Investigation Discovery Announces Exclusive Talent and Production Deal with Journalist and Bestselling Author Aphrodite Jones

February 18, 2009

(Silver Spring, Md.) Investigation Discovery (ID) announced today that Aphrodite Jones, bestselling author and journalist, is joining the network in 2009. The two-part agreement, creating an exclusive talent relationship between Jones and ID for nonfiction hosting and content, also includes the creation of a new series, APHRODITE JONES FILES (wt), in 2009.

An expert on high-profile trials with extensive experience covering cases that make headlines, Jones will also provide content and commentary on InvestigationDiscovery.com.

Aphrodite Jones' passion for uncovering people's true motivation is the heart of every episode of APHRODITE JONES FILES," said Deborah Myers, senior vice president of production. "As the source for fact-based investigative content, Investigation Discovery is proud to be the on-air and online home for Aphrodite and her exceptional story-telling techniques that we know our audience craves."

"I'm excited to work with Investigation Discovery, the top television channel for viewers who are serious about getting to the truth," said Aphrodite Jones. "Using investigative work and never-before-seen interviews, my new series will break down the deception strategies of notorious and previously unknown perpetrators. In every episode, viewers will get to the bottom of the million dollar question: Why?"

While she began her career as a journalist, Aphrodite Jones has diversified her workload to include covering famous trials for cable news outlets and publishing eight meticulously researched true-crime books, including three that have been turned into films. Most notably, Aphrodite's book "All She Wanted" was transformed into the Academy Award winning film, "Boys Don't Cry." Her other books include "The FBI Killer," which was subsequently made into the ABC movie, "Betrayed By Love;" as well as "A Perfect Husband," the story of Michael Peterson that was the basis for the critically-acclaimed Lifetime movie, "The Staircase Murders." Jones has also authored "Cruel Sacrifice," "Della's Web," "The Embrace: A True Vampire Story," "Red Zone: The Behind-the-Scenes Story of the San Francisco Dog Mauling," and her latest work, "Michael Jackson Conspiracy," which examines the media's role in the court of public opinion, using evidence and exhibits from the highly-charged molestation trial against Michael Jackson.

In addition, Jones has regularly contributed television commentary about the psychological profiles involved in newsworthy trials including those involving O.J. Simpson, Michael Jackson, Scott Peterson, the BTK serial Killer, the Menendez Brothers, Charles Manson, Robert Blake and JonBenet Ramsey. A reporter and contributor for Fox News, Jones also hosted her own series, The Justice Hunters for USA, and began her career as a national columnist for United Features Syndicate.

The deal was negotiated by Chris Nassif at Diverse Talent Group. APHRODITE JONES FILES (wt) will be produced for Investigation Discovery by Tom Jennings Productions in association with Rive Gauche Television. For Tom Jennings Productions, Tom Jennings is executive producer; for Rive Gauche Television, Mark Rafalowski is executive producer. Aphrodite Jones is co-executive producer for the series. For ID, Jane Latman is executive producer.

About Investigation Discovery

Investigation Discovery (ID) is the source for fact-based investigative content about culture, history and the human condition. ID, the new authority in real investigations, is expanding partnerships with leading news organizations and production companies to bring the strongest analytic, factual investigative programming to more than 52 million U.S. households. Providing fascinating stories of human nature from the past to the present, Investigation Discovery's in-depth documentaries and series challenge viewers on important issues shaping our culture and defining our world. For more information, please visit investigation.discovery.com.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications (Nasdaq: DISCA, DISCB, DISCK) 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, Planet Green, 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. For more information, please visit www.discoverycommunications.com.