Discovery, Inc.#Discovery Networks International

{{Infobox company

| name = Discovery, Inc.

| logo = Discovery logo 2021.svg

| logo_caption = Final logo, used from 2018 to 2022

| type = Public

| traded_as = {{ubl|{{NASDAQ was|DISCA}} (Series A)|{{NASDAQ was|DISCB}} (Series B)|{{NASDAQ was|DISCK}} (Series C)}}

| predecessors = Discovery Holding Company
Scripps Networks Interactive

| former_names = Cable Educational Network Inc. (1982–1994)
Discovery Communications, Inc. (1994–2018)

| founder = John Hendricks{{cite web|title=John S. Hendricks|url=https://wvstatemuseumed.wv.gov/John%20hendricks.html|access-date=2021-09-13|website=wvstatemuseumed.wv.gov}}{{citation needed|date=July 2018}}

| area_served = Worldwide

| key_people = {{Plainlist|

Robert Miron (chairman)
David Zaslav (president and CEO)

}}

| industry = Mass media

| products = Factual television

| revenue = {{decrease}} {{US$|10.671 billion|link=yes}}

| revenue_year = 2020

| operating_income = {{increase}} US$2.515 billion

| income_year = 2020

| net_income = {{decrease}} US$1.355 billion

| net_income_year = 2020

| assets = {{increase}} US$34.087 billion

| assets_year = 2020

| equity = {{increase}} US$12.000 billion

| equity_year = 2020

| num_employees = 9,800

| num_employees_year = 2020

| divisions = {{Plainlist|

Discovery Networks U.S.
Discovery Networks International
Discovery Education
Discovery Studios
Discovery Global Enterprises
Discovery Golf

}}

| subsid = {{Plainlist|

Eurosport
All3Media (50% with Liberty Global)
Motor Trend Group (JV with Source Interlink)
Play Sports Group

}}

| founded = {{Plainlist|

{{Start date and age|1982}} (Cable Educational Network)
{{Start date and age|1994}} (Discovery Communications)

}}

| defunct = {{end date and age|2022|04|08}}

| fate = Merged with WarnerMedia to form Warner Bros. Discovery.

| successor = Warner Bros. Discovery

| hq_location = 230 Park Avenue South

| hq_location_city = New York City, New York

| hq_location_country = United States

| website = {{URL|https://web.archive.org/web/20181126050911/https://corporate.discovery.com/|corporate.discovery.com}}
{{small|(archived November 26, 2018)}}

| footnotes = Financials {{as of|2019|12|31|df=US|lc=y}}.{{Cite web |title=Discovery Selects 230 Park Avenue South As New Global Headquarters – Discovery, Inc. |url=https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-selects-230-park-avenue-south-as-new-global-headquarters/ |access-date=June 28, 2022 |website=corporate.discovery.com}}{{cite web|url=https://www.sec.gov/ix?doc=/Archives/edgar/data/1437107/000143710720000006/disca-2019123110kq4.htm |title=US SEC: 2019 Form 10-K Discovery, Inc. |publisher=U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission |date=February 26, 2020 |access-date=January 30, 2021}}{{cite web |title=Discovery 10-K 2020 |url=https://ir.corporate.discovery.com/static-files/44d7d823-3ff1-4525-bfbf-91b3b6966bca |website=Discovery |access-date=26 February 2021 }}{{Dead link|date=March 2022 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}{{cite web |title=Discovery Selects 230 Park Avenue South As New Global Headquarters

|url=https://corporate.discovery.com/discovery-newsroom/discovery-selects-230-park-avenue-south-as-new-global-headquarters/ |website=Discovery |access-date=15 September 2021}}

}}

Discovery, Inc. was an American multinational mass media factual television conglomerate based in New York City. Established in 1982, the company operated a group of factual and lifestyle television brands, such as the namesake Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Science Channel, and TLC. In 2018, the company acquired Scripps Networks Interactive, adding networks such as Food Network, HGTV, and Travel Channel to its portfolio. Since the purchase, Discovery described itself as serving members of "passionate" audiences, and also placed a focus on streaming services built around its properties.

Discovery owned or had interests in local versions of its channel brands in international markets, in addition to its other major regional operations such as Eurosport (a pan-European group of sports channels, most prominently the rightsholder of the Olympic Games throughout most of Europe), GolfTV (an international golf-focused streaming service, which is the international digital rightsholder of the PGA Tour), Discovery Communications Nordic (which operates general-interest channels in Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Finland), TVN Group in Poland, and a portfolio of various free-to-air channels in Germany, Italy, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom.

In May 2021, AT&T announced its proposal to merge its media subsidiary WarnerMedia with Discovery, Inc. The transaction was approved by the European Commission (EC) in December 2021 and was completed on April 8, 2022, forming Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD).

History

File:Discovery and buses in Silver Spring.jpg]]

The company was established in 1982 in Landover, Maryland as the Cable Educational Network. Its namesake and flagship brand, Discovery Channel, first launched on June 17, 1985.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1985/06/16/movies/cable-tv-notes-a-channel-with-a-difference.html?&pagewanted=all|title=CABLE TV NOTES; A CHANNEL WITH A DIFFERENCE|date=June 16, 1985|work=The New York Times | first=Steve | last=Schneider | access-date=May 1, 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963577,00.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080417014020/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,963577,00.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 17, 2008|title=Television: The Russians Are Coming|date=February 23, 1987|publisher=Time}} In 1991, Discovery Channel's owners acquired The Learning Channel.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1991/04/02/business/the-media-business-discovery-to-buy-a-channel.html|title=Discovery to Buy a Channel|date=April 2, 1991|work=The New York Times}} Three years later, Cable Educational Network was renamed Discovery Communications.

In October 1996, Discovery launched several new spin-off networks, including Animal Planet, and the digital cable channels Discovery Kids, Discovery Travel & Living, Discovery Civilization, and Science Channel. This was followed by the 1997 purchase of a 70% stake in Travel Channel, and the 1998 launches of Discovery en Español, Discovery Wings, and Discovery Health Channel.{{cite book|last=Parsons|first=Patrick|title=Blue Skies: A History of Cable Television|date=2008|publisher=Temple University Press|location=Philadelphia|isbn=978-1592137060}}{{cite web|title=Digital Play in the U.S. of A|url=http://realscreen.com/1999/04/01/25107-19990401/3/|last=Kirchdoerffer|first=Ed|access-date=September 23, 2014|work=Realscreen|date=April 1, 1999}}{{cite web|title=Discovery seeks 70% interest in Travel Channel Paxson Communications would get $20 million|url=https://www.baltimoresun.com/1997/09/11/discovery-seeks-70-interest-in-travel-channel-paxson-communications-would-get-20-million-cable-tv/|website=Baltimore Sun|access-date=April 30, 2017|archive-date=September 20, 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170920141708/http://articles.baltimoresun.com/1997-09-11/business/1997254015_1_travel-channel-discovery-communications-communications-operates|url-status=live}} Also in 1998, Discovery acquired a stake in the struggling CBS Eye on People channel; Discovery eventually acquired the remainder of CBS's stake, leading to its January 1999 relaunch as Discovery People.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/07/28/business/the-media-business-discovery-to-buy-50-stake-in-cbs-eye-on-people-channel.html|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; Discovery to Buy 50% Stake In CBS Eye On People Channel|last=Carter|first=Bill|work=The New York Times|date=July 28, 1998|access-date=March 6, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/1998/12/31/business/the-media-business-cbs-is-selling-stake-in-venture.html|title=THE MEDIA BUSINESS; CBS Is Selling Stake in Venture|work=The New York Times|date=December 31, 1998|access-date=March 6, 2014}} The network quietly folded in 2000, being replaced by other Discovery channels on providers.{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2000/tv/news/discovery-people-fades-out-1117778836/|title=Discovery People fades out|date=February 28, 2000|publisher=Variety}}

On September 1, 2001, Discovery Communications bought The Health Channel, and announced that it would be re-branded as FitTV.{{cite web|title=Discovery Finds That FitTV Was Best Fit After All |url=http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA329062.html |website=Multichannel News |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20041205142306/http://www.multichannel.com/article/CA329062.html |archive-date=December 5, 2004 |url-status=dead }} In 2002, Discovery relaunched Discovery Civilization as Discovery Times, as part of a joint venture with The New York Times.{{cite news|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/orphan-articles/civilization-seeks-current-affairs-niche/143208|title='Civilization' Seeks Current-Affairs Niche|date=November 4, 2002|work=Multichannel News}} In June 2002, coinciding with Discovery's 17th anniversary, the company launched a 24/7 high definition channel known as Discovery HD Theater.{{cite web|title=Discovery to launch 24-hr HDTV channel in June|url=http://www.broadcastermagazine.com/broadcasting/discovery-to-launch-24-hr-hdtv-channel-in-june/1000025376/|website=Broadcaster Magazine|access-date=April 29, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=January 2019 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }} In 2003, Discovery Communications moved its headquarters from Bethesda to Silver Spring.{{Cite news| issn = 0190-8286| title = Silver Spring Hails Discovery's Opening| newspaper = The Washington Post| access-date = 2018-11-28| date = 2003-04-01| url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/archive/local/2003/04/01/silver-spring-hails-discoverys-opening/f7017389-1f7f-40d3-8f61-fb90b50bb9cc/}} In 2003 and 2004, Discovery acquired academic film companies such as AGC, AIMS Multimedia, and Clearvue & SVE to form Discovery Education, which is now led by Jeremy Cowdrey, former CEO of Imagine Learning.{{Cite book |title=Academic Films for the Classroom: A History |last=Alexander |first=Geoff |year=2010 |publisher=McFarland & Co. |location=Jefferson |pages=65–66; 76–77 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=wLMxASznLzoC&pg=PA65 |isbn=9780786458707 |oclc=601049093 |access-date=18 September 2014}}{{cite press release| title = Discovery Communications Announces Acquisition of AIMS Multimedia; Deal Strengthens Discovery's Positions in the Education Technology Market| access-date = 2019-03-14| date = 2004-08-16| url = https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20040816005148/en/Discovery-Communications-Announces-Acquisition-AIMS-Multimedia-Deal}}{{cite web |date=2018-02-28 |title=Discovery Education soon to be in the hands of a new owner |url=https://edscoop.com/discovery-education-soon-to-be-in-the-hands-of-a-new-owner/ |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180305042732/http://edscoop.com/discovery-education-soon-to-be-in-the-hands-of-a-new-owner |archive-date=2018-03-05 |access-date=2019-08-02 |website=EdScoop |language=en}} In 2019, Discovery Communications moved its headquarters to New York City,{{Cite news| issn = 0190-8286| title = Discovery Communications Is on the Move| work = Broadcasting & Cable| access-date = 2019-05-05| date = 2018-06-14| url = https://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/discovery-communications-move-171086}} keeping 300 employees in a smaller hub in Silver Spring.{{Cite news| issn = 0190-8286| title = Discovery inks deal for new Silver Spring hub| work = Washington Business Journal| access-date = 2019-05-05| date = 2018-09-06| url = https://www.bizjournals.com/washington/news/2018/09/06/discovery-inks-deal-for-new-silver-spring-hub.html}}

= Zaslav era =

Former NBCUniversal executive David Zaslav was named president and CEO of Discovery Communications on November 16, 2006.{{cite news| url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2006/11/16/AR2006111600607.html | newspaper=The Washington Post | first=Frank | last=Ahrens | title=Discovery Appoints New Chief | date=November 17, 2006}} In the years that followed, Zaslav placed a major focus on bolstering Discovery's core networks, programming, and expanding the company's reach into digital media. He described these goals as reflecting an expansion into becoming a "content company" rather than just a "cable company".{{cite web|url=https://www.mediapost.com/publications/article/81311/zaslav-holds-to-growth-plan-at-discovery.html|title=Zaslav Holds To Growth Plan At Discovery|website=Mediapost|language=en|access-date=2019-04-15}}

In March 2007, Discovery sold its stake in Travel Channel back to Cox Communications, in exchange for the stake in Discovery that Cox owned.{{cite web|title=Update: Discovery Buys Out Cox, Gives Up Travel Channel|url=http://www.broadcastingcable.com/news/programming/update-discovery-buys-out-cox-gives-travel-channel/30335|website=Broadcasting & Cable|date=March 29, 2007 |access-date=April 30, 2017}} Cox would later sell the controlling interest in the channel to Scripps Networks Interactive in 2009.{{cite web|title=Scripps Networks Takes Full Control of Travel Channel|url=https://variety.com/2016/tv/news/scripps-networks-travel-channel-1201715266/|website=Variety|date=February 25, 2016 |access-date=April 30, 2017}} In June 2008, Discovery Home was replaced by Planet Green, a network devoted primarily to environmentalism and sustainable living.{{cite web|title=Planet Green Moves Away From Its Eco Theme|url=https://mediadecoder.blogs.nytimes.com/2010/03/10/planet-green-moves-away-from-its-eco-theme/?_r=0|website=The New York Times| date=March 10, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2017}}

In 2007, according to Crunchbase, TreeHugger was acquired by Discovery Communications on August 1, 2007, for $10 million.{{citation needed|date=June 2021}}{{Verify source|date=June 2020}} In 2012, Mother Nature Network, founded by Joel Babbit and Chuck Leavell (now Narrative Content Group) acquired TreeHugger.{{Update inline|reason=Both TreeHugger and Mother Nature Network were acquired by Dotdash, but the www.bloomberg.com source does not display correctly (see Dotdash article).|date=June 2020}}

On January 15, 2008, Discovery announced that it had entered into a joint venture with Oprah Winfrey's Harpo Productions to relaunch Discovery Health as a new service, OWN: The Oprah Winfrey Network, in 2009.{{cite news|title=Discovery, Winfrey to Team Up On Network|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/15/AR2008011501562.html|newspaper=Washington Post|access-date=April 29, 2017}} In 2008, Discovery Times was relaunched as Investigation Discovery, a new brand that would be dedicated to true crime programs and documentaries.{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2007/11/26/AR2007112602027.html|title=Discovery Hopes for Payoff on Crime Channel |newspaper=The Washington Post|date=November 27, 2007|first=Frank|last=Ahrens}} The company also formed its Emerging Networks Group, and named Clark Bunting as president{{cite web|date=February 11, 2008|title=Bunting Elevated To Lead Discovery's Emerging Networks Group|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/bunting-elevated-lead-discovery-s-emerging-networks-group-376701|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Multichannel News|language=en}} and Clint Stinchcomb as executive vice president and general manager.{{cite web|date=March 15, 2007|title=Discovery Names Campbell Digital President|url=https://www.nexttv.com/news/discovery-names-campbell-digital-president-367059|access-date=2021-01-22|website=Multichannel News|language=en}} On April 30, 2009, Discovery announced a joint venture with Hasbro to relaunch Discovery Kids as a new youth- and family-oriented entertainment channel.{{cite web|url=http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/entertainmentnewsbuzz/2010/01/discovery-and-hasbro-name-new-kids-channel-the-hub.html|title=Discovery and Hasbro Name New Kids Channel "The Hub"|last=Flint|first=Joe|work=Los Angeles Times|date=January 14, 2010|access-date=September 23, 2014}}{{cite news|url=https://variety.com/2009/scene/markets-festivals/hasbro-nabs-discovery-kids-stake-1118003029/|title=Hasbro Nabs Discovery Kids Stake|last=Schneider|first=Michael|date=April 30, 2009|work=Variety|access-date=May 1, 2009|url-status=live|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090502021326/http://www.variety.com/article/VR1118003029.html?categoryid=14&cs=1|archive-date=2009-05-02}} The channel, ultimately named The Hub, launched on October 10, 2010.{{cite news|url=http://www.post-gazette.com/pg/10283/1091189-67.stm|last=Owens|first=Rob|title=Tuned In: The Hub Network Offers Programs for Younger Children|date=October 10, 2010|access-date=October 10, 2010|work=Pittsburgh Post-Gazette}}{{cite news|title=A Children's Channel Retools|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/10/11/business/media/11adco.html?_r=0|access-date=October 13, 2014|work=The New York Times|date=October 10, 2010}} After multiple delays, OWN officially launched on January 1, 2011.{{cite web|title=Oprah costs Discovery a fortune|url=https://nypost.com/2010/08/04/oprah-costs-discovery-a-fortune/|website=New York Post|date=August 4, 2010 |access-date=April 30, 2017}}{{cite web|title=Oprah Winfrey's OWN network lineup will aim to offer 'mindful television'|url=https://nationalpost.com/oprah+winfrey+network+lineup+will+offer+mindful+television/4046078/story.html|website=National Post|access-date=April 30, 2017}}{{Dead link|date=February 2024 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

On March 17, 2009, Discovery Communications sued Amazon.com for patent infringement by its Kindle e-reader line, regarding "secure distribution of electronic text and graphics to subscribers and secure storage". The patents were originally developed by Discovery founder John Hendricks, who had been developing technologies related to e-books and the digitization of television programs. While Discovery had divested the television-related patents, it retained the e-book patents.{{Cite news|url=https://www.cnet.com/news/discovery-hits-amazon-with-kindle-patent-suit/|title=Discovery hits Amazon with Kindle patent suit|work=CNET|access-date=September 18, 2017|language=en}} Amazon subsequently accused Discovery of violating a patent for an "Internet-based customer referral system";{{Cite news|url=https://arstechnica.com/tech-policy/2009/05/amazon-discovery-is-infringing-on-our-patents-too/|title=Amazon: Discovery is infringing on our patents, too!|work=Ars Technica|access-date=September 18, 2017|language=en-us}} The two parties settled in 2011.{{cite web|url=https://www.law360.com/articles/285762/amazon-discovery-end-ip-battle-over-kindle-e-commerce|title=Amazon, Discovery End IP Battle Over Kindle, E-Commerce|website=Law360|language=en|access-date=September 18, 2017}}

On October 4, 2011, due to the wider implementation of high-definition feeds for mainstream cable channels, HD Theater was relaunched as Velocity, a new "upscale male" network focusing on automotive programming.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2011/07/tca-discovery-sets-launch-date-for-velocity-adds-big-names-to-curiosity-preps-science-channels-trek-nation-151509/|title=TCA: Discovery Sets Launch Date For Velocity, Adds Big Names to 'Curiosity', Preps Science Channel's 'Trek Nation', Introduces 'Weed' Team|last=Richmond|first=Ray|date=July 29, 2011|work=Deadline Hollywood}}{{cite web|title=Discovery Launches Velocity Channel, Aimed at Rich Men|url=http://www.adweek.com/news/television/discovery-launches-velocity-channel-aimed-rich-men-130717|work=Adweek|author=D.M. Levine|date=April 18, 2011}}{{cite web|last=Lawler|first=Richard|title=Discovery HD Theater is becoming Velocity, focuses on programming for 'upscale male audience'|url=https://www.engadget.com/2011/04/14/discovery-hd-theater-is-becoming-velocity-focuses-on-programmin/|work=Engadget|date=April 14, 2011}} On May 26, 2012, Planet Green (which had begun to abandon its original concept in 2010 due to poor viewership) was relaunched as Destination America.{{cite web|title=Discovery Communications Replaces Planet Green With Destination America|url=http://www.adweek.com/tv-video/discovery-communications-replaces-planet-green-destination-america-139398/|website=Adweek|access-date=April 30, 2017}}

In January 2014, Discovery launched Curiosity, a website that aggregates online education content.{{cite news |title=Discovery unveils Curiosity.com to inspire everyday learning |first=Rebecca |last=Grant |date=January 14, 2014 |work=VentureBeat |url=https://venturebeat.com/2014/01/14/discovery-unveils-curiosity-com-to-inspire-everyday-learning-exclusive/ }}

In April 2014, Discovery made an investment and strategic partnership with Dog TV, a television network made specifically for dogs.{{Cite news|date=2014-04-08|title=Discovery Acquires Stake in DogTV, a Network Aimed at Canine Viewers|language=en|work=Variety|url=https://variety.com/2014/digital/news/discovery-acquires-stake-in-dogtv-a-network-aimed-at-canine-viewers-1201154216|access-date=2021-11-09}}

In May 2014, Discovery and its shareholder Liberty Media acquired British television studio All3Media for $930 million in a 50/50 joint venture. The new ownership stated that All3Media would be operated as an independent company.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2014/05/discovery-and-liberty-global-agree-to-930m-deal-for-all3media-726731/|title=Discovery And Liberty Global Agree To $930M Deal For All3Media|date=May 8, 2014|work=Deadline|access-date=September 18, 2017|language=en-US}} In October 2014, Discovery acquired controlling interest in Hub Network from Hasbro and re-branded it as Discovery Family.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/hub-rebrand-as-discovery-family-735656|title=The Hub to Rebrand as Discovery Family Channel as Discovery Takes Control|last=Szalai|first=Georg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=September 25, 2014|access-date=September 25, 2014}}{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/discovery-to-take-control-of-the-hub-network-1410979842|title=Discovery to Take Control of Hub Children's Network|last1=Flint|first1=Joe|last2=Hagey|first2=Keach|last3=Ziobro|first3=Paul|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=September 17, 2014|access-date=September 17, 2014}} During the same month of that year, Discovery Communications announced a special dividend of shares of the company's Series C common stock payable to holders of record of the company's Series A common stock, Series B common stock and Series C common stock as of the close of business on July 28, 2014. As a result of the dividend, each holder of a share of the company's Series A common stock, Series B common stock or Series C common stock will receive one additional share of the company's Series C common stock on or about August 6, 2014.{{Cite press release|url=http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/discovery-communications-announces-special-dividend-of-series-c-common-stock-260007071.html|title=Discovery Communications Announces Special Dividend of Series C Common Stock|publisher=Discovery Communications|website=www.prnewswire.com|access-date=May 11, 2016}} In November 2014, Curiosity was spun out as a venture-funded startup, receiving $6 million in funding.{{Cite news|url=https://www.chicagotribune.com/bluesky/originals/chi-curiosity-spinoff-funding-discovery-communications-bsi-20141111-story.html|title=Chicago-based Curiosity spins off from Discovery, raises $6 million|last=Elahi|first=Amina|work=Chicago Tribune|access-date=2018-03-07|language=en-US}}

In November 2015, Discovery Communications and Liberty Global paid approximately $195 million for a 3.4% stake in Lionsgate Entertainment with Discovery CEO David Zaslav joining the Lionsgate board of directors as part of the acquisition.{{cite web| url=https://www.latimes.com/entertainment/envelope/cotown/la-et-ct-lionsgate-sells-stake-to-john-malones-companies-discovery-liberty-global-20151110-story.html| title=Lionsgate sells 6.8% stake to John Malone's Liberty Global| author=Meg James, Ryan Faughnder| date=November 10, 2015| work=Los Angeles Times| access-date=September 9, 2016}}{{cite web| url=https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2016-06-30/malone-may-have-bigger-plans-beyond-lions-gate-purchase-of-starz| title=Malone May Have Bigger Plans Beyond Lionsgate Purchase of Starz| author=Gerry Smith| date=June 30, 2016| publisher=Bloomberg| access-date=September 9, 2016}}{{cite news| url=https://www.nytimes.com/2015/11/11/business/dealbook/liberty-global-and-discovery-communications-take-stakes-in-lions-gate.html| title=Liberty Global Take Stakes in Lions Gate| author=Michael J. de la Marced| date=November 10, 2015| work=The New York Times| access-date=September 9, 2016}} In December 2015, Discovery launched Discovery Go, a TV Everywhere service offering access to live streaming and on-demand content from Discovery Communications' cable networks.{{cite web|title=Discovery Bows TV Everywhere App|url=http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/discovery-bows-tv-everywhere-app/395629|website=Multichannel News|access-date=January 8, 2016|archive-date=December 3, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151203203209/http://www.multichannel.com/news/content/discovery-bows-tv-everywhere-app/395629|url-status=dead}}

In May 2016, Discovery initiated a restructuring plan aiming to save $40 to $60 million by the third quarter of 2016, including a shift in strategy to "maximize" its linear television business whilst plotting larger investments in content, digital media, sports, and international markets.{{Cite news|url=http://realscreen.com/2016/05/05/discovery-initiates-restructuring-plan-reports-higher-q1-earnings/|title=Discovery initiates restructuring plan, reports higher Q1 earnings|work=Realscreen|access-date=September 18, 2017}} In August 2016, Discovery purchased a minority stake in the Hong Kong-based digital talent and content company VS Media; Discovery intended to have VS distribute Discovery Digital Networks content in China, and to offer their own resources to VS.{{cite web|url=http://realscreen.com/2016/08/02/discovery-reports-q2-profit-rise-invests-in-chinese-mcn/|title=Discovery reports Q2 profit rise, invests in Chinese MCN|last=Ritchie|first=Kevin|access-date=August 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=http://www.fool.com/investing/2016/08/02/discovery-communications-inc-tunes-in-to-higher-pr.aspx|title=Discovery Communications Inc. Tunes In to Higher Profits – The Motley Fool|last=Kalogeropoulos|first=Demitrios|date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-takes-stake-chinese-digital-916394|title=Discovery Takes Stake in Chinese Digital Talent Firm VS Media|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=August 2, 2016 |access-date=August 5, 2016}}

In October 2016, Discovery purchased a minority stake in Group Nine Media, a digital media holding company consisting of Thrillist Media Group, NowThis, The Dodo and Discovery's digital network Seeker—for $100 million. The transaction gave Discovery an option to acquire a majority stake at a later date.{{cite web|url=http://fortune.com/2016/10/13/discovery-digital-media-venture/|title=Discovery Is Investing $100 Million in This Digital Media Venture|date=October 13, 2016|website=Fortune|access-date=October 19, 2016}}{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2016/digital/news/discovery-thrillist-nowthis-dodo-merger-1201887821/|title=Discovery Investing $100 Million to Merge Thrillist, NowThis, The Dodo in New Digital Venture|first=Todd|last=Spangler|date=October 13, 2016|work=Variety|access-date=November 28, 2016}}

= Acquisition of Scripps Networks Interactive =

On July 31, 2017, Discovery announced it would acquire Scripps Networks Interactive, owner of networks such as Food Network, HGTV, and DIY Network, for $14.6 billion, pending regulatory approval.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-acquire-scripps-networks-146-billion-1022433|title=Discovery to Acquire Scripps Networks for $14.6 Billion|last=Szalai|first=Georg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=July 31, 2017 |access-date=September 18, 2017}} On March 6, 2018, the acquisition was completed, with the company renamed as Discovery, Inc. afterwards. Following the purchase, SNI shareholders owned 20% of Discovery's stock.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-closes-scripps-acquisition-creating-nonscripted-content-giant-1072832|title=Discovery Closes Scripps Acquisition, Creating Non-scripted Content Giant|last=Szalai|first=Georg|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=March 6, 2018|access-date=March 6, 2018}} Discovery retained an operational hub in SNI's home city of Knoxville, but planned to move its corporate headquarters from Silver Spring, Maryland, where it had operated since 2003, to New York City in late-2019.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/discovery-communications-headquarters-new-york-city-1202658421/|title=Discovery Communications to Shift Headquarters to New York City|last=Steinberg|first=Brian|date=January 9, 2018|work=Variety|access-date=January 9, 2018}}

Discovery's brands were reorganized into two groups under different chief brand officers: SNI's chief programmer Kathleen Finch became chief brand officer of Lifestyle, overseeing TLC, the six former Scripps channels, and Discovery's other lifestyle networks. Rich Ross, who formerly served as group president of Discovery and Science, stepped down, and would be replaced by TLC president Nancy Daniels as chief brand officer of Discovery & Factual.{{cite web |last=Hipes |first=Patrick |date=March 1, 2018 |title=Rich Ross Out At Discovery In Exec Shakeup; Scripps' Kathleen Finch Adds To Oversight |url=https://deadline.com/2018/03/discovery-scripps-executive-shakeup-rich-ross-out-kathleen-finch-1202307333/ |access-date=March 2, 2018 |work=Deadline Hollywood}}

An on-air result of the acquisition were multiple programs featuring crossovers between TLC and Scripps talent, such as the Food Network series Buddy vs. Duff (a cake design competition series starring Buddy Valastro and Duff Goldman of the TLC and Food Network programs Cake Boss and Ace of Cakes), and a revival of TLC's While You Were Out incorporating HGTV personalities.{{Cite web |last=Littleton |first=Cynthia |date=2018-10-29 |title=TLC and HGTV to Revive 'While You Were Out' as Crossover Series Tailored for Both Channels (EXCLUSIVE) |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/while-you-were-out-hgtv-tlc-revival-1203006824/ |access-date=2019-03-11 |website=Variety |language=en}}{{Cite web |title=TLC, HGTV's crossover reboot "While You Were Out" gets March premiere date |url=http://realscreen.com/2019/02/07/tlc-hgtvs-crossover-reboot-while-you-were-out-gets-march-premiere-date/ |access-date=2019-03-11 |work=Realscreen}}

On August 3, 2017, Discovery announced that it would contribute Velocity into a joint venture with the digital, live events, and direct-to-consumer businesses of automotive publisher TEN: The Enthusiast Network. Discovery will hold a majority stake in the venture; it will not include TEN's print brands, but there will be opportunities for cross-promotion.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2017/08/discovery-communications-partners-ten-network-auto-portfolio-1202141715/|title=Discovery Communications Partners With TEN Network For Auto Portfolio|last=Evans|first=Greg|date=August 3, 2017|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=September 18, 2017}} In April 2018, it was announced that TEN had been renamed Motor Trend Group, and that Velocity would be re-branded as an extension of its namesake magazine Motor Trend.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2018/04/discovery-rebrands-velocity-motor-trend-network-1202361557/|title=Discovery Rebrands Velocity As Motor Trend Network|last=Petski|first=Denise|date=2018-04-10|work=Deadline|access-date=2018-04-20|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.multichannel.com/news/discovery-launches-motor-trend-demand-uk-amazon-channels-417159|title=Discovery Launches 'Motor Trend On Demand' in UK on Amazon Channels|work=Multichannel|access-date=2018-04-20|language=en-us}}

In December 2017, Discovery announced that it would acquire an additional 24.5% stake in OWN that it did not already own, for $70 million. Oprah Winfrey will remain as CEO of OWN, and extended her exclusivity agreement with the network and Discovery through 2025. Harpo Productions retains a "significant minority stake" in the venture.{{Cite news|url=https://deadline.com/2017/12/discovery-communications-ups-stake-in-own-70-million-harpo-deal-oprah-winfrey-extends-contract-through-2025-1202219668/|title=Discovery Communications Ups Stake In OWN Via $70 Million Harpo Deal, Oprah Winfrey Extends Contract Through 2025|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=December 4, 2017|work=Deadline Hollywood|access-date=January 9, 2018}} In February 2018, Discovery sold a majority stake in Discovery Education to the private equity firm Francisco Partners.{{cite web| title = Discovery Education to Find a New Owner in SF Private Equity Firm – EdSurge News| work = EdSurge| access-date = 2019-03-14| date = 2018-02-27| url = https://www.edsurge.com/news/2018-02-27-discovery-education-to-find-a-new-owner-in-sf-private-equity-firm}}

= Focus on direct-to-consumer services =

During its 2018 upfronts, Zaslav stated that the company was now strongly focused on serving "passionate fans and passionate audiences", and was preparing to increase its focus on direct-to-consumer offerings targeting such audiences. The SNI purchase, Eurosport's Olympics rights, and the aforementioned Motor Trend-branded network were described as being examples of this strategy.{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/discovery-motor-trend-network-scripps-food-network-hgtv-upfront-1202748812/|title=Discovery Rebrands Velocity as Motor Trend Network (EXCLUSIVE)|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=2018-04-10|website=Variety|language=en|access-date=2019-10-27}} Food Network Kitchen would also launch in 2019, with a focus on live and on-demand cooking classes.{{cite web|url=https://techcrunch.com/2019/10/22/food-network-kitchen-brings-live-interactive-cooking-classes-to-echo-show-fire-tv-more/|title=Food Network Kitchen brings live, interactive cooking classes to Echo Show, Fire TV & more|website=TechCrunch|date=October 22, 2019|language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-29}}

In June 2018, Discovery announced a 12-year agreement to acquire the international media rights to the PGA Tour, with plans to develop an international streaming service to house these rights.{{cite news |last1=Clarke |first1=Stewart |title=Discovery Inks International Deal for PGA Tour Golf Rights |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/pga-tour-golf-discovery-takes-international-rights-1202829084/ |access-date=May 13, 2019 |work=Variety |date=June 4, 2018 |language=en}} The service was officially announced in October 2018 as GolfTV, with Eurosport executive vice president Alex Kaplan named the president and general manager of Discovery Golf.{{Cite news |url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/discovery-unveils-golftv-streaming-brand-1202987918/|title=Discovery and PGA Tour Tee Up 'GolfTV' Streaming Brand for 2019 Launch |last=Clarke |first=Stewart |date=22 October 2018 |work=Variety |access-date=6 February 2019 |df=mdy-all}} Former Amazon executive Peter Faricy, who was named Discovery's chief executive of global direct-to-consumer operations in August 2018, considered GolfTV consistent with the aforementioned strategy, as golf was one of several sports "where people's passions and their interest in participating and learning more becomes a core part of their life."{{cite news |last1=Connolly |first1=Eoin |title=Going deep with Discovery: Peter Faricy on building GolfTV and global digital platforms for fans |url=http://www.sportspromedia.com/from-the-magazine/discovery-golftv-ott-platform-peter-faricy-interview |access-date=May 13, 2019 |work=Sports Pro |date=March 26, 2019 |language=en}}

With Discovery choosing 230 Park Avenue South as its new New York City headquarters, Discovery sold its former Silver Spring headquarters to Foulger-Pratt and Cerberus Capital Management in September 2018, and leased a smaller space at nearby 8403 Colesville Road.{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/business-finance/2018/09/discoverys-silver-spring-headquarters-sells/|title=Discovery's Silver Spring headquarters sells|date=2018-09-06|website=WTOP|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14}}{{cite web|url=https://wtop.com/business-finance/2018/09/discovery-leases-silver-spring-space-for-new-maryland-operations/|title=Discovery leases Silver Spring space for new Md. operations|date=2018-09-06|website=WTOP|language=en|access-date=2020-01-14}}{{cite web|last=Diegel|first=Mike|date=2018-09-06|title=Discovery Sells Silver Spring Headquarters Building|url=https://www.sourceofthespring.com/silver-spring/discovery-sells-silver-spring-headquarters-building/|access-date=2020-10-12|website=Source of the Spring|language=en-US}}

In November 2018, Chip and Joanna Gaines of the former HGTV series Fixer Upper announced on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, that they were in early talks to form a "lifestyle focused media network" with Discovery named after their personal company Magnolia. It was reported that Discovery had considered rebranding either DIY Network or Great American Country as this new channel.{{Cite news|url=https://variety.com/2018/tv/news/chip-and-joanna-gaines-discovery-channel-launch-1203025404/|title=Chip and Joanna Gaines in Talks With Discovery for Linear Channel and Streaming Platform|last=Littleton|first=Cynthia|date=2018-11-10|work=Variety|access-date=2018-11-21|language=en-US}}{{Cite news|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/life/tv/2018/11/10/chip-and-joanna-gaines-announce-theyre-coming-back-tv/1956227002/|title=Chip and Joanna Gaines announce a new TV network with Discovery: 'We are excited to be back'|work=USA Today|access-date=2018-11-18|language=en}} In April 2019, Discovery confirmed its Magnolia joint venture, which is scheduled to launch in 2020 and replace DIY Network, with an over-the-top subscription component to launch later.{{cite web|url=https://www.thewrap.com/chip-and-joanna-gaines-magnolia-channel-diy-fixer-upper/|title=DIY to Be Rebranded as Chip and Joanna Gaines' New Discovery Network |date=2019-04-10 |website=TheWrap |language=en-US|access-date=2019-10-27}} Magnolia Network was originally scheduled to launch on October 4, 2020,{{cite magazine |last1=Romano |first1=Nick |title=Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia cable network set to launch this fall |url=https://ew.com/tv/2020/01/16/chip-joanna-gaines-magnolia-cable-network-october-2020-launch/ |access-date=January 17, 2020 |magazine=Entertainment Weekly |publisher=Meredith Corp |date=January 16, 2020 |language=en}} but it was postponed to 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.{{cite news|last=Gelman|first=Vlada|date=21 April 2020|title=TVLine Items: Chip & Joanna's Network Delayed, NOS4A2's New Date and More|publisher=TVLine|url=https://tvline.com/2020/04/21/chip-joanna-gaines-magnolia-network-launch-delayed/|access-date=22 April 2020}} It was also announced that Fixer Upper would be revived for the new channel.{{cite press release|url=http://thefutoncritic.com/news/2020/08/04/chip-and-joanna-gaines-magnolia-network-announces-return-of-hit-series-fixer-upper-expands-original-programming-slate-107114/20200804magnolia01/|title=Chip and Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Network Announces Return of Hit Series Fixer Upper, Expands Original Programming Slate|publisher=Magnolia Network|via=The Futon Critic|date=August 4, 2020|access-date=August 4, 2020}}

In January 2019, Discovery increased its ownership of Play Sports Group, operator of the YouTube channel Global Cycling Network, to 71%. Discovery previously acquired a 20% share in 2017.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/discovery-nabs-majority-stake-cycling-platform-play-sports-group-1174500|title=Discovery Nabs Majority Stake in Online Cycling Platform Play Sports Group|website=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 8, 2019 |language=en|access-date=2019-01-12}} The group is the foundation for an in development global cycling OTT service.

On April 1, 2019, after a previous agreement with the broadcaster lapsed six years prior, Discovery announced a 10-year global content partnership with BBC Studios, under which it will become the exclusive subscription video-on-demand rightsholder of programming from the BBC Natural History Unit (which will become the basis of an international subscription service by 2020) outside of China, Ireland, and the UK. In addition, Discovery and the BBC reached an agreement to break up their UKTV joint venture (which was inherited from Scripps), with Discovery acquiring the BBC's shares in the Good Food, Home, and Really channels, and BBC Studios acquiring Discovery's shares in the seven remaining channels, and its streaming platform UKTV Play.{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2019/04/discovery-bbc-reignite-global-content-partnership-1202586088/|title=Discovery & BBC Reignite Global Content Deal With SVOD & UKTV Agreement, Six Years After Ending Previous Pact |last=White |first=Peter |date=2019-04-01 |website=Deadline|language=en|access-date=2019-04-01}} Home was later rebranded as a local version of HGTV,{{cite web|last=Szalai|first=Georg|date=2019-06-26|title=Discovery U.K. to Rebrand Home as HGTV, Revive Gok Wan's 'How to Look Good Naked'|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/tv/tv-news/discovery-sets-hgtv-uk-gok-wans-how-look-good-naked-1221192/|access-date=2021-05-16|website=The Hollywood Reporter|language=en-US}} and Good Food was closed in favor of the local version of Food Network.{{cite web|title=Good Food channel merges with Food Network UK|url=http://www.rxtvlog.com/2019/09/good-food-channel-to-close-content.html|access-date=2021-05-16|archive-date=May 16, 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210516213555/http://www.rxtvlog.com/2019/09/good-food-channel-to-close-content.html|url-status=usurped}}

On May 13, 2019, Discovery announced that it would acquire Golf Digest from Condé Nast to integrate into its Discovery Golf division.{{cite news |last1=Spangler |first1=Todd |title=Discovery Buys Golf Digest From Condé Nast for $30 Million |url=https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/discovery-buys-golf-digest-conde-nast-1203212654/ |access-date=May 13, 2019 |work=Variety |date=May 13, 2019 |language=en}}

In March 2020, Discovery began to deploy a new direct-to-consumer brand known as Discovery+, initially in India, which would focus on content from across its factual and lifestyle television brands, as well as the BBC.{{cite web|title=Discovery Plus App Debuts With Content 'Curated Specifically for India'|url=https://gadgets.ndtv.com/apps/news/discovery-plus-app-download-india-features-subscription-2195760|access-date=2021-05-16|website=NDTV Gadgets 360|date=March 16, 2020 |language=en}} In December 2020, Discovery announced that it would launch Discovery+ in the United States on January 4, 2021, which would feature new exclusive programming from across Discovery's brands, and previews of Magnolia Network (whose linear launch had since been delayed to 2022).{{cite web|last=Alexander|first=Julia|date=2020-12-02|title=Discovery, home of Shark Week, HGTV, and Food Network, enters the streaming wars with Discovery Plus|url=https://www.theverge.com/2020/12/2/22018581/discovery-streaming-service-launch-date-price-shark-week-hgtv-food-network|access-date=2020-12-02|website=The Verge|language=en}}{{cite news|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|date=11 February 2021|title=Chip & Joanna Gaines' Magnolia Network To Launch Slate On App & Discovery+ First, DIY Takeover To Follow|publisher=Deadline Hollywood|url=https://deadline.com/2021/02/chip-joanna-gaines-magnolia-network-launch-date-app-discovery-plus-diy-linear-1234691876/|access-date=12 February 2021}}

In May 2021, Discovery formed a multi-platform content partnership with the Georgia Aquarium.{{cite web |url=https://news.georgiaaquarium.org/stories/discovery-and-georgia-aquarium-enter-into-all-new-multi-platform-content-partnership-to-document-animal-experiences-and-global-conservation-efforts |title=Discovery and Georgia Aquarium Enter Into All-New Multi-Platform Content Partnership To Document Animal Experiences and Global Conservation Efforts |publisher=NGeorgia Aquarium |date=2021-05-07 |accessdate=2022-02-26}}

=Merger with WarnerMedia=

On May 17, 2021, AT&T announced that it had reached an agreement to merge its content and broadcasting subsidiary, WarnerMedia (the former Time Warner, which AT&T had acquired in 2018 for just over $85 billion in an attempt to become a vertically integrated media conglomerate) with Discovery Inc. to form a new company, subject to regulatory approval. The merger, scheduled to be completed in mid-2022, would be structured as a Reverse Morris Trust; AT&T shareholders will hold a 71% interest in the new company's stock and appoint seven board members, and Discovery shareholders will hold 29% and appoint six board members. AT&T will receive $43 billion in cash and debt from the spin-off.{{cite web|last1=Meredith|first1=Steve|last2=Kovach|first2=Sam|date=May 17, 2021|title=AT&T announces $43 billion deal to merge WarnerMedia with Discovery|url=https://www.cnbc.com/2021/05/17/att-to-combine-warnermedia-and-discovery-assets-to-create-a-new-standalone-company.html|access-date=May 17, 2021|work=CNBC}}{{cite web|last=Hayes|first=Dade|date=May 17, 2021|title=David Zaslav And John Stankey Outline Plans For Merging Discovery And WarnerMedia, Addressing Future Of Jason Kilar, CNN, Streaming|url=https://deadline.com/2021/05/discovery-warnermedia-att-merger-streaming-david-zaslav-1234758225/|access-date=May 17, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood}}

Zaslav will lead the new company. He stated that the new company's goal would be to "[tell] the most amazing stories and have a ton of fun doing it", and emphasized that the two companies spend over $20 billion annually on content (outpacing Disney, Netflix and even Amazon). The company will aim to expand their streaming services (which includes WarnerMedia's HBO Max) to reach 400 million global subscribers.

On June 1, 2021, it was announced that the merged company would be known as Warner Bros. Discovery, and an interim wordmark was unveiled with the tagline "The stuff dreams are made from"—a line from the 1941 Warner Bros. film The Maltese Falcon. Zaslav stated that the name would reflect "the combination of Warner Bros.' fabled hundred-year legacy of creative, authentic storytelling and taking bold risks to bring the most amazing stories to life, with Discovery's global brand that has always stood brightly for integrity, innovation and inspiration".{{cite web|last=Goldsmith|first=Jill|date=June 1, 2021|title=Warner Bros. Discovery Set As Name Of Merged Company|url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/discovery-merged-company-to-be-called-warner-bros-discovery-1234767195/|access-date=June 1, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood}} On June 7, 2021, Discovery announced that it would divest Great American Country to GAC Media, a new Fort Worth-based investment group led by Tom Hicks and former Crown Media Holdings CEO Bill Abbott.{{cite web |last=Goldsmith |first=Jill |date=2021-06-07 |title=Discovery Sells Great American Country To Investor Group With Former Crown Media Chief Bill Abbott As CEO |url=https://deadline.com/2021/06/discovery-great-american-country-bill-abbott-1234770516/ |access-date=2021-07-14 |website=Deadline |language=en-US}}

Electronic Arts, who were a bidder in the proposed sale of Warner Bros. Interactive Entertainment, purchased the mobile gaming studio Playdemic from WBIE for {{USD|1.4 billion}} in the same month.{{cite web| url = https://deadline.com/2021/06/att-warnermedia-playdemic-mobile-game-studio-electronic-arts-1234780023/ | title = AT&T, WarnerMedia Sell Playdemic Mobile Game Studio To Electronic Arts For $1.4 Billion | first = Jill | last = Goldsmith | date = June 23, 2021 | accessdate = June 23, 2021| work = Deadline Hollywood }}

In September 2021, Fox Corporation acquired TMZ from WarnerMedia in a deal worth about $50 million with TMZ being operated under the Fox Entertainment division.{{cite web |last1=Hayes |first1=Dade |title=Fox Entertainment Closes Acquisition Of TMZ From WarnerMedia |url=https://www.yahoo.com/entertainment/fox-entertainment-closes-acquisition-tmz-201509654.html |website=Yahoo! |access-date=13 September 2021 |date=13 September 2021}}

In November 2021, Discovery and WarnerMedia discussed a plan to combine the two streaming services, HBO Max and Discovery+, into one streaming service in two phases: an initial phase that allows for quick bundling of the services and a second phase that allows for a common service on one tech platform.{{cite web|url=https://www.fiercevideo.com/video/discovery-hbo-max-may-bundle-combining-after-merger|title=Discovery+, HBO Max may bundle before combining after merger|last=Bunson|first=Ben|work=FierceVideo|date=November 3, 2021|access-date=November 11, 2021}} In the same month, it was announced that Discovery will rename itself Warner Bros. Discovery and reclassify and convert its stock into stock of WBD.{{cite web|last=Goldsmith|first=Jill|date=November 18, 2021|title=Discovery, AT&T's WarnerMedia Talks Collapsed In April Before They Clinched May Deal, According To Massive SEC Filing|url=https://deadline.com/2021/11/discovery-att-warnermedia-1234877193/|access-date=November 18, 2021|work=Deadline Hollywood}}

On December 22, 2021, it was announced that the transaction was approved by the European Commission and it is expected to be completed in mid-2022, subject to approval by Discovery shareholders and additional closing conditions.{{cite web|title=Discovery-WarnerMedia Merger Gets European Union Approval|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-gets-european-union-approval-1235066577/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Vlessing|first=Etan|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=December 22, 2021}}{{cite news|title=European Commission grants approval for Discovery acquisition of WarnerMedia|url=https://www.reuters.com/business/media-telecom/european-commission-grants-approval-discovery-acquisition-warnermedia-2021-12-22/|work=Reuters|date=December 22, 2021|access-date=December 22, 2021}}

On January 5, 2022, The Wall Street Journal reported that WarnerMedia and Paramount Global (at the time known as ViacomCBS) were exploring a possible sale of either a majority stake or all of The CW, and that Nexstar Media Group (which became The CW's largest affiliate group when it acquired former WB co-owner Tribune Broadcasting in 2019) was considered a leading bidder.{{cite web|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/warnermedia-and-viacomcbs-are-exploring-possible-sale-of-cw-network-11641436892|title=WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS Are Exploring Possible Sale of CW Network|last=Flint|first=Joe|work=The Wall Street Journal|date=January 5, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2022}} The news led to speculation that, should a sale take place, new ownership could steer the network in a new direction, transforming The CW from a young adult-oriented network into one that featured more unscripted and even national news programming.{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/the-cw-sale-nexstar-1235073465|title=Will The CW Be a Streaming Wars Casualty?|last1=Weprin|first1=Alex|last2=Goldberg|first2=Lesley|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=January 12, 2022|access-date=January 12, 2022}} However, reports also indicated that WarnerMedia and ViacomCBS could include a contractual commitment that would require any new owner to buy new programming from those companies, allowing them to reap some continual revenue through the network.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbr.com/the-cw-sale-may-kill-original-programming-report/|title=REPORT: The CW's Potential Sale May Kill Its Original Programming|last=Farley|first=Ashley|work=Comic Book Resources|date=January 13, 2022|access-date=January 14, 2022}} Network president/CEO Mark Pedowitz confirmed talks of a potential sale in a memo to CW staffers, but added that "It's too early to speculate what might happen" and that the network "must continue to do what we do best."{{cite web|last1=Goldberg|first1=Lesley|last2=Weprin|first2=Alex|date=January 6, 2022|title=ViacomCBS and WarnerMedia Exploring Sale of The CW|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/the-cw-for-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-1235070616/|access-date=January 9, 2022|work=The Hollywood Reporter}}{{cite web|url=https://deadline.com/2022/01/the-cw-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-nexstar-1234905157|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220106063426/https://deadline.com/2022/01/the-cw-sale-warnermedia-viacomcbs-nexstar-1234905157/|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 6, 2022|title=The CW CEO Mark Pedowitz Confirms WarnerMedia & ViacomCBS Exploring "Strategic Opportunities" As Majority Stake In Network Is Shopped With Nexstar Among Suitors" As Majority Stake In Network Is Shopped With Nexstar Among Suitors – Update|last=Andreeva|first=Nellie|work=Deadline Hollywood|date=January 6, 2022|access-date=January 6, 2022}}

On January 26, 2022, it was reported that the merger between WarnerMedia and Discovery, Inc. was expected to close sometime during the second quarter of 2022.{{cite web|url=https://www.cordcuttersnews.com/warnermedia-and-discovery-merger-now-expected-to-close-this-spring/|title=WarnerMedia and Discovery Merger Now Expected to Close This Spring|last=Hepburn|first=Tmera|work=Cord Cutters News|date=January 26, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.c21media.net/news/warnermedia-discovery-merger-expected-to-close-in-q2-says-atts-stankey/|title=WarnerMedia-Discovery merger expected to close in Q2, says AT&T's Stankey|last=Pinto|first=Jordan|work=C21 Media|date=January 27, 2022|access-date=January 27, 2022}} This was later narrowed down to mid-April 2022.{{cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=February 23, 2022 |title=AT&T, Discovery Prepare for Mid-April Close of WarnerMedia Deal |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/warnermedia-discovery-april-close-att-deal-1235188683/ |access-date=February 27, 2022 |work=Variety}} On February 1, 2022, it was reported that AT&T had elected to structure the merger as a spin-off of WarnerMedia, followed by a merger with Discovery Inc. to form the new company. The company had been contemplating structuring the transaction as a split-off (under which AT&T shareholders would be given the option as to whether to exchange their shares for those of the new company, rather than receive them pro rata).{{cite web|url=https://variety.com/2022/biz/news/att-spin-off-warnermedia-43-billion-deal-1235168480/|title=AT&T Sets Plan to Spin Off WarnerMedia in $43 Billion Deal|last=Spangler|first=Todd|work=Variety|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2022}}{{cite web|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/att-warnermedia-spin-off-discovery-merger-1235084978/|title=AT&T Picks WarnerMedia Spin-Off as Structure for Key Step in Discovery Merger|last=Szalai|first=George|work=The Hollywood Reporter|date=February 1, 2022|access-date=February 1, 2022}} On February 7, the merger was approved by the Brazilian antitrust regulator Cade.{{cite web|url=https://noticiasdatv.uol.com.br/noticia/mercado/cade-surpreende-e-aprova-fusao-discoverywarnermedia-sem-restricoes-no-brasil-74806|title=Cade surpreende e aprova fusão Discovery/WarnerMedia sem restrições|website=Notícias da TV|date=February 7, 2022 |language=pt}} It was approved by the United States Department of Justice two days later.{{cite web|title=Discovery-WarnerMedia Merger Gets U.S. Antitrust Clearance|url=https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/business/business-news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-gets-u-s-antitrust-clearance-1235089790/|work=The Hollywood Reporter|last=Szalai |first=Georg|date=February 9, 2022|access-date=February 9, 2022}}

The transaction was approved by Discovery shareholders on March 11,{{cite web |last=Maas |first=Jennifer |date=2022-04-08 |title=Discovery Closes Acquisition of AT&T's WarnerMedia |url=https://variety.com/2022/tv/news/discovery-warnermedia-merger-close-warner-bros-discovery-1235200983/ |access-date=April 8, 2022 |website=Variety |publisher=}} and formally completed on April 8, 2022.

2010 hostage crisis

On September 1, 2010, the Discovery headquarters were the site of a hostage taking; a lone gunman identified as James J. Lee ({{circa|1967}} – September 1, 2010), armed with two starter pistols{{cite news|title=Discovery Channel attacker convicted of smuggling immigrant in 2003|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/03/maryland.discovery.channel/#fbid=qkEgiQJb7ob&wom=false|access-date=September 4, 2010|newspaper=CNN (International)|date=April 9, 2010}} and an explosive device, took three people hostage inside of the Discovery Communications headquarters in Silver Spring, Maryland, prompting an evacuation of the building.

Lee's motive was believed to have been grounded in environmental activism. Lee had previously been arrested in 2008 while protesting in front of the same site.

The National Consortium for the Study of Terrorism and Responses to Terrorism (START) at the University of Maryland has since labeled the crime a terrorist attack.{{cite web|url=http://www.start.umd.edu/start/announcements/Background_Report_Discovery_building.pdf|title=Background Report: Discovery Communications Building Hostage-Taking|publisher=University of Maryland |page=1|access-date=September 4, 2010|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100911002540/http://www.start.umd.edu/start/announcements/Background_Report_Discovery_building.pdf|archive-date=September 11, 2010|url-status=dead}}

The incident began at 1:00 p.m. ET, when the 43-year-old Lee entered the building with two starter pistols and fired a single round at the ceiling of the lobby.{{cite news|url=http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/01/maryland-police-respond-hostage-situation-man-gun-enters-building/|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100901210347/http://www.foxnews.com/us/2010/09/01/maryland-police-respond-hostage-situation-man-gun-enters-building/|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 1, 2010|title=Armed Man With Bomb Takes at Least One Hostage in Discovery Channel Building|date=September 1, 2010|publisher=Fox|access-date=September 1, 2010}}{{cite news|url=http://edition.cnn.com/2010/CRIME/09/01/maryland.discovery.suspect/?hpt=Sbin#fbid=GouODzfd7D_&wom=false|title=Suspect in Maryland hostage situation published angry online manifesto|date=September 1, 2010|publisher=CNN|access-date=September 1, 2010}} The Montgomery County Police Department (MCPD) confirmed that Lee had an explosive device and was holding three people{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/02/AR2010090205376.html?hpid=topnews|title=James J. Lee's hostage standoff at Discovery was grueling time for officials|last=Morse|first=Dan|date=September 3, 2010 |newspaper=The Washington Post|access-date=September 8, 2010}} hostage in the lobby.{{cite news|url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/us/02discovery.html?partner=rss&emc=rss|title=Gunman Takes Hostage in Maryland|last=Robbins|first=Liz|author2=Stelter, Brian|date=September 1, 2010 |work=The New York Times|access-date=September 1, 2010}} The building was placed on lockdown and most of the 1,500 employees were evacuated. Children from a day care center inside were safely removed to a nearby McDonald's restaurant on Colesville Rd. Lee was shot and killed by an MCPD SWAT team at 4:48 p.m. ET after the hostages made a run to escape.{{cite news

| last= Morse

| first= Dan

| url= https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090103911.html

| title= Environmental militant slain at Silver Spring building after taking hostages

| newspaper= The Washington Post

| date= September 1, 2010

| access-date= September 1, 2010}} The remaining hostages were immediately freed.{{cite news |last1=Robbins |first1=Liz |last2=Stelter |first2=Brian |title=Maryland Hostages Safe as Police Kill Gunman |url=https://www.nytimes.com/2010/09/02/us/02discovery.html |access-date=January 25, 2019 |work=The New York Times |date=September 1, 2010}} The incident was described by the FBI as the first instance of a would-be suicide bomber taking hostages in the United States.{{cite web|url=http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/other/manger-transcript-20131113.pdf |title=New Strategies for Countering Homegrown Violent Extremism: Preventive Community Policing |date=November 13, 2013 |page=2 |access-date=June 30, 2016 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131126082350/http://www.washingtoninstitute.org/uploads/Documents/other/manger-transcript-20131113.pdf |archive-date=November 26, 2013 |url-status=dead }}

Lee was an environmental protester who, in 2008, was given six months of supervised probation and fined $500 after he was arrested during a protest outside the Discovery Communications headquarters. Lee had published criticisms of the network in an online manifesto at Savetheplanetprotest.com, among which was a demand for the company to cease the broadcasting of television series displaying or encouraging the birth of "parasitic human infants and the false heroics behind those actions".{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090104364.html|title = James J. Lee is suspect in Discovery hostage case, officials say|author = Theresa Vargas |newspaper = The Washington Post|date = September 1, 2010 }} His manifesto also railed against "immigration pollution and anchor baby filth", leading commentators such as Mark Potok of the Southern Poverty Law Center to decry Lee as an "eco-fascist".{{cite web|url = http://www.splcenter.org/blog/2010/09/01/apparent-eco-terrorist-holding-hostages-at-tv-building/|title = Apparent Eco-Terrorist Holding Hostages at TV Building|author = Mark Potok|publisher = Hatewatch (blog), Southern Poverty Law Center|date = September 1, 2010}} Lee's opinions were dominated by Malthusian analysis,{{cite news|url=http://www.salon.com/2010/09/01/malthus_and_the_discovery_gunman/|title=How Malthus drove the Discovery Channel gunman crazy|last=Leonard|first=Andrew|date=September 1, 2010 |work=Salon |page=1|access-date=January 3, 2013}} though he also cited works ranging from Daniel Quinn's novel My Ishmael to former U.S. Vice President Al Gore's documentary An Inconvenient Truth.{{cite web

| url= https://www.nbcnews.com/id/wbna38957020

| title= Police kill Discovery building gunman

| work= NBC News

| date= January 9, 2010

| access-date =September 3, 2010

}} The Washington Post credited the Twitter community for initially breaking the story.{{cite news|url = https://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2010/09/01/AR2010090105987.html|title = Twitter breaks story on Discovery Channel gunman|author = Paul Farhi |newspaper=The Washington Post|date = September 1, 2010}}