• by David Goetzl  @dgoetzl, August 9, 2007

Revenue for the domestic fleet of the Discovery networks increased 5% in the second quarter to $516 million, even as the Travel Channel was spun off, according to the Discovery Holding Company.

Control of the Travel Channel was transferred to Cox Communications on May 14--which means that revenues from the channel dropped off the balance sheet then, although the company continues to receive fees as Discovery's sales force still represents the channel.

Overall, including global operations, Discovery's 2Q revenues jumped 11% to $812 million. The increase was due, in part, to a company-wide 10% increase in ad dollars. Operating cash flow was up 36% to $258 million; the Travel Channel divestiture brought a $135 million gain.

DHC owns two-thirds of the Discovery communications operations, with Advance/Newhouse controlling the balance.

DHC also said programming expenses rose an unspecified amount as investments in original programming continued. The company said prime-time ratings in the 25-to-54 demo rose 7% for the flagship Discovery channel and 11% for TLC in the quarter.