Verizon's TV Lineup to Feature Discovery Networks

NEW YORK - Verizon today announced an agreement for distribution of Discovery Communications Inc.'s 14 U.S.-based networks including Discovery HD Theater, as well as Discovery On Demand, over Verizon's fiber-to-the-premises network.

Verizon will begin serving customers with its fiber-optic video service, called Verizon FiOS (FYE'-ose) TV, in 2005. The company is building a fiber-optic network that will deliver voice, video and data to homes and small businesses through a single connection.

Under the agreement, Verizon's programming lineup will include Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, Discovery Health Channel, Discovery Kids Channel, Discovery Times Channel, The Science Channel, Discovery Home Channel, Military Channel, Discovery en Español, FitTV, BBC AMERICA, and Discovery HD Theater, the company's 24-hour high-definition network. The agreement also includes Discovery On Demand, Discovery's video-on-demand service that will enable Verizon customers to access a library of additional Discovery titles without charge, at any time, with DVD-like functionality.

Verizon Communications Inc.

Verizon Communications Inc. (NYSE:VZ) is one of the world's leading providers of communications services. With a diverse work force of approximately 208,000, Verizon has four business units: Domestic Telecom serves customers based in 29 states with wireline telecommunications services, including broadband, nationwide long-distance and other services. Verizon Wireless owns and operates the nation's most reliable wireless network, serving 42.1 million voice and data customers across the United States. Information Services operates directory publishing businesses and provides electronic commerce services. International includes wireline and wireless operations and investments, primarily in the Americas and Europe. For more information, visit www.verizon.com.

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