Discovery Communications / DISC

About Discovery Communications

1 Discovery Pl., Silver Spring, Md. 20910
www.discoverycommunications.com | 240-662-2000 | Founded: 1985

Industry: Media/Data | Category: Public Companies

In 2006, the company reported $550 million in operating income on $3 billion in revenue, compared with $514 million in operating income on $2.7 billion in revenue in 2005.
The year proved a busy one for Discovery. In April, the New York Times Co. said it would sell its half of the Discovery Times Channel. In May, the company began selling its popular shows on Apple's iTunes download service, and it announced a mobile service in July.
In August, chief executive Judith A. McHale announced she would step down by the end of the year. NBC Universal cable chief David M. Zaslav was named as her replacement in November. Also that month, Donald A. Baer, the company's strategy chief, announced his departure. The company cut 84 positions in its education division in December.
Last year, Discovery also dealt with the death of Animal Planet star "Crocodile Hunter" Steve Irwin, who was stabbed in the heart by a stingray's barb while diving off the Australian coast in September.
After a tough ratings year in 2005, viewership gained in 2006.

Founder and Chairman: John S. Hendricks

2006 Financial Data

Revenues: $3,013,000,000
Total employees: 6,000 | Local employees: 2,300