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Investigation Discovery

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Investigation Discovery
CountryUnited States
HeadquartersSilver Spring, Maryland
Ownership
OwnerDiscovery Communications, LLC

Investigation Discovery (often abbreviated ID) is an American television network owned by Discovery Communications that features documentary-style programming dealing with true crime subjects, mostly those of a violent nature (primarily homicides, but also kidnappings, stalkings, sexual assaults, domestic violence and disappearances). As of February 2015, approximately 86,062,000 American households (73.9% of households with television) receive Investigation Discovery.[1]

History

The channel launched in 1996 under the name Discovery Civilization Network: The World History and Geography Channel. It was one of four digital networks rolled out by Discovery Communications simultaneously in October 1996.[2] Plans for the channel had surfaced in November 1994, when its working name was "Time Traveler".[3]

File:Discovery ID.png
Former logo, used from January 2008 to March 2012.

In April 2002, New York Times Television and Discovery Communications announced a joint venture to run the Discovery Civilization Channel. By then, it was available in 14 million households. The partnership aimed to complement the historical shows, with programming about current events and contemporary history.[4] On March 25, 2003, the channel was rebranded as Discovery Times, focusing more on American culture and programming pertaining to the well-being and culture of the people of the United States, as well as other miscellaneous programming. The previous name was described as "is a little off-message" by executives.[5] In April 2006, The New York Times sold its stake in Discovery Times back to Discovery Communications, ending its ownership in the channel.[6]

Also in 2006, the network's on-air identity was re-branded by creative studio Trollbäck + Company. On January 27, 2008, Discovery Times was renamed "Investigation Discovery".[7] In addition to the television network, an Investigation Discovery website was also launched. Contributors to the website include crime writers David Lohr, Corey Mitchell, and Gary C. King.[citation needed]

The channel's high definition simulcast is available on all major cable and satellite providers.

Programming

Most of ID's programs are original productions, but it also airs re-titled off-network reruns, including ABC's 20/20, CBS' 48 Hours, and NBC's Dateline.

On June 7, 2015, ID aired its first ever scripted mini-series; Serial Thriller: Angel of Decay chronicled the investigation of convicted (and later executed) serial killer Ted Bundy.[8] A second installment, Serial Thriller: The Chameleon, premiered as a two-part miniseries in December 2015, chronicling the crimes that resulted in the execution of American serial killer Stephen Morin.[9][10] A third installment, Serial Thriller: The Headhunter, about serial killer Edmund Kemper (which possibly includes the story of serial killer Herbert Mullin), premiered on February 20, 2016.[11]

Current

Past

International versions

Main articles: Investigation Discovery (Canada), Investigation Discovery Europe, and Investigation Discovery (Latin America)

References

  1. ^ Seidman, Robert (February 22, 2015). "List of how many homes each cable network is in as of February 2015". TV by the Numbers. Zap2it. Retrieved March 14, 2015.
  2. ^ "Digital Play in the U.S. of A." Realscreen. April 1, 1999.
  3. ^ "Discovery plans launch of four newly created nets. (Discovery Communications Inc.)". Multichannel News. November 1994.
  4. ^ "The New York Times Company and Discovery Communications, Inc. Announce Joint Venture in Discovery Civilization Channel" (Press release). The New York Times Company. April 5, 2002.
  5. ^ "'Civilization' Seeks Current-Affairs Niche". Multichannel News. November 4, 2002.
  6. ^ "Discovery Times to Sell Stake". New York Observer. April 13, 2006. Retrieved January 27, 2008.
  7. ^ "Discovery Investigates". Long Island Newsday. January 26, 2008. Archived from the original on January 29, 2008. Retrieved January 27, 2008. Tomorrow, the Discovery Times digital channel morphs into Investigation Discovery. (ID, get it?) Premiere night features "Deadly Women" (tomorrow at 8 p.m.), about female killers, and a related episode of "48 Hours: Hard Evidence" (tomorrow at 9 p.m., all on ID). Read the new channel's case file at http://blogs.discovery.com/criminal_report {{cite news}}: External link in |quote= (help)
  8. ^ "Upfronts: Investigation Discovery Sets 'Serial Thriller' as First Scripted Miniseries". Variety. March 31, 2015.
  9. ^ "Exclusive Sneak Peek At Serial Thriller: The Chameleon". Investigation Discovery.
  10. ^ "ID Channel's The Chameleon – A Serial Killer Named Stephen Peter Morin". TV Eskimo.
  11. ^ "'Serial Thriller: The Headhunter' Santa Cruz Serial Killers Edmund Kemper, Herbert Mullin Inspire ID's True Story". The Inquisitor. February 14, 2016.
  12. ^ "TCA: ID Announces 'Deadline: Crime With Tamron Hall'". Deadline Hollywood. July 25, 2013.
  13. ^ Bibel, Sara (March 5, 2013). "New Series 'Dead of Night' to Premiere Tuesday, March 12 on Investigation Discovery". TV by the Numbers. Retrieved March 16, 2013.
  14. ^ a b c d e f "Investigation Discovery Debuts Nine New and Returning Series That Sizzle This June". The Futon Critic. May 29, 2013.
  15. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (August 20, 2013). "Black Sheep Turn Their Backs on Family in Investigation Discovery's New Series 'Evil Kin'". TV by the Numbers.
  16. ^ Kondolojy, Amanda (March 29, 2013). "Vacations 'To Die For' Featured in Investigation Discovery's 'Murder in Paradise'". TV by the Numbers.
  17. ^ Bibel, Sara (July 25, 2013). "'Surviving Evil', Hosted by Charisma Carpenter, to Premiere August 28 on Investigation Discovery". TV by the Numbers.
  18. ^ O.J. Simpson Trial: The Real Story. Investigation Discovery. April 1, 2016.
  19. ^ OJ: Trial of the Century. Investigation Discovery. June 12, 2014.
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