Discovery reports highest-ever international reach

JB Perrette

Discovery Networks International said that its portfolio of channels reached 654 million viewers in Q4, a 4% year-on-year increase and its highest-ever international reach. 

Announcing the figures ahead of its fourth quarter earnings announcement this week, Discovery said it had a “record-setting quarter and year” with its channels and brands receiving a 10% full-year increase in average audience compared to 2013. In Q4 alone its average audience increased by 13% year-on-year to 3.2 million.

“Growing our audiences and increasing our share is a guiding principle that has led to consistent global growth for the Discovery portfolio,” said Discovery Networks International president JB Perrette.

“We are razor-sharp in our focus to super-serve our fans on-air and online across more than 220 countries and territories. Looking ahead to 2015, we will continue to invest in new series and specials and bring our signature high-quality content across more screens to more viewers.”

A number of Discovery’s networks experienced double-digit growth, including Home and Health at 33%, Discovery Kids at 27%, Investigation Discovery at 24% and TLC at 23%.

Discovery’s free-to-air portfolio delivered 661,000 viewers on average in Q4, up 12% year-on-year, while its non-US websites increasing to an average of 73 million visitors each month, up by a massive 737% compared to Q4 2013.

Discovery is due to hold its fourth quarter 2014 earnings conference call on February 19 at 08.30 Eastern Time.