Channel Profile: Discovery en Español

PREMIUM: Discovery Communications’ flagship Spanish-language network in the U.S. is on the lookout for content that reflects issues affecting U.S. Hispanics today.

ON THE RECORD: BILAI JOA SILAR, VP & CHANNEL DIRECTOR
How do you schedule the channel from morning through late night, Monday through Sunday?
Monday through Friday prime-time programming is divided into five blocks:
7 p.m.: Investigation and forensics
8 p.m.: Wild Discovery (shows focused on animals and nature)
9 p.m.: Human adventure (includes stories of survival and adrenaline-fuelled shows)
10 p.m.: Real-life mysteries (includes paranormal activity and medical cases)
11 p.m.: Science and ingenuity (includes science, technology, innovation and ingenuity)
During the weekend we broadcast Discovery en Español’s top shows, including Destroyed in Seconds, Man vs. Wild, Against the Elements and Discovery Presents, among others.

Are you acquiring content from the international market?
Yes, we acquire some of our content from Latin America and the U.K.

Are you buying second-run content from within the U.S.?
We buy first-run content in Spanish only.

What is your approach to commissioning new productions from U.S. producers?
At Discovery en Español, we are always looking for shows with compelling story lines and unparalleled quality that tell stories on real world issues facing Hispanics today. Shows that deliver an immersive viewing experience, and provide both, information and entertainment. All ideas for new shows are processed through our portal: producers.discovery.com

Do you have any blocks or slots you are looking to fill?
We are always interested in new content that enrich the lives of the Hispanic community living in the U.S. We are particularly interested in paranormal and survival clip shows.