To Be Replaced by 'Military Channel'
Well known for its
aeronautically oriented program and outstanding visuals, the
Discovery Wings Channel is about to be taken out of service. In its
place, "The Military Channel" will emerge, replacing a favorite of
the aviation community with programming that will be singly
dedicated to all things military... including military
aviation.
Discovery Wings was launched as a cable channel in July 1998. It
focused on aviation and related subjects and became a cult favorite
with airplane buffs the world over. On January 10th, it's
gone.
Discovery notes that, "While the Discovery Wings Channel focused
exclusively on aviation, the Military Channel will feature a
dramatically broadened programming mission, as well as an all-new,
on-air look. The network's revamped lineup of series and specials
is designed to take viewers 'behind the lines' to tell the personal
stories of servicemen and women and offer in-depth explorations of
military technology, battlefield strategy, aviation and history.
The Military Channel will also provide access to military personnel
and hardware, allowing viewers to experience and understand a world
full of human drama, courage, innovation and long-held
traditions."
"The Military Channel
will represent the highest quality programming across a broad
spectrum of military related genres that we believe consumers have
a keen interest in learning more about," said Judith A. McHale,
President and CEO of Discovery Communications. "In an increasingly
fragmented marketplace, the Military Channel will broaden Discovery
Communications' offerings and further differentiate our portfolio
of emerging networks."
"We're very proud to introduce the Military Channel, a network
that will apply the Discovery standards of quality, depth and
storytelling to a topic of fascination and relevance in our world,"
said Billy Campbell, President of Discovery Networks U.S. "By
covering all aspects of the military and the people who define it,
we will extend the Discovery brand, create a service that appeals
to our existing viewers, and attract new viewers and sponsors."
"Our viewers have a deep interest in military topics and
people," said David Karp, Senior Vice President and General Manager
of the channel. "Our mission is to tap into this passion by
providing a high-quality lens that details contemporary and
historical events, explores its human elements and highlights the
strategic and technological advances that define the world of the
armed forces."
Discovery Communications International (DCI), is a monster media
entity comprising some 60 networks that encompass 19 entertainment
brands (TLC, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery
Kids, etc...).