Interview: Caleb Weinstein, Discovery Networks

Discovery Networks continues to invest

We will continue to strengthen Discovery's portfolio of channels and bring the highest quality programming to our viewers. Discovery is the world's number one nonfiction media company in the world, reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. We produce factual programming on a breadth and depth that is unmatched around the world, and we are constantly looking at what is next


By MARKO ANDREJIĆ
from Belgrade, SERBIA
Article from Magazine BUSINESS


Caleb Weinstein has recently been placed as the new SVP and GM for Discovery Networks EMEA. He is in charge of business activities in 89 countries, with special accent on emerging markets in the region of Southern and Eastern Europe, Russia and CIS, Middle East and Africa. Beside that, he is also in advertising, sales, marketing, developing programme and communication in the regions mentioned above. We talked to him about program's and business' goals of Discovery Networks, which is already in Serbia with six channels, and is one of the leading nonfiction media companies.

What is your longterm goal in terms of business and programs?

- As SVP and General Manager for the Emerging Markets, Discovery Networks EMEA, I will be looking after Discovery business across 89 countries, focusing on the growth in Southern and Eastern Europe, Russia & CIS, Middle East and Africa. My responsibilities include overseeing advertising and affiliate sales, programming, marketing and communications across the region.

We will continue to strengthen Discovery's portfolio of channels and bring the highest quality programming to our viewers. Discovery is the world's number one nonfiction media company in the world, reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. We produce factual programming on a breadth and depth that is unmatched around the world, and we are constantly looking at what is next. We will continue to focus on factual and be driven by curiosity.

In Serbia, there are currently six Discovery channels. How important is the Serbian market for you and what are your plans regarding that market? How would you describe your cooperation with cable operators in Serbia?

- Serbia is an importrant and rapidly developing market, with good growth potential. We are working with all the leading Serbian operators and have strong relationships with them.

In terms of programming, we always offer strong premiers for our viewers. Brand new seasons of some of our most popular shows such as Ultimate Survival, Time Warp and Fifth Gear were on Discovery Channel in November. We also presented our viewers with a special end-of-the-year treat - 'Best of Discovery Channel 2009' that showcased some of our viewers' favourite programmes , including Deadliest Catch and Mythbusters. In 2010, we will be introducing more programming stunts than ever before - viewers can look forward to stunts across the portfolio, including Discovery Channel's Ross Kemp season in January.

Are you satisfied with the position of Discovery Networks in Serbia? In which channel are you investing the most and which one has the biggest perspective?

- We have a portfilio of six channels in Serbia, including our flagship Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, Discovery Science, Discovery World, Discovery Travel & Living and ID Investigation Discovery. Strengthening the existing channels and launching new ones to appeal to new and diverse audiences is a strategic focus for Discovery's business.

The quality, appeal and credibility of Discovery Channel has helped our business launch new channels. Both operators and viewers know what they can expect from Discovery. (...)

Original version on website of Magazine BUSINESS.


(Published: 15.01.2010.)