Shark Week, Storm Chasers, and the Casey Anthony trial-all have been media phenomena, and all could be seen on Discovery Communications's constellation of cable channels, including Discovery Channel, Investigation Discovery, TLC, and Animal Planet. With programming in 38 languages, Discovery's non-U.S. advertising revenue increased 25% in the second quarter, while affiliate revenues-payments made to Discovery's networks by cable and satellite-TV providers-rose 18%. For the year, analysts expect earnings to jump 32%.

Discovery continues to improve its operations. Programs on the Discovery Channel, Animal Planet and others of its channels scored 11 Emmy nominations in July. And in February, Discovery launched 3net, the first 3D television network in the U.S. You can expect Shark Week and Storm Chasers to be especially vivid this year.