DISCOVERY HEALTH
7700 Wisconsin Avenue
Bethesda, MD 20814
Pitching the right story idea to Discovery Health could result in dual coverage on the cable channel and Web site at http://www.discoveryhealth.com. The new 24-hour channel, launched last month, features a wide range of original healthcare and wellness programming and is looking for story ideas on a variety of topics, from medical breakthroughs and personal stories to practical expert advice and alternative medicine.
Make sure your ideas will make "good TV," says Eileen O'Neill, Discovery Health's director of programming, referring to the ideal combination of great storytelling, emotional appeal, strong production value, great visuals and accuracy. Compelling topics will also get online exposure through chat discussions, surveys and other interactive Web site features.
Pitchable programming opportunities are wide open in primetime and daytime slots. Primetime programs spotlight the latest medical developments, showcase live and pre-taped medical procedures and profile real-world healthcare experiences. Daytime progams focus on personal care and healthy lifestyle choices, covering key topic areas like nutrition, fitness and women's health.
TOPICS
Discovery Health is immediately looking for story ideas in the general programming areas of medical breakthroughs, women's programming and body almanac, which highlights the inner working of the human body.
Most of the programs are a half-hour to one hour in length. There also are one-minute news segments.
Programming highlights include "21st Century Medicine," "SheTV" and "Medical Mysteries."
EDITORS/LEAD TIME
PR Pitches:
It is best to mail unedited and unfinished story ideas to Deborah Adams, development coordinator and finished concepts to Jennifer Williams, preview coordinator.
Always provide treatment, budget and scheduling information. If you're pitching a finished product, include pertinent information about its broadcast history and if it has "series" potential.
METHODS
The mailing address is:
Discovery Health 7700 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, Md 20814.
COMMENTS
Discovery Health will accept finished and unfinished story ideas in a variety of formats, including documentary-style, cutting-edge news and personal stories as long as the production value is of high quality.
Always specify the production needs of your idea, including:
- concept summary;
- budget parameters;
- treatment summary;
- tape of talent; and
- tactical information on how it works for television.