Discovery, Video International Group in Russian Advertising Deal

MOSCOW, November 8: Discovery
Networks in Europe, the Middle East and Africa has tapped Video International
Group as the exclusive representative for the sale of Discovery Channel’s
advertising airtime in Russia.

Airtime will be available from December this year. Discovery
Channel has already been present in the Russian market for nearly 10 years,
with TNS Gallup Media noting that the channel is received in 14.9 percent of
homes in the territory. According to TNS Gallup Media, 46 percent of upscale
men aged between 25 and 39 are aware of the Discovery Channel brand. Discovery
Channel and Animal Planet are now available in a broader package of channels in
both Moscow and St. Petersburg, while a recent agreement with JSC “Natsionalnye
Kabelniye Seti” has also boosted growth in the capital.

Zenith Optimedia research figures show that the advertising
market in Russia has been growing by around 30 percent per annum for the past
few years and the total advertising market is now worth approximately $6
billion per year.

“Our partnership with Video International allows us a great
platform to develop our business in Russia and offer a targeted, quality
advertising environment in the market,” said Mary Kallaher, the VP and country
manager for emerging markets at Discovery Networks EMEA. “Upscale, urban young
men with aspirational appetites and a love of life are keen viewers of the
channel, and a priority audience for many advertisers.”

—By Irene Lew