Discovery says the number of paying subscribers to its new consumer-facing streaming service has already passed 11 million.
Discovery+ brings together all the groups properties from documentaries, through reality TV and sport.
“We have now surpassed 11 million total paying direct-to-consumer subscribers globally and are on pace to be at 12 million by the end of the month, underscoring the value of the investments we’ve made in content, beloved personalities and brands with huge consumer appeal, supported by industry-leading DTC capabilities,” said David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of Discovery.
There were deals for the new launch through Verizon in the United States, Sky in the UK and Ireland, and Vodafone across several European markets, as well as the rebranding of dplay in certain international markets.
However, Discovery reported flat revenues as international advertising and distribution revenues fell.
Known as one of the toughest negotiators in the business, the failure to reach agreement with European operators including the Czech Republic’s Skylink and Focus Sat in Romania contributed to a 3% annual decline in international distribution revenues.
International advertising revenues fell by 12%, but while US advertising revenues decreased by 5% on the year distribution revenues increased 4%.
Net income was $1,219 million.
There were also Covid-related disruptions to the European sports schedule.
