The World Trade Center Institute
Congratulates Discovery Communications’ Judith McHale on her recognition as a
Maryland International Business Leadership Award Winner
Baltimore, Maryland, March 24, 2006 – Judith McHale, President and CEO of Discovery Communications, Inc., was recently selected as a winner of Maryland's 2006 International Business Leadership Awards. The award is presented annually to an individual within a Maryland company who has led his or her company to new global heights, demonstrating an entrepreneurial spirit, determination, creativity and the cultural sensitivity that global business demands.
Discovery Communications is the global leader in real-world media and entertainment. With 2005 sales of $2.4 billion, Discovery’s more than 100 networks reach nearly 1.4 billion subscribers in 170 countries and territories in 35 languages.
With success comes new and old challenges. Like most companies with global operations, Discovery has encountered some resistance breaking into new international markets. The regulatory and piracy issues in some markets are very challenging, but perseverance and hard work has prevailed. Key to its global success has been Discovery’s incubation of global talent, and its early decision to operate as a global company. Today, Discovery's programming is known throughout the world. The company strives for both global appeal and local relevance, creating programming that is unique to a specific country or region.
Discovery first launched on June 17, 1985, with just one channel, the Discovery Channel. The first office was in Landover, Maryland and had 35 employees. In 2003, Discovery moved its global headquarters from Bethesda, Maryland to Silver Spring, Maryland. Today, Discovery employs nearly 2,000 individuals in Maryland and 6,000 worldwide. The decision to move its global headquarters to Silver Spring was driven by effective public transportation, good schools, affordable housing, and a successful partnership with Montgomery County, Maryland and Montgomery County Executive Doug Duncan.
Judith McHale, named President and COO of Discovery in 1995, was promoted to President and CEO in 2004. McHale has led Discovery’s development in television, advanced media, education, online and retail services. Under her leadership, Discovery expanded its television services and led the acquisitions of TLC in 1991 and the Travel Channel in 1997. McHale was also behind the launch of Animal Planet in 1996 and the Discovery Health Channel in 1999. She has developed strategic partnerships around the world including Discovery’s global alliance with the BBC, and a major joint venture with The New York Times Company. McHale was also responsible for the expansion of Discovery’s retail services by acquiring The Nature Company stores in 1996, creating a nationwide chain of more than 100 Discovery Channel Stores. In 2004, McHale enhanced the company’s strategic position in the education business by forming Discovery Education.
“Judith McHale is a true visionary; her view of the world and educating people is the core of Discovery’s successes,” said Nancy Wallace, director of International Business for the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development. “Her ability to develop and manage a multimillion dollar corporation and have the passion to educate people is inspirational.”
Discovery has found its unique niche in appealing to an audience that is curious about the world around them. “The core of what we do is factual programming,” said McHale. “We made a conscious decision not to have studios. We want local people in different countries doing the work; we truly believe in incubating and growing the local talent.”
In addition to its business initiatives, Discovery takes seriously its commitment to helping improve the lives of children and adults around the world through public responsibility initiatives that make a positive impact. In 1997, McHale spearheaded the formation of the Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership, a non-profit foundation that helps under-served areas of the world gain access to education through technology. In 2005, the Partnership won a Freddie International Health and Medical Media Award for its “Fight Malaria” production now being aired in mobile video vans across Uganda.
Discovery continues to drive the industry by building on its high quality content, and developing its portable media and education strategies. A business culture of innovation, creativity and work/life balance, allows Discovery employees to set the industry trends. This culture is reflected everywhere, from new business ventures to the halls and offices of Discovery headquarters, where artwork of area school kids dots the walls.
For six consecutive years, Discovery has been selected as one of the 100 Best Companies for Working Mothers by Working Mother magazine. In 2004, the magazine named McHale "National Family Champion" for her leadership in building a family friendly workplace. Discovery has been selected by Fortune, Health and Washingtonian magazines as a great place to work.
Growing up with a father in the Foreign Service, McHale spent her youth traveling around the world to such places as London, South Africa and Australia. Before joining Discovery in 1987 as its General Counsel, she served as General Counsel for MTV Networks. McHale began her career as an attorney at the New York law firm of Battle, Fowler. She is a graduate of Fordham Law School and earned her undergraduate degree in politics from the University of Nottingham in England.
McHale is a member of the board of directors of Polo Ralph Lauren and the Host Marriott Corporation. She also serves on the board of directors of Vital Voices Global Partnership, The Africa Society of the National Summit on Africa, Sister-to-Sister Everyone Has a Heart Foundation, Discovery Channel Global Education Partnership and the National Democrat Institute.
Quotes about Judith McHale:
Dick Marriott, Chairman, Host Marriott Corporation
“Judith McHale has a great business sense and keen intuition. As a board member of Host Marriott, she brings a unique awareness to the importance of both internal and external communications. She is smart and decisive, and has a great sense of humor. She is an absolute joy to work with.”
Senator Barbra Mikulski
"Judith McHale is a dynamic and innovative leader in the media industry. I am so proud that Maryland is the corporate headquarters for Discovery Communications – and I am so grateful that Judith McHale is such good corporate citizen. She doesn’t just create excellent programs and jobs. She and her company were instrumental in the redevelopment of Silver Spring. Judith is also a tireless advocate for improving education – to ensure that all of Maryland’s children have the opportunity to achieve their dreams. I am proud to call Judith McHale a friend and I congratulate her for this great honor. "
Chris Nassetta, President and CEO, Host Marriott Corporation
“As a member of our Board of Directors, Judith has had a significant positive impact on people at every level of our organization from employees to directors. Her leadership style, integrity, experience and judgment as a CEO have made her a valued director and trusted advisor to Host Marriott.”
Doug Duncan, County Executive, Montgomery County
“Judith McHale is a visionary leader, an incredible talent and one of the finest businesspersons in America. Through her stewardship Discovery Communications has earned an international reputation for excellence and innovation and has become the standard by which the industry is measured. Along with her incredible business talents, Judith’s passion for building communities and working with others has translated down through her company and its employees. Discovery Communications is a tremendous corporate citizen and has become an integral part of the continuing rebirth of downtown Silver Spring. As County Executive I feel very proud that Judith and Discovery chose Montgomery County as their home base; but I am even prouder to be able to call Judith a friend.”
About WTCI:
Established in Baltimore in 1989 to help connect Maryland to the globe, today the World Trade Center Institute (WTCI) is the region’s premier private sector international business partner. Financed jointly by area businesses and the State of Maryland, WTCI operates as a non-profit membership organization.
More than 2,500 Maryland firms benefit from WTCI’s extensive global network, pragmatic international business programs and customized consulting. WTCI is a member of the World Trade Center Association, along with nearly 300 fellow World Trade Centers operating in major business cities around the world.
About the Event:
Date: Thursday, March 30, 2006
Time: 5:15 p.m. - 8:30 p.m.
Location: Jim Rouse Visionary Center, a part of the American Visionary Arts Museum, 800 Key Highway, Baltimore, MD 21230
Refreshments/International Buffet/Latin Music Celebration
Cost: $100 WTCI members/$150 Non-members