SES AMERICOM Tapped to Deliver All U.S. Networks for Discovery Communications

WIT earth station and HD-PRIME provide the distribution backbone for new Discovery Television and Technology Center

PRINCETON, NJ – September 8, 2005 – With the new Discovery Television and Technology Center set to meet the evolving demands of traditional and new media television viewers everywhere, SES AMERICOM, an SES GLOBAL company (Euronext Paris and Luxembourg stock exchanges: SESG), today announced its Washington International Teleport (WIT) earth station and HD-PRIME^TM neighborhood, aboard the AMC-10 and AMC-11 satellites, have been selected to monitor and distribute all U.S. networks for Discovery Communications and BBC America.

Under the multi-year, multi-million-dollar agreement, Discovery’s Sterling, Virginia-based digital playout facility is linked to SES AMERICOM’s WIT facility in nearby Alexandria, where 19 Discovery network feeds are being monitored and uplinked to the twin spacecraft orbiting above the earth. Once aboard the HD-PRIME satellites, programming is ultimately delivered to every cable and DTH satellite household across the country. Discovery’s networks reach 676 million cumulative subscribers in the United States.

“Discovery’s decision to have SES AMERICOM deliver all of its U.S. programming is an exciting expansion of a long relationship and a strong vote of confidence in our reliable distribution platforms and the talented people behind them,” said Bryan McGuirk, president of North American media solutions for SES AMERICOM. “SES AMERICOM’s state-of-the-art earth station and the reach of our HD-PRIME neighborhood position Discovery and its impressive Television and Technology Center to serve viewers whenever and wherever they want to watch on a growing number of traditional and new media devices.”

“The Discovery Television and Technology Center leverages the latest technology to ensure that Discovery’s commitment to quality extends all the way from production to air,” said John Honeycutt, senior vice president of Discovery’s Television Operations Group. “By moving all of our U.S. networks programming distribution to SES AMERICOM, through its WIT facility and over the HD-PRIME satellites, Discovery has placed the critical delivery piece of our end-to-end digital solution in the highly capable and qualified hands of a proven partner.”

The state-of-the-art Discovery Television and Technology Center, the new home for the network origination for 13 Discovery Networks and BBC America, is now relying on SES AMERICOM to distribute its full schedule of U.S. programming for Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery HD Theater, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Military Channel, Discovery en Español and FitTV.

The HD-PRIME^TM Satellites

AMC-10 and AMC-11 are all C-band satellites, which operate from 135 and 131 degrees west longitude, respectively. Launched in 2004, the two A2100 spacecraft, built by Lockheed Martin Commercial Space Systems, have been optimized for next-generation programming services. Each of the 24 transponders is supported by a 20 watt SSPA, delivering almost a 20% increase in power over their predecessors.

About Discovery Communications

Discovery Communications, Inc. is the leading global real-world media and entertainment company. Discovery has grown from its core property, the Discovery Channel, first launched in the United States in 1985, to current global operations in more than 160 countries and territories with 1.3 billion cumulative subscribers. DCI’s over 90 networks of distinctive programming represent 25 network entertainment brands including TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Military Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Discovery en Español, Discovery Kids En Español, Discovery HD Theater, FitTV, Discovery Travel & Living (Viajar y Vivir), Discovery Home & Health and Discovery Real Time. DCI’s other properties consist of Discovery Education and Discovery Commerce, which operates 120 Discovery Channel Stores. DCI also distributes BBC America in the United States. DCI’s ownership consists of four shareholders: Discovery Holding Company (NASDAQ: DISCA, DISCB), Cox Communications, Inc., Advance/Newhouse Communications and John S. Hendricks, the Company’s Founder and Chairman.

About SES AMERICOM

The largest supplier of satellite services in the U.S., SES AMERICOM, Inc. is recognized as a pioneer of global satellite communications services. Established in 1973 with its first satellite circuit for the U.S. Department of Defense, the company currently operates a fleet of 17 spacecraft in orbital positions predominantly providing service throughout the Americas. As a member of the SES GLOBAL family, SES AMERICOM is able to provide end-to-end telecommunications solutions to any region in the world via a fleet of 40 plus satellites. In 2001, the company established AMERICOM Government Services, a wholly owned subsidiary dedicated to providing satellite-based communications solutions to both civilian and defense agencies of the U.S. government. With its combined operations, SES AMERICOM serves broadcasters, cable programmers, aeronautical and maritime communications integrators, Internet service providers, mobile communications networks, government agencies, educational institutions, carriers and secure global data networks with efficient communication and content distribution solutions.

Media Contacts:

Monica Morgan,
SES AMERICOM,
+1-609-987-4143,
monica.morgan@ses-americom.com

Paul Sims,
SES AMERICOM,
+1-678-576-6126,
paul.sims@ses-americom.com