EMMY(R)-AWARD WINNING DISCOVERY ATLAS RETURNS TO THE DISCOVERY CHANNEL IN MAY AND JUNE

-- Candice Bergen Narrates the Global Television Premiere of DISCOVERY ATLAS: FRANCE REVEALED on Thursday, May 8, at 8 PM (ET/PT) --

(Silver Spring, Md.) �Rich in scholarship and spectacular in visual beauty, DISCOVERY ATLAS returns to the Discovery Channel. DISCOVERY ATLAS is a global initiative of Discovery Communications that takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore countries that are bursting with physical, cultural, and historic riches. Showcasing cultures through extraordinary narratives, captivating photography, high quality production values and high-definition technology, this season DISCOVERY ATLAS captures the world like never before.

In 2006 DISCOVERY ATLAS transported viewers around the world unfolding intimate and unforgettable portraits of China, Italy, Brazil, and Australia. Now the journey continues on Thursday, May 8 at 8 PM (ET/PT) with the global world premiere on the Discovery Channel and Discovery HD Theater of DISCOVERY ATLAS: FRANCE REVEALED, as narrated by actress Candice Bergen. France will be followed by explorations of the people, cultures and lands of DISCOVERY ATLAS: JAPAN REVEALED narrated by Heroes' star, Masi Oka (Thursday, May 8 at 9 PM (ET/PT), DISCOVERY ATLAS: MEXICO REVEALED narrated by award-winning actor Edward James Olmos (Thursday, June 5 at 8 PM (ET/PT) and DISCOVERY ATLAS: INDIA REVEALED narrated by acclaimed director Mira Nair (Thursday, June 5 at 9 PM (ET/PT).

"DISCOVERY ATLAS allows viewers to experience the world's vast diversity in human terms. Our goal is create the most complete visual record of the history, civilization, geography, industry, technology and people of the world," said John S. Hendricks, founder and chairman of Discovery Communications, Inc.

"DISCOVERY ATLAS offers viewers rare perspective and insight into fascinating countries, building on the heritage of the Discovery Channel: innovative storytelling and the joy of learning something new. The extensive scope of this project will hopefully bring greater understanding and learning about the world around us," said John Ford, executive vice president and general manager of Discovery Factual Networks Group.

DISCOVERY ATLAS is an ambitious global project for Discovery Communications, touching every division of DCI. Discovery's International Networks will broadcast global world premieres in more than 170 countries and territories, and Discovery HD Theater will simulcast each DISCOVERY ATLAS special, illuminating each country with the latest in stunning, high quality HD technology.

Discovery Commerce will offer DISCOVERY ATLAS DVDs and HD DVDs in Discovery Channel stores and via its online store (shopping.discovery.com).

DISCOVERY ATLAS: FRANCE REVEALED, Thursday, May 8, 8 PM (ET/PT)

Explore the number one tourist destination in the world and discovers what it means to be truly French. It is one of the most provocative nations on earth, where attitudes and determination are etched into the identity of its people. DISCOVERY ATLAS: FRANCE REVEALED unfolds the fascinating stories of a graceful free runner, an ambitious free climber, a world-renowned chef, a brave civil servant, and a daring bullfighter, all of whom embody the French people's overwhelming passion for life and country.

DISCOVERY ATLAS: JAPAN REVEALED, Thursday, May 8, 9 PM (ET/PT)

From bullet trains and mind-boggling new technology to ancient traditions of geishas and tea ceremonies, DISCOVERY ATLAS: JAPAN REVEALED captures the contrasts of this thoroughly modern country steeped in tradition. The many layers of this mysterious country are revealed through the remarkable stories of an apprentice geisha, skilled shellfish divers, brawny tuna fishermen, cutting-edge robot designers and trendy schoolgirls.

DISCOVERY ATLAS: MEXICO REVEALED, Thursdsay, June 5, 8 PM (ET/PT)

DISCOVERY ATLAS: MEXICO REVEALED takes a journey into the heart of this colorful country to share the personal voyages of its people, including a charming, young cliff diver, a successful restaurateur, a masked wrestler, and a compassionate altar builder. Discover how this country is looking to the future with its roots firmly planted in the past.

DISCOVERY ATLAS: INDIA REVEALED, Thursday, June 5, 9 PM (ET/PT)

As India strives to join the leading edge of the world's superpowers, century-old conventions are under pressure as never before, forcing deep shifts within Indian society that will ultimately lead to an entirely new culture and identity. DISCOVERY ATLAS: INDIA REVEALED captures the tensions and conflicts as they are being played out in our world today, against a backdrop of perhaps the most diverse, visually spectacular and seemingly chaotic culture and landscape of any nation on earth.

DISCOVERY ATLAS is produced for Discovery Channel by Wall to Wall Television � Alex Graham, executive producer (FRANCE REVEALED); Lion Television � Cassian Harrison, executive producer (SOUTH AFRICA REVEALED); Creative Differences � Erik Nelson, executive producer (MEXICO REVEALED); and ZCZ Films � Mike Lerner (JAPAN REVEALED). For Discovery Channel, Maureen Lemire is the executive producer.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications is the world's number-one nonfiction media company reaching more than 1.5 billion cumulative subscribers in over 170 countries. Discovery empowers people to explore their world and satisfy their curiosity through 100-plus worldwide networks, led by Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Science Channel, Investigation Discovery and HD Theater, as well as leading consumer and educational products and services, and a diversified portfolio of digital media services including HowStuffWorks.com. Discovery Communications is owned by Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, Discovery's founder and chairman. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.