Page 14

Discovery Page 14

In August 2008 it was reported by The Consumerist that Discovery Channel had stopped their popular Myth Busters program from airing an episode examining RID security in regard to its implementation in credit cards because the episode would upset credit card companies, who are major advertisers on Discovery Channel. 

It was later determined that the decision not to investigate the issue was made by Beyond Productions, the Myth Busters production company, and was not made by Discovery Channel or their advertising department.

An ad promoting the network's Enigmatic Malaysia, a special series meant to highlight the cultural heritages of Malaysia, mistakenly featured Balinese Pendent dancers. 

This prompted outrage from Balinese dancers, who posted messages demanding that Malaysia apologize over the misinformation, which then sparked a series of street protests. Further demands were made from the local governments, cultural historians as well as the tourism ministry in Indonesia for Malaysia to clarify the situation. 

The Malaysian government reportedly offered their apologies, which was rejected by the Indonesian tourism minister, since the apology was given informally by phone, the Indonesian tourism minister demanded a written apology to make it more accountable. 

In the Republic of Ireland the UK edition is available on most cable/digital operators but with local advertisements on Discovery Channel.

In Germany, Austria and Switzerland Discovery Channel is part of the Premiere-digital-network and supplies specific programs to other networks like ZDF and kabel eons. Discovery Communications is also owner of the documentary-channel XXP. The channel was bought in spring 2006 from its former shareholders Spiegel TV and "dctp". All programs are dubbed into German. The channel is now known as DMAX, presumably to associate the channel with Discovery.

Discovery Channel Tamil is a Tamil edutainment channel. Before Discovery Channel Tamil, Discovery used multiple audio feed on the Discovery Channel like user can switch audios between English, Hindi, Telugu, Bangla and Tamil. The problem before with Discovery in Tamil audio feed is, it still had English on video feed and the ads are still in English and Hindi catering to the bigger market. Discovery found that with local advertising they could cater to local advertisements. This indicates they have good amount of viewership for Discovery in Tamil Nadu, Karaikal, Puduchcheri and South India.

In South Africa, Discovery Channel shares a schedule and programming with all of Africa, the Middle East and Turkey. Discovery Channel as well as sibling channels Discovery World and Animal Planet are available on the Dust / Multichoice platform.