Like other cable networks, we have established our presence in the consumer mind through powerful brands. Consequently, consumers are loyal and dedicated to their cable channels in a way they are not to broadcast networks. They come back to cable because of the promise we have made about what they can expect—our consistency. The temptation, always, is to drift from the core promise to chase a larger potential audience. But when you stray off brand, you may gain some new viewers, but they will not be the ones who are really attracted to your core programming. We’ve experienced it at Discovery,
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