Discovery launches Russian JV

Discovery Communications and Russian online portal Rambler are launching a joint venture TV social networking site. The two companies are launching a portal that will provide information on current Discovery series as well as host streamed episodes of series including Deadliest Catch, Survival and Dirty Jobs.

The site, which will see advertising sold by Index20, will launch with premiere of nature series Life.

“Today, out efforts are aimed at further business development in Russia, and cooperation with Rambler.ru constitutes an important step ahead for our brand. The audience will have a Russian-language website designed specifically for them, where they can watch our best shows and the vivid, impressive content at an entirely new level,” said Caleb Weinstein, senior VP and general manager for emerging markets, Discovery Communications.