Profit Soars at Discovery

SILVER SPRING: Second-quarter net profit at Discovery Communications rose from $43 million to $183 million, on revenues that were down slightly to $881 million, thanks to ratings increases at its U.S. network, increased international subscribers and cost cuts.

"Discovery’s second-quarter results demonstrate our ability to execute on our business plan and strategic initiatives in a difficult operating environment," said David Zaslav, the company’s president and CEO.

U.S. revenues were up 2 percent to $557 million, with distribution revenues up 5 percent to $247 million and ad revenues up 1 percent to $290 million. At the international networks, there was a 5-percent reduction in revenues to $283 million, with distribution revenues down 2 percent to $179 million and ad revenues down 13 percent to $78 million.