Discovery’s Brands Earn Top Rankings Among Viewers in the 2009 Beta Research Identity Study

--Discovery Channel is #1 for Quality and Original Programming--

--Investigation Discovery is Viewers’ Favorite Channel; Science Channel is #2 for Being Bold--

(Silver Spring, Md.) For the ninth consecutive year, viewers rank Discovery Channel as the highest quality TV network, according to results of 2009 Beta Research Cable Subscriber Study – Brand Identity of Basic Cable/Broadcast Networks. In addition, for the tenth straight year, Discovery Channel ranks #1 for having many original programs and series.

In their first year in the study, Investigation Discovery ranked #1 for being one of viewers’ favorite channels and Science Channel ranked #2 for being bold/trying new things. Animal Planet tied for first with Discovery Channel as being a network less cluttered with commercials and ranked #2 for being family-oriented (tied).

Discovery Channel also received first place (tie) rankings from viewers in the following categories: a channel viewers would like to see in HD, being bold/trying new things, informative, distinctive, and less cluttered with commercials.

“Discovery Channel’s decade-long track record of top rankings in this study shows that viewers consistently turn to the network for high-quality, original content that takes them beyond the everyday to the extraordinary,” said Bill Goodwyn, president, Domestic Distribution and Enterprises, Discovery Communications. “Strong study results for Investigation Discovery, Science Channel and Animal Planet offer further proof that our continuing investment in programming resonates with viewers and provides great value to our affiliate partners.”