Discovery, Inc. to invest $16 million to expand global technology and operations hub
RICHMOND—Governor Ralph Northam today announced that Discovery, Inc., an American media company and a worldwide leader in real life entertainment, intends to invest $16 million to expand its global technology and operations hub in Loudoun County. Virginia successfully competed against Maryland and New York for the project, which will create 240 new jobs.
“Discovery, Inc.’s decision to expand its footprint in Loudoun County is an exciting win for Virginia, and we are honored that a global company of this caliber has decided to grow and reinvest in the Commonwealth,” said Governor Northam. “Northern Virginia is a magnet for technology talent, and we are confident Discovery will continue to benefit from a world-class workforce pipeline in its next phase of growth. Creating well-paid, 21st-century jobs is critical to strengthening Virginia’s economy, and Discovery is a valuable corporate partner that will greatly contribute to our efforts.”
Discovery serves a passionate audience of superfans around the world with content that inspires, informs, and entertains. Discovery delivers over 8,000 hours of original programming each year, and has category leadership across deeply loved content genres around the world. Available in 220 countries and territories and 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, Turbo/Velocity, Animal Planet, and Science Channel, as well as OWN: Oprah Winfrey Network in the U.S., Discovery Kids in Latin America, and Eurosport, the leading provider of locally relevant, premium sports and Home of the Olympic Games across Europe.
“Industry-leading companies like Discovery, Inc. continue to choose Virginia for its unparalleled tech assets,” said Secretary of Commerce and Trade Brian Ball. “This was a competitive project, and Discovery’s culture and commitment to the Commonwealth is a testament to the state-of-the-art infrastructure, business climate, and robust talent pool that Loudoun County offers. We thank the company for creating 240 new, high-paying jobs of the future.”
“As a media company dedicated to reaching superfans on every screen and device, innovation is core to our DNA and our future as a global leader in real life entertainment,” said David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive of Discovery. “Virginia’s strong technology infrastructure, workforce and attractive business climate provide the ideal location for our global technology and operations hub, and we are excited to expand our footprint in the state.”
The Virginia Economic Development Partnership worked with Loudoun County to secure the project for Virginia. Governor Northam approved a $500,000 grant from the Commonwealth’s Opportunity Fund to assist the County with the project. Funding services to support the company’s employee training activities will be provided through the Virginia Jobs Investment Program. The Loudoun County Board of Supervisors will vote on a $500,000 match of the Commonwealth Opportunity Fund at a future business meeting.
“Discovery’s state-of-the-art media distribution facility in Loudoun originates over 80 global feeds, including the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet, and TLC,” said Loudoun County Board of Supervisors Chair Phyllis Randall. “This is exactly the kind of business diversification that we need and welcome. I am proud that one of the world’s leading media companies will make this investment in jobs and infrastructure in our County.”
“With our talented workforce and a globally recognized internet hub, Loudoun is the perfect location for Discovery to build on their industry-leading efforts to move all of Discovery U.S. networks origination to the cloud,” said Loudoun Economic Development Executive Director Buddy Rizer.
“I am excited to see Discovery bringing 240 new jobs to the 33rd District,” said State Senator Jennifer Wexton. “It’s no surprise that Discovery would choose Loudoun to grow their business, given that they, and we, make education a priority. I look forward to their continued success.”
“I’m thrilled Discovery has chosen Loudoun County for its expansion,” said Delegate John Bell. “As a fan of Discovery, I think the highly educated Loudoun County workforce is an ideal match for Discovery and will result in prosperous future. Welcome to Loudoun, and I look forward to working with Discovery in a long and successful partnership.”