Chopper features the creators of the world’s most outrageous custom motorcycles - Paul Teutul Sr. and Paul Jr. of Orange County Choppers. The program is focused around the universal relationship between father and son and the generational struggles with which viewers around the globe can identify. The show highlights the stresses common in running a family business-someone is late, someone hasn’t delivered what they were supposed to, someone has made a critical mistake-which immediately resonates with the audience. The contrasting attitudes of these two men and their propensity for sulking often lead to fiery, but humorous, exchanges as they go to head-to-head to meet unusually short deadlines for building distinctive custom choppers.

About Discovery Enterprises International
Discovery Enterprises International focuses on maximizing sales opportunities with international third-party broadcasters and licensees by streamlining access to Discovery’s worldwide brands and content. The Enterprises team partners with local clients through regional offices in London, Miami, Munich, Singapore, Sydney and Discovery’s global headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, to analyze international markets in order to break down the programming needs of individual broadcasters within each territory.

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 180 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.



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