John Hendricks (born November 8, 1941) is an American businessman, the founder and former chairman of Discovery Communications.

Hendricks is a pioneer in the cable television industry. In 1985, he launched the Discovery Channel, which has since become one of the world's most popular cable channels.

Hendricks has also been a major donor to educational and environmental causes. He is the founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports journalism, education, and the arts.

Hendricks is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Harvard Business School. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences.

John Hendricks

John Hendricks is an American businessman, the founder and former chairman of Discovery Communications. He is a pioneer in the cable television industry and a major donor to educational and environmental causes.

  • Founder of Discovery Communications
  • Pioneer in the cable television industry
  • Launched the Discovery Channel in 1985
  • Major donor to educational and environmental causes
  • Founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation
  • Graduate of the University of Maryland and Harvard Business School
  • Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Hendricks's founding of the Discovery Channel in 1985 was a major milestone in the history of cable television. The channel quickly became one of the most popular cable channels in the world, and it has since been credited with helping to popularize educational and documentary programming.

Hendricks is also a major donor to educational and environmental causes. He is the founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports journalism, education, and the arts. The foundation has awarded more than $300 million in grants to organizations working to improve the quality of journalism, education, and the arts in the United States.

Founder of Discovery Communications

John Hendricks is the founder of Discovery Communications, one of the world's largest cable television companies. Discovery Communications owns and operates a portfolio of cable channels, including the Discovery Channel, TLC, Animal Planet, and HGTV.

  • Hendricks's vision for Discovery Communications was to create a network of channels that would offer educational and entertaining programming. Discovery Channel, the company's flagship channel, has become one of the most popular cable channels in the world, and it is known for its documentaries on science, nature, and history.
  • Discovery Communications has also been a pioneer in the development of new technologies. The company was one of the first to launch a website, and it has also developed a number of innovative mobile apps.
  • Hendricks's leadership has been instrumental in Discovery Communications' success. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small start-up to a global media giant.
  • Hendricks has also been a generous philanthropist. He has donated millions of dollars to educational and environmental causes.

Hendricks's founding of Discovery Communications has had a major impact on the media landscape. The company's channels have helped to educate and entertain millions of people around the world.

Pioneer in the cable television industry

John Hendricks is a pioneer in the cable television industry. He founded Discovery Communications in 1985, and the company has since become one of the world's largest cable television companies.

Hendricks's vision for Discovery Communications was to create a network of channels that would offer educational and entertaining programming. Discovery Channel, the company's flagship channel, has become one of the most popular cable channels in the world, and it is known for its documentaries on science, nature, and history.

Hendricks's leadership has been instrumental in Discovery Communications' success. Under his leadership, the company has grown from a small start-up to a global media giant.

Hendricks's pioneering work in the cable television industry has had a major impact on the way that people consume media. Discovery Communications' channels have helped to educate and entertain millions of people around the world.

Launched the Discovery Channel in 1985

The launch of the Discovery Channel in 1985 was a major milestone in the career of John Hendricks. Hendricks had founded Discovery Communications four years earlier, and the launch of the Discovery Channel was the culmination of his vision to create a network of channels that would offer educational and entertaining programming.

The Discovery Channel quickly became one of the most popular cable channels in the world, and it has since been credited with helping to popularize educational and documentary programming. The channel's success was due in large part to Hendricks's leadership and his commitment to quality programming.

The launch of the Discovery Channel was a major turning point for Discovery Communications. The channel's success helped to establish the company as a major player in the cable television industry, and it also helped to pave the way for the launch of other successful channels, such as TLC, Animal Planet, and HGTV.

Today, Discovery Communications is one of the world's largest cable television companies. The company's channels are available in more than 220 countries and territories, and they reach more than 3 billion people around the world.

Major donor to educational and environmental causes

John Hendricks is a major donor to educational and environmental causes. He is the founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports journalism, education, and the arts. The foundation has awarded more than $300 million in grants to organizations working to improve the quality of journalism, education, and the arts in the United States.

  • Education: Hendricks is a strong supporter of education. He believes that all children should have access to a quality education, regardless of their background or socioeconomic status. He has donated millions of dollars to schools and universities around the world, and he is a major supporter of educational reform.
  • Environment: Hendricks is also a passionate advocate for the environment. He believes that we must protect our planet for future generations. He has donated millions of dollars to environmental organizations, and he is a strong supporter of renewable energy and other sustainable practices.

Hendricks's philanthropy has had a major impact on the world. His donations have helped to improve the quality of education and journalism, and they have also helped to protect the environment. He is a true visionary, and his generosity is an inspiration to us all.

Founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation

John Hendricks is the founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, a philanthropic organization that supports journalism, education, and the arts. The foundation was established in 1950 by John S. Knight, the founder of the Knight Ridder newspaper chain, and his wife, Ruth.

Hendricks became involved with the foundation in the early 1980s, when he was appointed to its board of directors. He became chairman of the board in 1990, and he has served in that role ever since.

Under Hendricks' leadership, the foundation has become one of the leading supporters of journalism in the United States. The foundation has provided grants to a wide range of organizations, including The New York Times, The Washington Post, and The Pulitzer Center on Crisis Reporting.

The foundation has also been a major supporter of education. The foundation has provided grants to schools and universities around the country, including the University of Maryland, Harvard University, and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology.

Hendricks' involvement with the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation is a reflection of his commitment to philanthropy and his belief in the importance of journalism, education, and the arts.

Graduate of the University of Maryland and Harvard Business School

John Hendricks, the founder of Discovery Communications, is a graduate of the University of Maryland and Harvard Business School. His education played a major role in his success as a businessman and philanthropist.

Hendricks' undergraduate degree in journalism from the University of Maryland gave him the foundation he needed to launch his career in the media industry. He worked as a journalist for several years before founding Discovery Communications in 1985.

Hendricks' MBA from Harvard Business School gave him the business skills he needed to grow Discovery Communications into a global media empire. He learned about finance, marketing, and management, which helped him to make sound decisions for his company.

Hendricks' education has also been a major factor in his success as a philanthropist. He is a major donor to educational and environmental causes, and he has founded several foundations to support these causes.

Hendricks' story is an example of how education can lead to success in business and philanthropy. His degrees from the University of Maryland and Harvard Business School gave him the knowledge and skills he needed to achieve his goals.

Member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

John Hendricks' membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a testament to his significant contributions to the fields of media, education, and philanthropy.

  • Recognition of Excellence: The American Academy of Arts and Sciences is one of the most prestigious honorary societies in the United States. Membership is limited to individuals who have made exceptional contributions to their fields. Hendricks' election to the Academy is a recognition of his outstanding achievements in the media industry and his commitment to education and environmental causes.
  • Interdisciplinary Collaboration: The Academy is a multidisciplinary organization that brings together scholars, artists, scientists, and leaders from all walks of life. Hendricks' membership in the Academy provides him with the opportunity to collaborate with other leading thinkers and to contribute to a wide range of discussions on important issues facing society.
  • Commitment to Public Service: The Academy's mission is to "honor excellence and convene leaders from every field of human endeavor to examine new ideas, address issues of importance to the nation and the world, and work together to advance the public good." Hendricks' involvement with the Academy reflects his commitment to using his knowledge and experience to make a positive impact on society.
  • Inspiration for Future Generations: Hendricks' membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is an inspiration to young people who are interested in pursuing careers in media, education, or philanthropy. It shows that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in the world.

Hendricks' membership in the American Academy of Arts and Sciences is a well-deserved honor that recognizes his significant contributions to society. It is also a reflection of his commitment to excellence, interdisciplinary collaboration, public service, and inspiring future generations.

Frequently Asked Questions About John Hendricks

John Hendricks is an American businessman and philanthropist who founded Discovery Communications, one of the world's largest cable television companies. He has also been a major donor to educational and environmental causes.

Question 1: What is John Hendricks' background?

Answer: John Hendricks was born in 1941 in Dayton, Ohio. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a degree in journalism and from Harvard Business School with an MBA.

Question 2: How did John Hendricks start Discovery Communications?

Answer: Hendricks founded Discovery Communications in 1985 with the launch of the Discovery Channel. The channel quickly became one of the most popular cable channels in the world, and Discovery Communications has since grown into a global media empire.

Question 3: What are some of John Hendricks' philanthropic interests?

Answer: Hendricks is a major donor to educational and environmental causes. He is the founder of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation, which supports journalism, education, and the arts.

Question 4: What awards and recognition has John Hendricks received?

Answer: Hendricks has received numerous awards and recognitions for his work in business and philanthropy. He is a member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences and has received honorary degrees from several universities.

Question 5: What is John Hendricks' legacy?

Answer: John Hendricks is a pioneer in the cable television industry and a major philanthropist. His work has had a significant impact on the way that people consume media and on the quality of journalism, education, and the arts.

Question 6: How can I learn more about John Hendricks?

Answer: You can learn more about John Hendricks by visiting his website or the website of the John S. and James L. Knight Foundation.

Summary

John Hendricks is a successful businessman and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the media industry, education, and the environment. His work has had a positive impact on the lives of millions of people around the world.

Transition to the next article section

John Hendricks is a true visionary and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists.

John Hendricks' Tips for Success

John Hendricks, the founder of Discovery Communications, is a successful businessman and philanthropist who has shared his insights on leadership, innovation, and philanthropy over the years. Here are some of his most valuable tips:

Tip 1: Be passionate about your work.

Hendricks believes that passion is essential for success. He says, "If you're not passionate about what you're doing, you're not going to be very good at it. Find something that you love to do and then go after it with everything you've got."

Tip 2: Be willing to take risks.

Hendricks is not afraid to take risks. He says, "If you're not willing to take risks, you're not going to achieve anything great. But it's important to calculate your risks carefully and make sure that you have a good chance of success."

Tip 3: Be persistent.

Hendricks believes that persistence is key to success. He says, "Don't give up on your dreams. If you keep at it, you will eventually achieve them. Just remember to be patient and never give up on your goals."

Tip 4: Be a lifelong learner.

Hendricks is a lifelong learner. He says, "Never stop learning. The world is constantly changing, so it's important to keep up with the latest trends and technologies. Read books, attend conferences, and take courses to expand your knowledge and skills."

Tip 5: Be generous.

Hendricks is a generous philanthropist. He says, "Give back to your community. It's important to help others and make a difference in the world."

Summary

John Hendricks' tips for success are simple but effective. By following these tips, you can increase your chances of achieving your goals and making a positive impact on the world.

Transition to the article's conclusion

John Hendricks is a true visionary and a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs and philanthropists. His tips for success can help you achieve your goals and make a difference in the world.

Conclusion

John Hendricks is a visionary entrepreneur and philanthropist who has made significant contributions to the media industry, education, and the environment. His founding of Discovery Communications revolutionized the way that people consume media, and his philanthropy has helped to improve the quality of journalism, education, and the arts.

Hendricks' story is an inspiration to us all. It shows that it is possible to achieve great things through hard work, dedication, and a commitment to making a difference in the world. His tips for success can help us all to achieve our goals and make a positive impact on our communities and the world.

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