Discovery makes international gains

David Zaslav

Discovery Communications reported a 59% year-on-year increase in revenues from its international networks division in the third quarter with ad and distribution revenues both up.

The multi-channel channel operator said that international network revenues came in at US$620 million (€458 million) for the three months ending September 30, compared to US$390 million for the same period last year. US networks, by comparison, accounted for US$733 million.

Discovery said that, internationally, ad revenues were up 127% and distribution revenues were up 29%.

“Advertising revenues, excluding newly acquired businesses, were up 29% in local currency terms, primarily due to increased viewership in Western Europe and higher pricing in Western Europe and Latin America,” said Discovery.

“Discovery’s strong third quarter results once again demonstrate the breadth and depth of our brands and the myriad of opportunities across our global distribution platform.   We are translating the consistent viewership gains we are delivering globally into strong advertising growth both domestically and internationally, while at the same time further leveraging our unique distribution footprint by capitalising on the pay television evolution in many of our markets worldwide,” said Discovery president and CEO David Zaslav.

Overall revenues increased 28% year-on-year in the quarter to US$1.375 billion. Net income increased 24% to US$255 million, while operating income before depreciation and amortisation increased 20% to US$597 million.