Dicovery Communications Announces New International Distribution & Licensing Arm

Related: Discovery

Discovery Communications today announced that Discovery Enterprises International (DEI), the company's international program distribution and licensing arm, will now represent UK prodco betty for all of its programming at market, beginning with MIPTV in April 2013. Part of Discovery Networks International (DNI) since late 2011, betty is renowned for developing and producing modern, high-quality formats and factual television series for broadcasters around the world, including The Undateables and The Food Hospital, as well as the DNI-commissioned series BEAR GRYLLS: ULTIMATE SURVIVORS.

"Since 2001, betty's fresh, trendsetting programming has entertained and touched viewers around the world - and now, we're delighted to represent their full catalogue to a broader global audience," said Nicolas Bonard, Senior Vice President, DEI. "The signing of this deal is a natural extension of our relationship with betty, and their uniquely entertaining series and formats will bolster our lifestyle portfolio offerings moving forward."

Liz Warner, CEO at betty, said: "betty's popular factual programmes and formats have always appealed to a broad number of countries as we make shows on universal subjects such as relationships, food, property and human conditions. We are really pleased all our titles are now in the hands of Nick and his worldwide team."

In the deal, DEI will acquire the rights to represent close to 200 hours of betty content to top global broadcasters. This includes betty's back catalogue of 173 hours; all current and future DNI commissions; and the first-window rights outside the United Kingdom for co-productions with UK-based broadcasters and formats. DEI will also offer new 2013 premieres at MIPTV, including Obsessive Compulsive Cleaners, Rip Off Food and second seasons of hit series The Fabulous Baker Brothers, The Undateables, and The Food Inspectors.

About Discovery Enterprises International

Discovery Enterprises International (DEI) serves as the streamlined access point for all of Discovery Communications' international program and private networks sales, co-financing opportunities, consumer products and licensing and music publishing rights in markets outside the United States. DEI focuses on maximizing sales opportunities for Discovery's worldwide brands and content with international third-party broadcasters and licensees. The Enterprises team partners with local clients through regional offices in London, Miami, Munich, Sao Paulo, Singapore, Sydney and Discovery's global headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland. For more information, please visit www.discoveryenterprisesinternational.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is the world's #1 nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.8 billion cumulative subscribers in 218 countries and territories. Discovery is dedicated to satisfying Curiosity through 155 worldwide television networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science and Investigation Discovery, as well as U.S. joint venture networks OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network, The HUB and 3net, the first 24-hour 3D network. Discovery also is a leading provider of educational products and services to schools and owns and operates a diversified portfolio of digital media services, including HowStuffWorks.com . Discovery Networks International distributes 26 international brands, reaching over 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers with programming available in 45 languages. For more information please visit www.discoverycommunications.com

About betty

betty is renowned for developing and producing modern, high-quality factual and format shows for top global broadcasters. Creative, stimulating and with a keen eye for fresh talent, betty is best known for high rating popular series, lifestyle shows and international formats including Freaky Eaters, Beauty and the Beast, The Food Hospital, Country House Rescue and Heston's Fantastical Foods. betty was founded by CEO Liz Warner, former commissioning editor for Channel 4, in 2001. Acquired by Discovery Communications in 2011, the company is managed out of London by Warner as well as Sophy Walker, Head of Operations and Walter Iuzzolino, Creative Director. For more information, please visit www.betty.co.uk.