January 10, 2018

Statement by Montgomery County Executive Ike Leggett On the Corporate Decision to Shift Discovery Communications Headquarters from Silver Spring

“I was disappointed to hear of the corporate decision by Discovery Communications to move its headquarters from downtown Silver Spring, where they have been located since 2003.

“Certainly these are challenging times in the communications industry and the recent Scripps merger involving Discovery undoubtedly had a significant impact.

“Notwithstanding these changes in objective conditions, Montgomery County has been in discussions with Discovery in the past months since the merger in an effort to respond to the challenges faced by an independent television, entertainment, and education channel in a radically-changing industry. The County and State made a substantial proposal designed to accommodate Discovery’s challenges. Together, we were ready to provide considerable incentives to retain their presence in the County.

“I know this was a tough decision for Discovery. I respect the contributions Discovery has made over the last 15 years to Silver Spring and Montgomery County. We will miss them.”a