Discovery Launches Global Conservation Campaign

SILVER SPRING: Discovery Communications has launched a new global initiative focused on species conservation tied to the upcoming Discovery Channel documentary Racing Extinction.

In collaboration with Paul G. Allen’s Vulcan Productions and the Oceanic Preservation Society, the campaign will launch this fall with new content, a dedicated digital platform, an education curriculum and calls to action encouraging consumers to pledge their commitment to do “1 thing” to save the planet and its creatures. The Discovery Communications initiative also includes a partnership and media campaign with the U.S. Wildlife Trafficking Alliance to bolster species survival; a series of six original experiences across DISCOVERY VR, the company’s virtual reality product; and a global education initiative through Discovery Education, also produced in partnership with Vulcan.

The Racing Extinction documentary will debut on Discovery Channel in more than 220 markets on December 2. Allen is also an executive producer on the doc.

“Discovery Communications is a purpose-driven company,” said Discovery Communications President and CEO David Zaslav. “We have a legacy rooted in exploring and supporting our planet, which continues with the premiere of Racing Extinction and extends past it to the launch of this global campaign, empowering viewers to make a positive impact on the world. This cause is core to Discovery’s DNA and with half of the world’s species headed toward extinction, we have a role to play in spreading the message of this groundbreaking documentary and a critical responsibility to act; and that is exactly what we are doing. We’re starting with one thing, and we hope our viewers will too.”