Animal Planet
History and Partnerships
– Animal Planet was launched on June 1, 1996, as a joint venture between Discovery Communications and BBC Worldwide.
– In 1997, Animal Planet expanded its distribution after acquiring the satellite transponder slot belonging to WWOR EMI Service.
– In 2006, BBC Worldwide sold its 20% interest in Animal Planet U.S. network back to Discovery Communications.
– In 2010, BBC Worldwide sold its remaining interest in Animal Planet to Discovery Communications.
– Animal Planet has partnered with various organizations, such as the National Aquarium in Baltimore and the Caribbean Cable Cooperative.
– The channel has also collaborated with DC Thomson for the Animal Planet Magazine.
Rebranding and Changes
– In 2008, Animal Planet underwent a major revamp in programming and branding.
– The new lineup focused on portraying animals as characters and targeted mature viewers.
– The network adopted a new logo and slogan, ‘Same Planet, Different World.’
– Animal Planet introduced the slogan ‘Surprisingly Human’ in 2010 to reflect its personality-based series.
– In 2012, Animal Planet faced criticism for broadcasting the fictional documentary ‘Mermaids: The Body Found.’
– In October 2018, Animal Planet unveiled a new logo featuring a jumping elephant.
– The rebranding aimed to keep the joy and wonder of animals alive.
– The new branding coincided with the premieres of several new series.
– Animal Planet launched in France along with Discovery Turbo, Discovery World, and TLC in 2019.
– The new branding symbolized a mission to bring people up close to animals in every way.
Controversial Programming
– Animal Planet aired a documentary called ‘Mermaids: The Body Found’ in 2012, which was criticized for its lack of scientific accuracy.
– The documentary set a ratings record for the channel but faced backlash from viewers and scientists.
– The controversy surrounding ‘Mermaids’ highlighted the challenges of balancing entertainment and scientific integrity.
– Animal Planet has also faced criticism for its portrayal of certain animals, such as pit bulls in the show ‘Pit Bulls and Parolees.’
– The show’s final season was announced in 2022, sparking discussions about the reasons behind its ending.
Recent Rebranding and Global Expansion
– In 2018, Animal Planet underwent another rebranding under the leadership of Susanna Dinnage.
– The channel aimed to expand its global reach and introduced a new logo, look, and mission.
– Animal Planet is now part of the Warner Bros. Discovery network, which includes other popular channels and platforms.
– The rebranding signaled a renewed focus on animal conservation and education.
– Animal Planet continues to launch new programming and initiatives to engage audiences worldwide.
Warner Bros. Discovery Network and Related Entities
– Animal Planet is part of the Warner Bros. Discovery network, which includes other channels like The CW, CNN, and HBO.
– The network also owns various streaming services, such as Discovery+ and HBO Max.
– Warner Bros. Discovery has a diverse portfolio, including media, entertainment, and sports properties.
– The company has partnerships with other organizations, such as MLB Network and Motor Trend Group.
– Warner Bros. Discovery is led by CEO David Zaslav and has a board of directors chaired by Samuel DiPiazza.