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Discovery Communications Brings Video Content to Google Earth

Discovery Communications today announced the availability of Discovery’s world-class video content on Google Earth, Google’s satellite imagery-based mapping product that combines 3D buildings and terrain with mapping capability and Google search. For the first time, Discovery will provide streaming video on Google Earth for locations around the world including popular destinations, historic sites and natural wonders, among others.

In this initial release, Discovery will offer informative and engaging video content showcasing 10 of America’s most popular National Parks, including Yellowstone; Mount Rushmore; and Dinosaur National Park. By clicking on Discovery’s globe icon shown at destination sites at which Discovery video content is available, Google Earth users will launch an interactive broadband player hosted by Discovery that will enable them to select from several two- to four-minute compelling videos from Discovery’s rich archive at each target destination.

“By combining Discovery’s wealth of knowledge-based content with Google Earth’s innovative platform and technology, consumers have an unparalleled opportunity to explore our world as never before,” said Don Baer, Senior Executive Vice President for Strategy & Development, Discovery Communications, who heads Discovery’s global multiplatform efforts. “With the worldwide appeal and utility of Discovery’s programming, the possibilities for exploration are endless.”

“Google Earth users worldwide can now access enriching and educational videos that capture the breadth and detail of popular destinations and national landmarks,” said John Hanke, director, Google Maps/Local/Earth, Google Inc. “Discovery’s video content complements the immersive experience of Google Earth and aligns well with our company mission to deliver the world’s information directly to users.”

Among Discovery’s core content genres of History, Science, the Natural World, Travel and Adventure and Animals, users will find:

* Video content for 10 destinations available beginning today: Glacier National Park; Yellowstone; The Everglades; Point Reyes National Seashore; Mt. Rushmore; Alaska National Parks; Arches and Canyonlands National Parks; Santa Monica Mountains National Park; Carlsbad Caverns; and Dinosaur National Park;
* Ongoing content updates and additions, including videos for nearly 50 new locations spanning the globe in the coming months; and
* Special features on Discovery’s world-class specials such as the upcoming global series DISCOVERY ATLAS, the most ambitious HD project ever, offering both video and companion content for 30 countries included in a multi-year programming franchise beginning with China, Brazil, Italy and Australia in 2006.

Discovery Communications, Inc.

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in 170 countries and territories with nearly 1.4 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI’s over 100 networks of distinctive programming represent 27 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Espanol, Discovery Kids en Espanol, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI’s other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores in the U.S. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI’s ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (Nasdaq: DISCA - News, DISCB - News), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.