‘We were one of Discovery’s first clients, signing an output deal with them in 1985. We began in 1980 selling non-fiction product worldwide, and there was a time when you couldn’t give away a documentary. Now it’s a prized product in the international market, and Discovery, under John, has nurtured that appetite. The range of stories that will be accepted by broadcasters is much broader than it was 15 years ago, and Discovery has, in some part, been responsible for that.’

Ron Devillier, president and ceo, Devillier Donegan Enterprises, Washington D.C.

‘John Hendricks is directly opposite of my stereotype of successful tv people: he is low key, modest, not cynical, committed to quality, and customer-focused. He also has lots of ideas and is famous for saying yes to new projects rather than no. As a result, the atmosphere at Discovery is upbeat, frequently frantic, and generally great fun.’

Michela English, president, Discovery Enterprises

‘Every time we get ready to add the Discovery logo to the end of one our programs, I am reminded of that old advertising slogan. ‘The quality goes in – before the name goes on.’ I think it’s fair to say that Discovery has replaced cbs as the new ‘Tiffany Network.’ And that’s got to be the reason why Discovery is the channel that everybody at least claims that they watch – even if they occasionally fall off the wagon and sneak in a re-run of Melrose Place.

Erik Nelson, president, Termite Art Productions, Los Angeles

Also in this report:

– On the 15th anniversary of his idea for a cable network serving up entertaining non-fiction programming, Discovery’s founder adds Personality of the Year at mipcom to an impressive portfolio of tv hats, and to the list of things to celebrateÉ

-Discovery Data