Recent Developments
On the programming front, 2003 saw the expansion of the Discovery Channel Quest initiative as well as the launch of the Spotlight programming strand. Introduced to provide context for and understanding of the events that shape our world, Spotlight provides an authoritative perspective on world events. Most notably, Spotlight has featured three-time Pulitzer Prize–winner Thomas L. Friedman of the New York Times presenting hour-long specials about the perceptions of the United States in the Arab world and the future for Israel and Palestine.
Discovery’s signature weekly series continue to perform well. The mechanized mayhem of Monster Garage, led by charismatic host Jesse James, entertains and astounds viewers. A recent lineup expansion also includes Monster House, Mythbusters, American Hot Rod, and the hit series American Chopper.
Finally, 2003 saw the launch of Discovery Docs. This new initiative lets Discovery work with the world’s best feature-length documentary filmmakers to bring their vision to life. The first product of this endeavor, With All Deliberate Speed, focuses on the continuing repercussions of the Brown vs. Board of Education decision that desegregated American schools in 1954. The film, directed by Peter Gilbert (Hoop Dreams) was released in May 2004 to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the Supreme Court’s landmark decision.
