Case Study: Discovery Communications achieves streamlined, collaborative SEC reporting and XBRL tagging with Workiva Wdesk

Discovery Communications Takes a DIY Approach to Wdesk

Discovery Communications, the global nonfiction media company behind channels like Discovery Channel, TLC and Animal Planet, needed a more efficient SEC reporting process for its five‑person external reporting team in Silver Spring. The team was burdened by manual XBRL tagging in spreadsheets, version‑control headaches and a cumbersome review cycle, yet wanted autonomy rather than an externally built implementation.

They implemented Wdesk themselves using online resources and minimal vendor support, adopting a single‑document data model, real‑time collaboration, linking that auto‑updates numbers, and integrated XBRL tools. The DIY rollout delivered faster, more accurate filings, better cross‑training, reduced busywork and lower cost, giving the team greater control, consistency and time for higher‑value reporting work.

Discovery Communications

Safi Majid

Senior Accountant of SEC Reporting and Accounting Policy