Discovery Networks
7700 Wisconsin Ave.
Bethesda, MD 20814-3579
Do your homework for the producers on the Discovery Networks: they want concise, well-thought out pitches for their shows. The best place to get coverage here is on the Discovery Channel and Travel Channel because producers are the most open to ideas from PR. Keep in mind that some producers are not in-house Discovery staff, but from outside production companies. Producers from the upcoming Travel Channel (premiering Sept. 28) are easy to work with and even add a little humor to interviews. (Viewership: Animal Planet, 42.8 million; The Learning Channel, 66.8 million; Discovery, 75.1 million; Travel, 18.8 million. Demographics: Ages: 25-54).
Discovery Channel
Sections: The four broadcast segments of the Discovery Channel are natural history, science and technology, history and exploration.
Discovery News, a show on the developments in science, is co-produced with ABC in New York and airs Fridays at 9 p.m., EST.
Editors/Lead Time: Director of Program Development Tom Caliandro Phone: 301/771-4551
Lead Time: four to 18 months
Methods: Caliandro is weary about getting calls from PR execs who are not familiar with Discovery Channel programs. He says any ideas pitched to him usually are already news. Therefore, be frugal about what pitches you send him. No faxes; snail mail is best.
Comments: If you're interested in working with Caliandro and the Discovery Channel on a film project about a new technology or science product, you should align your client with a production company to get coverage.
Caliandro says he develops relationships with outside production companies to get film ideas and is more likely to accept an idea from PR in this fashion. Recent story: a live broadcast from the Titanic (the ship, not the movie).
Travel Daily
Sections: Premieres on the Travel Channel on Monday, Sept. 28, from 9-10 p.m. EST and airs nightly Monday through Friday. (Will also air weekdays from 4-5 p.m. and Saturdays and Sundays from 11a.m.-noon EST).
Covers budget-conscious, timesaving, travel decisions for business and pleasure.
Editors/Lead Time: Producer Russell Muth Fax: 323/466-6799 Phone: 323/860-6832 email: [email protected]
Lead Time: one week (depending on story) Methods: Muth filters all pitches to the appropriate producer(s).
Reach him in the morning (around 11:30 a.m. EST). He's open to all forms of communication, but warns against follow-up calls. If he likes the idea, he'll pursue it.
Comments: Producers for the show are great to speak with and have an amiable attitude toward PR. This show is for all types of travelers - from budget traveling to expensive vacations.
Pitches should be an inside look at travel, with personal, compelling stories from seasoned travelers. The producers also are interested in featuring celebrities' stories.
Look for a piece on "Maui without the brochure" and a regular feature on traveling with kids.
Contacts at the Discovery Networks
Main Number: 301/986-0444
Bob Reid
Executive Producer, Discovery News
301/771-4450
Jennifer Mendelis
Program Development Coordinator, Discovery News
301/771-4471(Prefers mail)
Nancy Jacoby
Executive Producer, Travel Daily
323/860-6800
Russell Muth
Producer, Travel Daily
323/860-6832
Jackie Pratt
Senior Producer, Travel Daily
323/860-6800
Tom Caliandro
Director of Program Development
Discovery Channel