What is Discovery+ Content Acquisition?

Discovery+ content acquisition refers to the strategic process by which the platform sources, evaluates, and secures content to enrich its streaming library. This encompasses a range of activities, including identifying potential content partners, negotiating licensing agreements, and curating content that aligns with the platform’s brand and audience preferences.

In 2025, Discovery+ continues to focus on acquiring content that resonates with its global audience, emphasizing genres such as documentaries, lifestyle, reality, and factual entertainment. The platform seeks content that not only entertains but also educates and inspires, maintaining its reputation for quality programming.

Types of Content Deals in 2025

Discovery+ engages in various types of content deals to diversify its offerings:

• Licensing Agreements: Acquiring rights to stream existing content from producers and distributors for a specified period.
• Co-Productions: Collaborating with production companies to create new content, sharing resources, and creative input.
• Original Commissions: Commissioning exclusive content tailored to Discovery+’s audience, often involving unique formats or storytelling approaches.
• Format Adaptations: Adapting successful international formats to suit local markets, ensuring cultural relevance and appeal.

Content Partnerships: Establishing long-term relationships with content creators and distributors for ongoing content supply.

How Content Acquisition Works at Discovery+

The content acquisition process at Discovery+ involves several key steps:

1. Market Analysis: Identifying content trends and audience preferences across different regions.
2. Content Sourcing: Discovering potential content through festivals, markets, pitches, and industry networks.
3. Evaluation: Assessing content for quality, relevance, and alignment with Discovery+’s brand and audience.
4. Negotiation: Discussing terms, rights, and financials with content providers to reach mutually beneficial agreements.
5. Contracting: Formalizing agreements with clear terms on rights, territories, durations, and deliverables.
6. Integration: Incorporating acquired content into the platform’s programming schedule and marketing strategies.

Key Players in Discovery+ Content Acquisition

Several individuals and teams play pivotal roles in Discovery+’s content acquisition:

• Royce Battleman: As Executive Vice President of Global Content Acquisitions, she oversees content acquisition strategies across all territories .
• Regional Heads: Including Ragnhild Thorbech (EMEA), Magdalene Ew (Asia-Pacific), Andres Mendoza (Latin America), and others who manage content acquisition in their respective regions.
• Content Acquisition Teams: Responsible for sourcing, evaluating, and negotiating content deals, ensuring alignment with regional strategies and audience preferences.

Benefits of Partnering with Discovery+

Collaborating with Discovery+ offers numerous advantages:

• Global Exposure: Access to a vast international audience across multiple regions.
• Brand Association: Aligning with a reputable platform known for quality factual and lifestyle content.
• Creative Collaboration: Opportunities to co-develop content with Discovery+’s experienced teams.
• Financial Support: Potential funding for content development and production.
• Long-Term Partnerships: Building enduring relationships that can lead to ongoing content opportunities.

Challenges in Securing a Content Deal

While the benefits are significant, content creators may face challenges:

• High Competition: Numerous creators vying for limited slots can make it difficult to stand out.
• Stringent Standards: Discovery+ maintains high content quality and relevance standards.
• Complex Negotiations: Navigating rights, territories, and financial terms requires expertise.
• Cultural Nuances: Ensuring content resonates with diverse international audiences.