Discovery Inc. announces new global social responsibility focus: Rise
Corporate
Discovery Inc. announces new global social responsibility focus: Rise
The company that Powers People’s Passions commits to Power People’s Progress through RISE
RISE will bring resources, awareness and advocacy to education, poverty and social mobility programs around the world
London, UK – June 26, 2019 – Discovery, Inc. announced today it is launching “RISE,” a global initiative focused on reducing inequality and supporting empowerment —around the world — by working with local and global organizations focused on addressing social mobility through access to the most basic human needs.
Powered by a new partnership with Save the Children and amplified through local charities and organizations, RISE will target10 million people in 20 nations identified as having the most need, bringing scale to the education and social mobility programs in communities where Discovery employees live and work, and inviting viewers to participate. The initiative will drive viewer engagement and awareness across the company’s global footprint and beloved brands through localized PSAs, take-action websites, and social media as well as the combined efforts of thousands of Discovery employees, who will be boots on the ground in fostering education and life skills across all ages from infancy to adulthood. From brain development, foundational literacy and math programs to social-emotional and 21st century skills training, RISE’s comprehensive approach is intended to provide the entire family with what they need to not only survive, but thrive – empowering them to reach their full potential.
JB Perrette, President & CEO Discovery International said:
“Purpose and giving back to communities where we live and work has always been core to Discovery. While what we put on screens is about Powering People’s Passions, we also strive to power their progress. There is no greater challenge to our global community today than the growing inequality gap. Our RISE initiative will leverage Discovery’s brands, screens, and people and partners everywhere to make a positive impact amongst communities through this global commitment to improving access to education and social mobility.”
As a global leader of real-life entertainment, and the Sports leader in Europe, Discovery will leverage its unparalleled global reach across more than 200 countries and territories in support of this effort.
“We recognize that we live in a time of great inequity, and in order to break that cycle and build capacity for advancement- we must invest in public/private partnerships. Discovery has the privilege and responsibility to not only bring awareness to pressing issues, but provide tools for change” said James Gibbons, EVP General Manager of UK, Australia, New Zealand & Commercial Development EMEA Discovery Networks.
RISE will be announced today during the Discovery UK Upfront presentation. In addition to the 10M people set to benefit from the program in the 20 nations most in need, Discovery kicked off its first local RISE project in the UK where we will partner with Save the Children’s Building Blocks programme which empowers families through the power of learning. Building Blocks provides families with essential household items and education toy & book packs. The packs help to increase parent- child interaction, improving the children’s speech, language and communication at home. Building Blocks integrates with local services helping caregivers and families build a strong platform for early learning and development. 4.1 million children in the UK grow up in poverty, and this has a significant impact on their early learning. Save the Children’s Building Blocks programme focuses on narrowing the gap in early learning by providing educational tools for younger children growing up in low-income households. Discovery will work with the project to inspire communities to improve their prospects. This is the first of many new local initiatives that Discovery will launch under the banner of RISE around the world.
As part of RISE, Discovery is also launching “Talent Unlimited”- to help people facing social inequality or a lack of formal education to pursue opportunities within Discovery. Talent Unlimited will launch a series of career days, masterclasses, mentoring, internships and fixed term roles within the company across more than 14 countries including UK, Germany, Poland, Mexico, Argentina and Greater China.
The mission of RISE will also be infused in our global day of volunteerism, IMPACT Day-where we power people’s progress by supporting projects that provide a better future for our people and our planet. The company will also invite consumers and partners to join in support of the RISE initiative to maximize the impact of this critically important effort.
About Discovery:
Discovery, Inc. (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) is a global leader in real life entertainment, serving 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 in nearly 50 languages, Discovery is a platform innovator, reaching viewers on all screens, including TV Everywhere products such as the GO portfolio of apps; direct-to-consumer streaming services such as Eurosport Player and MotorTrend OnDemand; digital-first and social content from Group Nine Media; a landmark natural history and factual content partnership with the BBC; and a strategic alliance with PGA TOUR to create the international home of golf. Discovery’s portfolio of premium brands includes Discovery Channel, HGTV, Food Network, TLC, Investigation Discovery, Travel Channel, MotorTrend, 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. For more information, please visit https://corporate.discovery.com and follow @DiscoveryIncTV across social platforms.
About Save the Children:
Save the Children fights every single day for children’s futures. We stand side by side with children in the toughest places to be a child. In places where others won’t go, we’re there, giving everything to make sure they survive, get protected, and have the chance to learn. Because every child should get to make their mark on the world, and build a better future for us all.