Discovery strengthens Colombian ties

Discovery Communications has strengthened its presence in Colombia by signing a coproduction agreement with the country’s government.

The deal with Colombia’s Ministry of Information Technology and Communications will see programmes produced for and about the South American territory, and TV production training schemes launched.

Local prodcos will be able to gain international experience and technical skills and coproduce programmes for Discovery and Colombian pubcasters.

It is hoped the arrangement will increase the amount of Colombian produced content available to air across Discovery’s portfolio of channels in the country.

The first fruit of the collaboration is expected to air on Colombian pubcaster RCTV later this year.

An advisory board is being set up to ensure topics chosen for coproduction on Colombia’s culture and history appeal to the national and international audience.

Discovery Communications president and CEO David Zaslav said : “Discovery is committed to investing more in the local economy, collaborating with the creative community, and working with the Colombian government to produce high-quality programming about this exciting and vibrant country.”

Discovery opened an office in the capital Bogotá in 2.011.