Discovery Channel (Dutch TV channel)

Discovery Channel is a Dutch free-to-cable television channel airing in the Netherlands. Its primary target is men aged 25–39. It launched on 12 April 2003.[1]

Discovery
CountryNetherlands
Broadcast areaNetherlands
NetworkDiscovery Benelux
Programming
Language(s)Dutch
Picture format1080i HDTV
(downscaled to 16:9 576i for the SDTV feed)
Ownership
OwnerWarner Bros. Discovery
Sister channels
History
Launched
  • 1 April 1989; 35 years ago (1989-04-01) (European feed)
  • 12 April 2003; 21 years ago (2003-04-12) (Localized Dutch feed)
ReplacedDiscovery Channel Europe (1989-2003)
Links
Websitediscoveryplus.nl/zenders/discovery
Availability
Terrestrial
DigitenneChannel 16 (HD)
Streaming media
Ziggo GOZiggoGO.tv (Europe only)

Cable television is widely available in the Netherlands, and Discovery is available on virtually every platform. It has enjoyed relatively high ratings for several years; in 2018 it had 1.5 percent share of all viewing.

History

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Discovery Channel launched in Europe on 1 April 1989.[2]

The localized Dutch version of the namesake American television channel launched on 12 April 2003, replacing the European feed.

The Dutch Discovery Channel distinguishes itself from other versions by having broadcast live sports events. In late November 2008 it broadcast three matches from the Eredivisie that resulted in high ratings. These matches were seen by 805,000 viewers.[3][4][5]

In August 2009 the channel switched to the 16:9 widescreen format.[6]

In May 2012 Discovery Networks Benelux launched a HD simulcast of Discovery Channel in the Netherlands, replacing Discovery HD Showcase and was first introduced by UPC Netherlands.[7]

Animal Planet, Eurosport 1, Investigation Discovery and TLC are also widely available. Eurosport 2 and Discovery Science are available as well, but they are only distributed as part of bonus packages.

References

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  1. ^ "Discovery Channel - Factsheet 2009" (PDF). Discovery Networks Benelux.[permanent dead link]
  2. ^ Chalaby, Jean K. (2009). Transnational Television in Europe: Reconfiguring Global Communications Networks. I.B.Tauris. p. 31. ISBN 9780857717474.
  3. ^ "Eredivisie voetbal eenmalig een weekend lang live te zien op Discovery Channel" (PDF). Discovery Networks Benelux. November 18, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2011.
  4. ^ "Historisch aantal kijkers voetbalweekend op Discovery Channel" (PDF). Discovery Networks Benelux. December 1, 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on July 24, 2011.
  5. ^ "Historisch aantal kijkers voetbalweekend op Discovery Channel". Nederlands MediaNetwerk. December 1, 2008.
  6. ^ "Discovery Channel voortaan in breedbeeld". August 19, 2009.
  7. ^ Jarco Kriek (April 29, 2012). "Discovery HD bij UPC van start". Totaal TV.
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