Discovery Channel Joins Comcast Web VOD Service

SILVER SPRING/PHILADELPHIA: Shows such as Man vs. Wild and Storm Chasers from Discovery Channel have been added to Comcast’s On Demand Online, which launched as a technical trial last month.

The new content for the On Demand Online trial includes full-length episodes of some of Discovery Channel’s most popular shows. Beginning this week, the fourth season of Man vs. Wild and the world premiere of Swords will be available the day after they air on TV. Past episodes of Storm Chasers are also on the roster, and Verminators episodes will be available a week after their TV airing.

“Building on our long-standing relationship with Comcast, we are pleased to participate in the On Demand Online trial to create an online viewing solution that appeals to growing consumer demand for convenient access to their favorite programs while continuing to drive value for distributors, programmers and advertisers alike,” said Bill Goodwyn, the president of domestic distribution and enterprises for Discovery Communications. “We are excited to give fans of our shows more options to see our high-quality programming and this trial represents an important next step in those efforts. We are also committed to working with Comcast and across the industry to develop a consistent online model for consumers and a meaningful way to measure viewing across platforms.”

“We are pleased to partner with Discovery Communications to bring their content online to consumers and to further expand our On Demand Online offering,” added Matt Bond, the executive VP of content acquisition for Comcast. “The initial response we have received from customers participating in the On Demand Online trial has been overwhelmingly positive, and with the addition of popular networks such as Discovery Channel it will only get stronger. We are very excited about the future of this service and the increased access and flexibility it will bring to our customers.”

Comcast began its technical trial of On Demand Online in July with approximately 5,000 customers from across the U.S. The On Demand Online service will roll out in phases, adding new features, functionality and content over time. Discovery Channel is the 24th network to join On Demand Online. The service already includes content from channels such as HBO, CBS, A&E, BBC America, HISTORY, E! and TNT, among others.