Discovery Communications has signed a multi-transponder agreement with SES Americom, a unit of SES Global, to lease C-band capacity on AMC-10 and AMC-11, the company’s successor satellites to Satcom C-3 and C-4. Beginning in 2004, AMC-10 and AMC-11 will be the distribution platform for Discovery’s family of networks, including the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, Travel Channel, and Discovery Health Channel.

SES Americom’s satellite capacity will support Discovery’s transmission of services in multiple formats including digital multiplex, high definition, and analog. Americom’s next generation cable satellite platform will reach over 80 million U.S. homes.