Thursday, March 16, 2006

Discovery Communications and Nokia Announce Global Collaboration



location based services


March 16, 2006, Silver Spring, MD, US - Discovery Communications and Nokia (NYSE: NOK) today announced a global collaboration that will deliver to consumers Discovery’s high quality, knowledge-based content pre-loaded onto Nokia’s newest and most sophisticated mobile devices and wireless personal devices.

In the first phase the co-operation will give consumers access to a Discovery-produced "Best of Discovery" montage clip on the Nokia N92 mobile device and Nokia 770 Internet Tablet. Additionally, Discovery’s content will be demonstrated on Nokia’s devices in many trade shows. The Discovery-branded clip will include inspiring and engaging video of nature shots such as landscapes, animals and sunrises as well as city scenes.

The collaboration demonstrates Discovery’s aggressive efforts to create content and businesses for new distribution platforms around the globe and Nokia’s drive to leverage its leading edge mobile technology to provide consumers with excellent user experiences. The Discovery produced content that will appear on Nokia’s devices complements the company’s television networks by strengthening viewers’ loyalty and attracting new audiences to Discovery’s worldwide brands.

"Cooperating with Nokia, which is widely recognized as one of the most innovative companies in the world, allows Discovery to bring its high quality content to consumers wherever they are, whenever they want it," said Donald A. Baer, Senior Executive Vice President for Strategy & Development, Discovery Communications. "The worldwide appeal, utility and flexibility of Discovery’s content make it a great fit for on-the-go applications."

"Discovery Communications is an ideal partner in cooperation to show the world the very best of what both companies have to offer - engaging and knowledge-based information on sophisticated and innovative devices," said Ilkka Raiskinen, Senior Vice President, Multimedia Experiences, Nokia. "This collaboration allows Nokia to continue its leadership in mobile communications as we find better and smarter ways to connect people to our partners’ information and entertainment services."

Today’s announcement further strengthens Discovery’s leadership in providing high quality and knowledge-based programming that allows people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity. Discovery has already deployed content for mobile devices with 21 carriers in 11 countries, launched direct-to-consumer WAP portals in the United Kingdom and Asia as well as a broadband portal in the U.K. and rolled out video on demand with 20 carriers in 10 countries.

About Discovery Communicatons, 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 Español, Discovery Kids en Español, 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, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.

About Nokia
Nokia is the world leader in mobile communications, driving the growth and sustainability of the broader mobility industry. Nokia connects people to each other and the information that matters to them with easy-to-use and innovative products like mobile phones, devices and solutions for imaging, games, media and businesses. Nokia provides equipment, solutions and services for network operators and corporations.

No comments: