Document:

exv10w1

	 	 	 	 	 

EXHIBIT10.1

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this 6th day of March,
2008 by and between Discovery Communications, LLC. (“DCL”) and Adria Alpert-Romm (“Executive”)
(herein referred to as “this Agreement”).

     WHEREAS, Executive entered into an employment agreement with Discovery Communications, Inc.
dated January 31, 2007;

     WHEREAS, the parties to this Agreement now desire to enter into an amended and restated
employment agreement (“Agreement”) to reflect certain changes:

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this
Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

	I.	 	DUTIES, ACCEPTANCE, LOCATION

	 	A.	 	DCL shall continue to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to continue to render
exclusive and full-time services as Executive Vice President, Human Resources, upon the
terms and conditions set forth herein. Executive’s duties shall be consistent with her
title and as otherwise directed by DCL.
	 
	 	B.	 	Executive shall report to David Zaslav, President and Chief Executive Officer of DCL,
provided that DCL reserves the right to change the individual and/or position to whom/which
Executive reports and, if DCL deems it necessary, subject to Section IV(D)(1)(b) hereof,
the location where Executive works.
	 
	 	C.	 	Throughout her employment with DCL, Executive agrees to serve DCL faithfully and to the
best of her ability, and to devote her full business time and energy to perform the duties
arising under this Agreement in a professional manner that does not discredit, but furthers
the interests of DCL.

	II.	 	TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

	 	A.	 	Executive’s term of employment shall be five (5) years beginning on March 12, 2007 and
ending March 11, 2012 (“Term of Employment”).
	 
	 	B.	 	DCL shall have the option to renew this Agreement with Executive for an additional
term. If DCL wishes to exercise its option to renew this Agreement, it will give Executive
written notice of its intent to renew one hundred twenty (120) days prior to the end of the
Term of Employment. Executive and DCL then agree to negotiate with each other exclusively
and in good faith for the next ninety (90) days of the Term of Employment. In the event
DCL does not exercise its option to renew this Agreement, this Agreement shall expire, and
Executive shall automatically become an at-will employee following the Term of Employment.

	III.	 	COMPENSATION

	 	A.	 	Base Salary. DCL agrees to provide Executive with an annual base salary of
$500,000. Beginning March 12, 2007, this sum will be paid over the course of twelve
months, in increments paid on regular DCL paydays, less such sums as the law requires DCL
to deduct or withhold. Executive’s future salary increases will be reviewed and decided in
accordance with DCL standard practices and procedures.
	 
	 	B.	 	Bonus/Incentive Payment. In addition to the base salary paid to Executive
pursuant to Section III(A), Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive payment of
Sixty Percent (60%) of her base salary. The portion of the incentive payment to be
received by Executive will be determined in accordance with DCL’s applicable incentive or
bonus plan in effect at that time (e.g., subject to reduction for DCL under-performance and
increase for DCL over-performance and subject to an individual performance evaluation by
Executive’s supervisor) and will be paid in accordance with the applicable incentive or
bonus plan.
	 
	 	C.	 	Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive any and
all benefits generally available to executives at Executive’s level in the company in
accordance with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan or arrangement.

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	 	D.	 	Unit Appreciation Plan. DCL currently maintains the Discovery Appreciation
Plan (a copy of which, as it currently exists, is attached as Attachment 1) (the “Plan”).
Executive shall be designated as a participant in the Plan and be awarded 400,000 units
with, and on, a grant date of March 12, 2007. Participation by Executive in the Plan shall
be in accordance with the terms of the Plan and subject to the terms of this Agreement.
If, however, Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated by DCL not For Cause
as defined in Section IV(E)(1)(a) of this Agreement, notwithstanding anything set forth in
the Plan, Executive will have the right to be compensated under the terms set forth in
Section IV(E) and its subparts. In the event Executive and DCL do not enter into a new
employment agreement following expiration of this Agreement, Executive’s Units will be
treated in accordance with Sections II(B) and IV(F) hereof. The parties acknowledge and
agree that the terms and conditions of the Plan are subject to change at any time,
particularly, but not limiting the generality of the foregoing, as may be required by
changes to U.S. law that may affect the Plan.
	 
	 	E.	 	Relocation. Executive shall receive all benefits afforded to executives of her
level under DCL’s relocation policy as the same may be modified from time to time.
	 
	 	F.	 	Supplemental Retirement Plan Payment. DCL maintains a Supplemental Retirement
Plan (“SRP”) for its senior executives (a copy of which, as it currently exists, is
attached hereto as Attachment 3). DCL agrees that Executive shall be designated as a
participant in the SRP and agrees that it will pay the sum of $750,000 into Executive’s SRP
account as of Executive’s first day of employment hereunder. Such payment (the “DCL SRP
Payment”) shall be subject to the following vesting provisions:

	 	1.	 	The DCL SRP Payment will vest in five equal installments on each of the first,
second, third, fourth and fifth anniversary dates of executive’s first day of
employment hereunder.
	 
	 	2.	 	In the event that Executive’s employment with DCL is terminated for any reason
other than (a) a Termination For Cause (as defined in Section IV(C) below), or (b) a
termination by Executive in violation of this Agreement, upon Executive’s departure
from DCL, Executive shall be entitled to receive the vested portion of the DCL SRP
Payment, plus any gain on such vested portion, as provided in the payment provision of
the SRP.

     Other than these vesting provisions applicable to the DCL SRP Payment, Executive’s SRP account
shall be subject to all terms and conditions of the SRP plan, as it may change from time to time.
Executive acknowledges that under the provisions of the SRP, the DCL SRP Payment, any other
contributions to the SRP by Executive and any gains thereon remain an asset of DCL until such time
as they are payable to Executive under the terms of this Agreement and the SRP plan document.

	IV.	 	TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND AGREEMENT

     All definitions and conditions set forth in this Section IV, including, but not limited to,
the definitions of Termination for Disability and Termination for Cause as referenced in the Plan,
shall be governed solely by the terms of this Agreement unless otherwise specified.

	 	A.	 	Death. If Executive should die during the Term of Employment, this Agreement
will terminate. No further amounts or benefits shall be payable except those benefits set
forth in Section 7.3(b) of the Plan and those that may vest in accordance with the
controlling documents for other relevant DCL benefits programs, which shall be paid in
accordance with the terms of such other DCL benefit programs, including the terms governing
the time and manner of payment.
	 
	 	B.	 	Inability To Perform Duties. If, during the Term of Employment, Executive
should become physically or mentally disabled, such that she is unable to perform her
duties under Sections I (A) and (C) hereof for (i) a period of six (6) consecutive months
or (ii) for shorter periods that add up to six (6) months in any eight (8)-month period, by
written notice to the Executive, DCL may terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, Executive’s employment shall terminate upon Executive incurring a “separation
from service” under the medical leave rules of Section 409A. In that case, no further
amounts or benefits shall be payable to Executive other than those set forth in Section 7.3
(b) of the Plan, except that until (i) she is no longer disabled or (ii) she becomes 65
years old — whichever happens first — Executive may be entitled to receive continued
coverage under the relevant medical or disability plans to the extent permitted by such
plans and to the extent such benefits continue to be provided to DCL executives at
Executive’s level in the company generally, provided that in the case of any continued
coverage under one or more of DCL’s medical plans, if DCL determines that the provision of
continued medical coverage at DCL’s sole or partial expense may result in Federal taxation
of the benefit provided thereunder to Executive or her dependents because such benefits are provided by a
self-insured basis by DCL, then Executive shall be obligated to pay the full monthly COBRA
or similar premium for such coverage.

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	 	C.	 	Termination For Cause.

	 	1.	 	In the event that Executive is convicted of any felony, any lesser crime of
sufficient import to potentially discredit or adversely affect DCL’s reputation or
ability to conduct its business in the normal course, or any offense involving the
property of DCL or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (e.g., theft, conversion,
destruction of property, tampering with DCL’s computer system), or engages in willful
misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, DCL may terminate
Executive’s employment by written notice to the Executive.
	 
	 	2.	 	In the event that Executive materially neglects her duties under Sections I(A) or
(C) hereof or engages in other conduct that constitutes a breach by Executive of this
Agreement (collectively “Breach”), DCL shall so notify Executive in writing. Executive
will be afforded a one-time-only opportunity to cure the noted Breach within ten (10)
days from receipt of this notice. If no cure is achieved within this time, or if
Executive engages in the same Breach a second time after once having been given the
opportunity to cure, DCL may terminate this Agreement by written notice to Executive.
	 
	 	3.	 	Any of the above reasons set forth in Section IV(C)(1) or Section IV(C)(2) hereof
shall be considered termination For Cause and upon such termination, Executive shall not
be entitled to receive any further amounts or benefits hereunder, other than as may be
required by law.

	 	D.	 	Termination Of Agreement By Executive.

	 	1.	 	Executive may terminate this Agreement only for the following Good Reasons: (a)
material reduction in duties or responsibilities; and (b) DCL’s material change in the
location of the DCL office where Executive works (e.g., not relocation to another
location in the Washington D.C. metropolitan area) (“Good Reason”) provided however,
that Executive must provide DCL with written notice of the existence of the change
constituting Good Reason within thirty-five (35) days of any such event having occurred,
and allow DCL thirty (30) days to cure the same. If DCL so cures the change, Executive
shall not have a basis for terminating his/her employment for Good Reason with respect
to such cured change. In addition, in the event a change occurs that triggers
Executive’s right to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason, Executive must exercise
such right in writing to terminate this Agreement for Good Reason within thirty-five
(35) days of the effective date of the applicable change, or such right shall be deemed
waived.
	 
	 	2.	 	If Executive terminates this Agreement for Good Reason before the Term of
Employment has expired, consistent with DCL’s normal payroll practices, within ten (10)
days following the Release Deadline (as defined below), DCL will commence to pay
Executive the balance of his/her annual base salary for the lesser of (a) twelve (12)
months or (b) the remainder of the Term of Employment (along with the Unit payment
referred to below, the “Separation Payment”). However, in no event shall this
Separation Payment be less than six (6) months of Executive’s annual base salary. The
salary portion of the Separation Payment will be paid in equal increments on regular DCL
paydays (based upon the number of months base salary that is payable and the number of
paydays per month), less required deductions and withholdings, until the balance is paid
in full. In addition, Executive will be paid the portion of her Units in the Plan that
has vested as of Executive’s last day of employment according to the terms of the Plan,
whether such Units were granted under this Agreement or otherwise. Such payment will be
made within ten (10) days following the Release Deadline. This Separation Payment is
expressly conditioned on Executive’s signing the Agreement and General Release
(“Release”, attached as Attachment 2 and incorporated by reference).
	 
	 	3.	 	No Separation Payment will be made if Executive fails to sign the Release. The
Release must be executed and become effective within the sixty (60) calendar day period
following the date of Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of
Section 409A (the last day of such period being the “Release Deadline”). No Separation
Payment will be made if Executive violates the provisions of Section VI hereof, in which
case all Separation Payment shall cease, and those already made shall be forfeited.
	 
	 	4.	 	If Executive terminates this Agreement before the Term of Employment has expired
for a reason other than those stated in Section IV(D)(1) hereof, it will be deemed a
material breach of this Agreement. Executive agrees that, in that event, in addition to
any other rights and remedies which DCL may have as a result of such breach, she will
forfeit all right and obligations to be compensated for any remaining portion of her annualized base salary,
Separation Payment, bonus/incentive payment and Units that may otherwise be due under
this Agreement, pursuant to other DCL plans or policies, or otherwise, except as may be
required by law.

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	 	E.	 	Termination Not For Cause.

	 	1.	 	(a) In the event that DCL terminates Executive’s employment hereunder for reasons
other than For Cause, as defined in Section IV(C) hereof, subject to what is described
more fully below, DCL will pay the Executive (i) the balance of all Units as described
below, and (ii) continued salary and continued participation in DCL’s incentive or bonus
plan for the lesser of (A) twelve (12) months from Executive’s termination date or (B)
the remainder of the Term of Employment (“Severance Payment”). However, in no event
shall Executive receive less than six (6) months of his/her annual base salary and six
(6) months of continued participation in DCL’s incentive or bonus plan. This Severance
Payment expressly is conditioned on Executive’s signing the Release (attached as
Attachment 2).
	 
	 	(b)	 	In the event DCL demotes Executive during the Term of Employment (i.e., reduces
Executive’s DCL title below that stated in Section I(A) hereof and materially reduces
his/her authority and responsibilities) in the absence of Executive’s breach of this
Agreement, subject to what is described more fully below, upon Executive’s termination
of employment, Executive shall have receive (i) the balance of all Units as described
below, and (ii) continued salary and continued participation in DCL’s incentive or bonus
plan for the lesser of (A) twelve (12) months or (B) the remainder of the Term of
Employment (“Severance Payment”). However, in no event shall Executive receive less
than six (6) months of his/her annual base salary and six (6) months of continued
participation in DCL’s incentive or bonus plan. This Severance Payment expressly is
conditioned on (i) Executive providing notice of his/her intent to terminate his/her
employment as a result of the demotion and allowing a cure period in the manner and
duration set forth in Section IV(D)(1) for a Good Reason termination, and (ii)
Executive’s signing the Release. Executive must exercise his/her rights to terminate
under this paragraph in writing within thirty-five (35) days of the effective date of
the applicable change or such right shall be deemed waived.
	 
	 	2.	 	No Severance Payment will be made if Executive fails to sign the Release. The
Release must be executed and become effective within the sixty (60) calendar day period
following the date of Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of
Section 409A. No Separation Payment will be made if Executive violates the provisions
of Section VI hereof, in which case all Severance Payments will cease, and those already
made will be forfeited.
	 
	 	3.	 	DCL agrees that if, at the time Executive is Terminated not For Cause, DCL has a
standard severance policy in effect that would be applicable in the absence of this
Agreement (i.e., applicable to the circumstances surrounding the termination) and that
would result in Executive’s receiving a sum greater than this Severance Payment,
Executive will receive whichever is the greater of these two payments, provided that if
(i) the standard severance policy would provide for a sum greater than the Severance
Payment, and (ii) the payment schedule under the severance policy is different from the
payment schedules for the Severance Payment and would result in an impermissible
acceleration or delay in payment in violation of the time and manner of payment
requirements of Section 409A, then the payment schedule provided in the Company’s
standard severance policy shall only apply to the portion of the amount payable under
the standard severance policy that exceeds the Severance Payment. As of the date of
this Agreement, DCL represents that it has in place a severance policy for its most
senior executives as set out in Attachment 4, and it agrees that regardless of whether
this policy remains in place throughout the Term of this Agreement, it shall be deemed
in place for the purposes of this paragraph.
	 
	 	4.	 	The salary portion of the Severance Payment will commence to be paid in equal
increments on regular DCL paydays within ten (10) days following the Release Deadline
(based upon the number of months base salary that is payable and the number of paydays
per month), less required deductions and withholdings, until the balance is paid in full
if Executive timely executes the Release and the Release becomes effective on or before
the Release Deadline.
	 
	 	5.	 	The bonus/incentive payment portion of the Severance Payment will be paid in the
year following the calendar year in which the termination occurs on the date that DCL
pays bonuses/incentive payments to its other employees and will be paid at the target
amount set forth in Section III(B), subject to the terms and conditions of the actual
bonus/incentive plan in effect at the time (e.g., Executive’s bonus/incentive payment
will be subject to reductions for DCL under-performance or increases for DCL
over-performance if DCL under-performance or over-performance is a factor in determining
bonus awards, or for any change to the applicable bonus/incentive payment plan, that may
result in Executive’s receiving an amount that is less than the target amount set forth
in Section III(B)).

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	 	F.	 	Treatment of Units Upon Non-Renewal. In the event that Executive and DCL do
not enter into a new agreement (whether or not DCL exercises its option to renew), and
Executive continues employment with DCL, upon expiration of this Agreement and the Term of
Employment, Executive’s employment shall be considered at-will and Executive’s Units will
thereafter be governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan.
	 
	 	G.	 	Right To Offset. In the event that Executive secures employment or any
consulting or contractor or business arrangement for services she performs during the
period that any payment from DCL is continuing under Section IV(D) or Section IV(E) hereof,
Executive shall have the obligation to timely notify DCL of the source and amount of
payment (“Offset Income”). DCL shall have the right to reduce the amounts it would
otherwise have to pay Executive by the Offset Income. Executive acknowledges and agrees
that any deferred compensation for her services from another source that are performed
while receiving Separation or Severance Payment from DCL will be treated as Offset Income
(regardless of when Executive chooses to receive such compensation). Executive agrees that
timely failure to provide such notice or to respond to inquiries from DCL regarding any
such Offset Income shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement. Executive also
agrees that DCL shall have the right to inquire of third party individuals and entities
regarding Offset Income and to inform such parties of DCL’s right of offset under this
Agreement with Executive. Accordingly, Executive agrees that no further Separation or
Severance Payment from DCL will be made until or unless this breach is cured and that all
payments from DCL already made to Executive, during the time she failed to disclose her
Offset Income, shall be forfeited and must be returned to DCL upon its demand. Any offset
made by DCL pursuant to this Section IV(F) shall be made at the same time and in the same
amount as a Severance Payment amount is otherwise payable (applying the Offset Income to
DCL’s payments in the order each are paid) so as not to accelerate or delay the payment of
any Severance Payment installment.

	V.	 	CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

	 	A.	 	Executive acknowledges her fiduciary duty to DCL. As a condition of employment,
Executive agrees to protect and hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of DCL all
confidential information, knowledge or data, including the terms of this Agreement and,
without limitation, all trade secrets relating to DCL or any of its subsidiaries, and their
respective businesses, (i) obtained by the Executive during her employment by DCL or
otherwise and (ii) that is not otherwise publicly known (other than by reason of an
unauthorized act by the Executive). After termination of the Executive’s employment with
DCL, Executive shall not communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to
anyone other than DCL and those designated by it, without the prior written consent of DCL.
	 
	 	B.	 	In the event that Executive is compelled, pursuant to a subpoena or other order of a
court or other body having jurisdiction over such matter, to produce any information
relevant to DCL, whether confidential or not, Executive agrees to provide DCL with written
notice of this subpoena or order so that DCL may timely move to quash if appropriate.
	 
	 	C.	 	Executive also agrees to cooperate with DCL in any legal action for which her
participation is needed. DCL agrees to try to schedule all such meetings so that they do
not unduly interfere with Executive’s pursuits after she is no longer in DCL’s employ.

	VI.	 	COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE

	 	A.	 	Executive covenants that if she is Terminated For Cause pursuant to Section IV(C)
hereof or terminates her employment for other than Good Reason as set forth in Section
IV(D)(1) hereof, for a period of twelve (12) (months/year) after the conclusion of
Executive’s employment with DCL, she will not work for or engage in any activities on
behalf of any company or any entity that provides television programming services for
distribution to cable, satellite and/or other multi-channel distribution platforms
(“Competitor”). Executive agrees that this is a material part of this Agreement, breach of
which will cause DCL irreparable harm and damages, the loss of which cannot be adequately
compensated at law. In the event that the provisions of this paragraph should ever be
deemed to exceed the limitations permitted by applicable laws, Executive and DCL agree that
such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum limitations permitted by the applicable
laws.
	 
	 	B.	 	If Executive is Terminated not For Cause, pursuant to Section IV(E) hereof or
terminates her employment for Good Reason, pursuant to Section IV(D)(1) hereof, before
expiration of the Term of Employment, Executive will be released from this covenant not to
compete.

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	 	C.	 	If Executive works for DCL through and until the end of the Term of Employment, DCL
agrees that Executive will be released from the covenant not to compete in Section VI(A)
hereof.
	 
	 	D.	 	During her employment and upon termination of Executive’s employment with DCL,
regardless of the reason for the termination, Executive covenants that for a period of
twelve (12) (months/year), she will not directly solicit any employees of DCL or its
subsidiary and affiliated companies to leave their employment nor indirectly aid in the
solicitation of such employees.
	 
	 	E.	 	During the period Executive is employed by DCL, Executive covenants and agrees not to
engage in any other business activities whatsoever, or to directly or indirectly render
services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any other business entity or
organization, regardless of whether Executive is compensated for these services. The only
exception to this provision is if Executive obtains the prior written consent of DCL’s
President and Chief Executive Officer.
	 
	 	F.	 	Throughout the period that Executive is an employee of DCL, Executive agrees to
disclose to DCL any direct investments (i.e., an investment in which Executive has made the
decision to invest in a particular company) she has in a company that is DCL’s Competitor
or that DCL is doing business with during the Term of Employment (“Company”), if such
direct investments result in Executive or Executive’s immediate family members, and/or a
trust established by Executive or Executive’s immediate family members, owning five percent
or more of such a Competitor or Company. This Section VI(F) shall not prohibit Executive,
however, from making passive investments (i.e., where Executive does not make the decision
to invest in a particular company, even if those mutual funds, in turn, invest in such a
Competitor or Company). Regardless of the nature of Executive’s investments, Executive
herein agrees that her investments may not materially interfere with Executive’s
obligations and ability to provide services under this Agreement.
	 
	 	G.	 	In the event that Executive violates any provision of this Section VI, in addition to
any injunctive relief and damages to which Executive acknowledges DCL would be entitled,
all Separation or Severance Payment to Executive, if any, shall cease, and those already
made will be forfeited.

	VII.	 	ARBITRATION

	 	A.	 	Submission To Arbitration. DCL and Executive agree to submit to arbitration
all claims, disputes, issues or controversies between DCL and Executive or between
Executive and other employees of DCL or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively
“Claims”) directly or indirectly relating to or arising out of Executive’s employment with
DCL or the termination of such employment including, but not limited to Claims under Title
VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of 1991, the Age
Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act of 1990,
Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave Act, the
Employee Retirement Income Security Act, any Claim arising out of this Agreement, and any
similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation or common law doctrine.
	 
	 	B.	 	Use Of AAA. Choice of Law. All Claims for arbitration shall be presented to
the American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its applicable rules. The
arbitrator(s) shall be directed to apply the substantive law of federal and state courts
sitting in Maryland, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any arbitration,
pursuant to this Agreement, shall be deemed an arbitration proceeding subject to the
Federal Arbitration Act.
	 
	 	C.	 	Binding Effect. Arbitration will be binding and will afford parties the same
options for damage awards as would be available in court. Executive and DCL agree that
discovery will be allowed and all discovery disputes will be decided exclusively by
arbitration.
	 
	 	D.	 	Damages and Costs. Any damages shall be awarded only in accord with applicable
law. The arbitrator may only order reinstatement of the Executive if money damages are
insufficient. The parties shall share equally in all fees and expenses of arbitration.
However, each party shall bear the expense of its own counsel, experts, witnesses and
preparation and presentation of proof.

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	VIII.	 	CONTROLLING LAW AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

	 	A.	 	The validity and construction of this Agreement or any of its provisions shall be
determined under the laws of Maryland. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
of this Agreement shall not affect or limit the validity and enforceability of the other
provisions.
	 
	 	B.	 	If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in
full force without being impaired or invalidated.
	 
	 	C.	 	Executive expressly acknowledges that DCL has advised Executive to consult with
independent legal counsel of his/her choosing to review and explain to Executive the legal
effect of the terms and conditions of this Agreement prior to Executive’s signing this
Agreement.
	 
	 	D.	 	This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing,
between the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by DCL, including, without
limitation, the original employment agreement dated January 31, 2007, and contains all of
the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to such employment in any
manner whatsoever. To the extent any conflict exists between this Agreement and Sections
in the Plan that are specifically referenced in this Agreement, the terms of this Agreement
govern. Otherwise, the Plan document speaks for itself and governs all matters not
specifically referenced in this Agreement. Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that
no representations, inducements, promises or agreements, orally or otherwise, have been
made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of any party, that are not stated in this
Agreement, and that no other agreement, statement or promise not contained in this
Agreement shall be valid or binding.
	 
	 	E.	 	Any modifications to this Agreement will be effective only if in writing and signed by
the party to be charged.
	 
	 	F.	 	Any payments to be made by DCL hereunder shall be made subject to applicable law,
including required deductions and withholdings.
	 
	 	G.	 	Section 409A of the Code.

	 	1.	 	It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of
the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Code
Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner
consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section
409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability with regard to
any failure to comply with Code Section 409A so long as it has acted in good faith with
regard to compliance therewith.
	 
	 	2.	 	If under this Agreement, an amount is to be paid in two or more installments, for
purposes of Code Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment.
	 
	 	3.	 	A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of
any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or
following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “Separation from
Service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision
of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “termination of
employment” or like terms shall mean Separation from Service.
	 
	 	4.	 	If Executive is deemed on the date of termination of his/her employment to be a
“specified employee”, within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the
Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time,
or if none, the default methodology, then:

	 	(a)	 	With regard to any payment, the providing of any benefit or any
distribution of equity upon separation from service that constitutes “deferred
compensation” subject to Code Section 409A, such payment, benefit or distribution
shall not be made or provided prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the
six-month period measured from the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service
or (ii) the date of the Executive’s death; and

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	 	(b)	 	On the first day of the seventh month following the date of Executive’s
Separation from Service or, if earlier, on the date of his death, (x) all payments
delayed pursuant to this Section VIII(G)(4) (whether they would otherwise have been
payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be
paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and
benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the
normal dates specified from them herein and (y) all distributions of equity delayed
pursuant to this Section VIII(G)(4) shall be made to Executive.

	 	5.	 	With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and
expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to
reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for
another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, of in-kind
benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for
reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, provided
that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated without regard to expenses
reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because
such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect
and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of the Executive’s
taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
	 
	 	6.	 	Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference
to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the
date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be
within the sole discretion of the Company.
	 
	 	7.	 	Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or the Agreement to the contrary, if,
with respect to one or more grants of Units, the Agreement establishes a time and manner
for the distribution of such Units (the “Agreement-governed Units”), the Agreement’s
provisions governing the time and manner of distribution shall apply and shall continue
to apply to such Agreement-governed Units following the expiration of the Agreement, the
purpose of this paragraph being that there shall be no acceleration or delay in the time
and manner in which Units constituting deferred compensation are distributed as a result
of any expiration of this Agreement. Units that are not Agreement-governed Units shall
be distributed in accordance with the distribution provisions of the Plan.

     In witness whereof, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date
set forth above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	Adria Alpert-Romm 	 
	 	 	 
	 
	 	
 	 
	 	Discovery Communications, LLC 	 
	 	 	 
	 

8

 

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

     This Agreement and General Release (“Release”) is entered into by and between Discovery
Communications, LLC, (“DCL”) and ______(“Executive”) to resolve any and all disputes
concerning his/her employment with DCL and his/her separation from employment on ______.
Accordingly, in exchange for the consideration and mutual promises set forth herein, the parties do
hereby agree as follows:

          1. Effective close of business ___, Executive’s employment with DCL will terminate,
and all salary continuation and benefits will cease other than those to which Executive is entitled
in consideration for this Release as set forth in Executive’s employment agreement with DCL
(“Agreement”), which is incorporated by reference, and as a matter of law (e.g., COBRA benefits).

          2. In consideration for Executive’s executing this Release of any and all legal claims he/she
might have against the DCL Parties (as defined below), and the undertakings described herein, and
to facilitate his/her transition to other employment, DCL agrees to provide Executive with the
consideration detailed in Section IV(D)(2) (“Separation Payment”) of the Agreement or Section IV(E)
(“Severance Payment”) of the Agreement, whichever applies to the reason for his/her separation from
employment.

          3. Neither DCL nor Executive admit any wrongdoing of any kind, and both agree that neither
they nor anyone acting on their behalf will disclose this Release, or its terms and conditions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is not barred from disclosing this Release to his/her
legal, financial and personal advisors or to those persons essential for Executive to (a) implement
or enforce his/her rights under this Release and the Agreement in which the Release is
incorporated; (b) defend himself/herself in a lawsuit, investigation or administrative proceeding;
(c) file tax returns; or (d) advise a prospective employer, business partner or insurer of the
contractual restrictions on his/her post-DCL employment.

          4. In exchange for the undertakings by DCL described in the above paragraphs:

               a. Executive, for himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does
hereby release, acquit and forever discharge DCL, its subsidiaries, affiliates and related
entities, as well as all of their respective officers, shareholders, shareholder representatives,
directors, members, partners, trustees, employees, attorneys, representatives and agents
(collectively, the “DCL Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action,
liabilities, obligations, covenants, contracts, promises, agreements, controversies, costs,
expenses, debts, dues, or attorneys’ fees of every name and nature, whether known or unknown,
without limitation, at law, in equity or administrative, against the DCL Parties that he/she may
have had, now has or may have against the DCL Parties by reason of any matter or thing arising from
the beginning of the world to the day and date of this Release, including any claim relating to the
termination of his/her employment with any DCL Party. Those claims, demands, liabilities and
obligations from which Executive releases the DCL Parties include, but are not limited to, any
claim, demand or action, known or unknown, arising out of any transaction, act or omission related
to Executive’s employment by any DCL Party and Executive’s separation from such employment,
sounding in tort or contract and/or any cause of action arising under federal, state or local
statute or ordinance or common law, including, but not limited to, the federal Age Discrimination
In Employment Act of 1967, Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans
With Disabilities Act, the Family and Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Worker Adjustment
and Retraining Notification Act, the Fair Labor Standards Act, the Maryland Human Rights Act, as
well as any similar state or local statute(s), in each case as any such law may be amended from
time to time. Notwithstanding the foregoing, this release does not affect Executive’s right to
enforce DCL’s severance payment obligations under this Agreement.

               b. Executive expressly acknowledges that his/her attorney has advised him/her regarding, and
he/she is familiar with the fact that certain state statutes provide that general releases do not
extend to claims that the releasor does not know or suspect to exist in his or her favor at the
time he or she executes such a release, which if known to him or her may have materially affected
his or her execution of the release. Being aware of such statutes, Executive hereby expressly
waives and relinquishes any rights or benefits he/she may have under such statutes, as well as any
other state or federal statutes or common law principles of similar effect, and hereby acknowledges
that no claim or cause of action against any DCL Party shall be deemed to be outside the scope of
this Release whether mentioned herein or not. Executive also specifically knowingly waives the
provisions of Section 1542 of the Civil Code of the State of California, which reads: A general
release does not extend to claims which the creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor
at the time of executing the release, which if known by him must have materially affected his
settlement with the debtor. Notwithstanding the provisions of Civil Code Section 1542 stated above
and for the purpose of implementing a full and complete release and discharge of the DCL Parties,
Executive expressly acknowledges that this Agreement is specifically intended to include in its
effect all claims that he/she does not know or suspect to exist in his/her favor at the time he/she
signs this Agreement.

9

 

               c. Executive hereby acknowledges that he/she is executing this Release pursuant to the
Agreement, and that the consideration to be provided to Executive pursuant to Section IV(D)(2) or
Section 1V(E) of the Agreement, whichever
is applicable, is in addition to what he/she would have been entitled to receive in the
absence of this Release. Executive hereby acknowledges that he/she is executing this Release
voluntarily and with full knowledge of all relevant information and any and all rights he/she may
have. Executive hereby acknowledges that he/she has been advised to consult with an independent
attorney of his/her own choosing in connection with this Release to explain to him/her the legal
effect of the terms and conditions of this Release and that Executive has consulted such an
attorney for such purpose. Executive acknowledges that he/she has read this Release in its
entirety. Executive further states that he/she fully understands the terms of this Release and
that the only promises made to him/her in return for signing this Release are stated herein and in
the Agreement in which this Release is incorporated. Executive hereby acknowledges that he/she is
voluntarily and knowingly agreeing to the terms and conditions of this Release without any threats,
coercion or duress, whether economic or otherwise, and that Executive agrees to be bound by the
terms of this Release. Executive acknowledges that he/she has been given twenty-one (21) days to
consider this Release, and that if Executive is over the age of forty (40), Executive understands
that he/she has seven (7) days following his/her execution of this Release in which to revoke
his/her agreement to comply with this Release by providing written notice of revocation to the
General Counsel of DCL no later than three business days following such period.

               d. Executive further hereby covenants and agrees that this General Release shall be binding in
all respects upon himself/herself, his/her heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and
transferees and all persons claiming under them, and shall inure to the benefit of all of the
officers, directors, agents, employees, stockholders, members and partners and successors in
interest of DCL, as well as all parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, related entities and
representatives of any of the foregoing persons and entities.

               e. Executive agrees that he/she will not disparage any DCL Party or make or publish any
communication that reflects adversely upon any of them, including communications concerning DCL
itself and its current or former directors, officers, employees or agents.

          5. a. If any provision of this Release is found to be invalid, unenforceable or void for any
reason, such provision shall be severed from the Release and shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining provisions.

               b. DCL and Executive agree that this Release, consisting of three (3) pages, and the Agreement
in which this Release is incorporated, constitutes the entire agreement between them. The parties
further warrant that they enter into this Release freely.

               c. This Release shall be interpreted, enforced and governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.

     IN WITNESS WHEREOF,
I have signed this General Release this       day of          
                   , 200__.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	By:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Print Name:	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 

Subscribed and sworn to before me this __ day of ______________, 200_.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Notary Public

My Commission Expires	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 

10exv10w2

EXHIBIT 10.2

EMPLOYMENT AGREEMENT

     This Amended and Restated Employment Agreement (“Agreement”) is made this 7th day of
March, 2008 by and between Discovery Communications, LLC (“Company”) and Joseph A. LaSala,
Jr. (“Executive”) (herein referred to as “this Agreement”).

     WHEREAS, Executive and Company entered into an employment agreement dated December 21, 2007,
and effective as of January 14, 2008;

     WHEREAS, the parties now desire to enter into an amended and restated employment agreement
(“Agreement”) to reflect certain changes;

     NOW THEREFORE, in consideration of the mutual promises and covenants set forth in this
Agreement, the parties hereby agree as follows:

I. DUTIES, ACCEPTANCE, LOCATION

	 	A.	 	Company shall continue to employ Executive, and Executive agrees to continue to render
exclusive and full-time services as Senior Executive Vice President, General Counsel and
Secretary upon the terms and conditions set in this Agreement. Executive’s duties shall be
consistent with his title and duties, and as otherwise directed by Company.
	 
	 	B.	 	Executive shall not be required to report to any position other than Company’s President
and CEO without Executive’s consent. Company reserves the right, if Company deems it
necessary, subject to Section IV(D)(1)(c) hereof, to change the location where Executive
works.
	 
	 	C.	 	Throughout his employment with Company, Executive agrees to serve Company faithfully and
to the best of his ability, and to devote his full business time and energy to perform the
duties arising under this Agreement in a professional manner that does not discredit, but
furthers the interests of Company.
	 
	 	D.	 	Executive shall be permitted to maintain his position as a Director for Mainline
Management LLC (“Mainline”) and to serve on any board committee designated by
Mainline. Executive represents that service on the Mainline Board of Directors shall not
encumber his ability to perform his duties as set forth in Section I(C) and shall not
require his absence from Company for such time as to impair his ability to fulfill his
duties as a senior officer of Company. Executive shall produce and provide acceptable
evidence that he is included in the coverage of Directors and Officers liability insurance
maintained by Mainline for the benefit of Directors. Executive will have a continuing
obligation to insure that such insurance is current and shall promptly notify Company if
such insurance lapses. Company shall have the right to require Executive to resign from
this Directorship on thirty (30) days notice in the absence of appropriate insurance or if
the Company believes and can reasonably show that Executive is unable to perform his duties
as provided herein. Executive shall be entitled to retain any fees paid to Directors and
such fees as shall be paid upon execution of this Agreement shall not be applied to Section
IV(F) should that section become applicable.

II. TERM OF EMPLOYMENT

	 	A.	 	Subject to Section IV, Executive’s term of employment shall be the period beginning on
January 14, 2008 and ending December 31, 2010 (“Term of Employment”).
	 
	 	B.	 	Company shall have the option to enter negotiations with Executive to renew this
Agreement with Executive for an additional term. If Company wishes to exercise its option
to enter negotiations with Executive to renew this Agreement, it will give Executive written
notice of its intent to enter such negotiations to renew not later than sixty (60) days
prior to the end of the Term of Employment. The Term of Employment may not, however, be
extended unless by mutual agreement of the Company and Executive as to all of the material
terms and conditions of the extension. In the event the parties do not enter into an
agreement to extend this Agreement for an additional term, this Agreement shall expire, and
Executive shall automatically become an at-will employee following the end of the Term of
Employment.

1

 

III. COMPENSATION

	 	A.	 	Base Salary. Effective January 14, 2008, Company agrees to provide Executive
with an annual base salary of $600,000.00. This sum will be paid in increments paid on
regular-Company paydays, less such sums as the law requires Company
to deduct or withhold. Thereafter, Executive shall be eligible for an annual salary review
commencing in January 2009, and each year thereafter. Executive’s future salary increases will
be reviewed and decided in accordance with Company standard practices and procedures.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive’s Annual base salary for the Term of Employment,
including calendar years 2009 and 2010, shall be no less than $600,000.
	 
	 	B.	 	Bonus/Incentive Payment. In addition to the base salary paid to Executive
pursuant to Section III(A): (1) Executive shall be eligible for an annual incentive payment
target of 60 percent (60%) of his base salary for calendar year 2008 pro rated based upon
his start date of January 14, 2008 and on a full year basis for years 2009 and 2010. The
bonus/incentive payment to be received by Executive will be determined and paid in
accordance with Company’s applicable incentive or bonus plan in effect at that time (e.g.,
subject to reduction for Company under-performance and increase for Company over-performance
and subject to Executive’s rated performance).
	 
	 	C.	 	Benefits. Executive shall be entitled to participate in and to receive any and
all benefits generally available to executives Executive’s level in Company in accordance
with the terms and conditions of the applicable plan or arrangement. Executive shall also
be entitled to relocation expenses in accordance with Company’s relocation policy for senior
executives.
	 
	 	D.	 	Unit Appreciation Plan. Company currently maintains the Discovery Appreciation
Plan, otherwise referred to as the DAP a copy of which (as it currently exists) is attached
as Attachment 1 (the “Plan”). It shall be recommended that upon execution of this
Agreement Executive shall be awarded 180,000 units on the fifteenth of the month following
the month on which this Agreement is executed. Any participation by Executive in the Plan
shall be in accordance with the terms of the Plan, as may be expressly modified by this
Agreement. If Executive’s employment under this Agreement is terminated by Company not For
Cause as defined in Section IV(D) of this Agreement, or if Executive leaves for Good Reason
as defined in Section IV(D)(1a) of this Agreement, Executive’s Units shall be treated in
accordance with the Plan document. The parties acknowledge and agree that the terms and
conditions of the Plan are subject to change at any time, particularly, but not limiting the
generality of the foregoing, as may be required by changes to U.S. law that may affect the
Plan.

IV. TERMINATION OF EMPLOYMENT AND AGREEMENT

	 	A.	 	Death. If Executive should die during the Term of Employment, this Agreement
will terminate. In that case, the Parties agree that Company shall pay to Executive’s
heirs/beneficiaries in accordance with applicable law: (1) any and all wages due to
Executive, including any earned but unpaid base salary and accrued but unused vacation pay,
as well as a pro rata share (computed based on the date of Executive’s death) of Executive’s
annual bonus/incentive payment target under Company’s Bonus/Incentive plan for the year in
which the termination occurs, paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll
practices; and (2) any and all other earned, accrued or vested benefits that Executive was
entitled to receive in accordance with the terms of the applicable Company benefit plan,
which documents are controlling, including the provisions of such plans governing the time
and manner of payment, and that no further amounts or benefits shall be payable hereunder.
	 
	 	B.	 	Inability To Perform Duties. If, during the Term of Employment, Executive should
become physically or mentally disabled, such that he is unable to perform his duties under
Sections I(A) and (C) hereof for (i) a period of six (6) consecutive months, or (ii) for
shorter periods that add up to six (6) months in any eight (8)-month period, by written
notice to Executive, Company may terminate this Agreement. Notwithstanding the foregoing,
Executive’s employment shall terminate upon Executive incurring a “separation from service”
under the medical leave rules of Section 409A. In that case, the Parties agree that Company
shall pay to Executive in accordance with applicable law: (1) any and all compensation due
to Executive, paid in accordance with the Company’s standard payroll practices, and (2) any
and all other earned, accrued or vested benefits that Executive was entitled to receive in
accordance with the terms of the applicable Company benefit plan, including the provisions
of such plans governing the time and manner of payment, and that no further amounts or
benefits shall be payable hereunder except that until (1) he is no longer disabled or (2) he
becomes 65 years old — whichever happens first — Executive may be entitled to receive
continued coverage under the relevant medical or disability plans to the extent permitted by
such plans and to the extent such benefits continue to be provided to Company executives at
Executive’s level in Company generally; provided that in the case of any continued coverage
under one or more of the Company’s medical plans, if the Company determines that the
provision of the continued medical coverage at the Company’s sole or partial expense may
result in Federal taxability of the benefits provided thereunder to Executive or his
dependents because such benefits are provided on a self-insured basis by the Company, then
Executive shall be obligated to pay the full monthly COBRA or similar premium for such
coverage.

2

 

	 	C.	 	Termination For Cause.

	 	1.	 	In the event that Executive is convicted of any felony, or any lesser crime of
sufficient import to potentially discredit or adversely affect Company’s reputation or
ability to conduct its business in the normal course, or any offense involving the
property of Company or any of its subsidiaries or affiliates (e.g., theft, conversion,
destruction of property, tampering with Company’s computer system), or engages in
willful misconduct in connection with the performance of Executive’s duties, Company may
terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement for “Cause” by written notice to
Executive.
	 
	 	2.	 	In the event that Executive materially neglects his duties under Sections I(A) or
(c) hereof or engages in other conduct that constitutes a breach by Executive of this
Agreement (collectively “Breach”.), Company shall so notify Executive in
writing, which notice shall describe the alleged Breach with reasonable specificity.
Executive will be afforded a one-time-only opportunity to cure such Breach within ten
(10) days from receipt of such notice. If no cure is achieved within this time, or if
Executive engages in the same Breach a second time after once having been given the
opportunity to cure, Company may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement for
“Cause” by written notice to Executive.
	 
	 	3.	 	Any termination of employment pursuant to Sections IV(C)(1) or Section IV(C)(2)
hereof shall be considered a termination of Executive’s employment “For Cause” (or for
“Cause”) and upon such termination, Executive shall only be entitled to receive any
amounts or benefits hereunder that have been earned or vested at the time of such
termination in accordance with the terms of the applicable governing Company plan(s),
(including the provisions of such plan(s) governing the time and manner of payment),
and/or as may be required by law. Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary,
“Cause” as used in any such Company plan shall be deemed to mean solely the commission
of the acts described in Sections IV(C)(1) or IV(C)(2) hereof (after giving effect to
the cure opportunity described therein).

	 	D.	 	Termination of Agreement by Executive for Good Reason/Termination of Agreement by
Company Not For Cause.

	 	1.	 	Company may terminate Executive’s employment and this Agreement not for Cause (as
“Cause” is defined above) with fifteen (15) days written notice to Executive stating the
basis for the Termination of Agreement by Company Not for Cause, and Executive may
terminate his employment and this Agreement for “Good Reason.” For purposes of this
Agreement, “Good Reason” shall mean the occurrence of any of the following events
without Executive’s consent: (a) a material breach or material failure by Company or
its successor to perform its material obligations hereunder; (b) a material reduction in
Executive’s title, authority, duties, base compensation or responsibilities; (c)
Company’s material change in the location of the Company office where Executive works
(i.e. relocation to a location outside the Washington DC metropolitan area); and/or (d)
Company requires Executive to report to a position other than its President and CEO, and
Company fails to obtain Executive’s consent to the reporting relationship, provided
however, that Executive must provide Company with written notice of the existence of the
change constituting Good Reason within thirty-five (35) days of any such event having
occurred or having become known to him, and allow Company thirty (30) days to cure the
same. If the Company so cures the change, Executive shall not have a basis for
terminating his employment for Good Reason with respect to such cured change. In
addition, in the event a change occurs that triggers Executive’s right to terminate this
Agreement for Good Reason, Executive must exercise his right in writing to terminate
this Agreement for Good Reason within thirty-five (35) days of the effective date of the
applicable change or upon the change becoming known to him or such right shall be deemed
waived.
	 
	 	2.	 	If Company terminates Executive’s employment and this Agreement not for Cause, or
if Executive terminates his employment and this Agreement for Good Reason then, subject
to the execution and effectiveness of a release described in Section IV(D)(3) hereof on
or before the Release Deadline (defined in Section IV(D)(3) hereof), the following
payments (“Severance Payment”) will be made:

	 	(a)	 	Consistent with the Company’s normal payroll practices, within thirty
(30) days following the last day of the Release Deadline, Company will commence to
pay Executive his annual base salary for the balance of the Term of Employment and
in any event no less than twelve months base salary and accrued but unused vacation,
to be paid in equal increments on regular Company paydays (based upon the number of
months base salary that is payable and the number of paydays per month) until the
balance (less required deductions and withholdings) is paid in full. Additionally,
Company shall reimburse Executive for business expenses incurred during his
employment in accordance with Company’s policy while employed hereunder, provided
that Executive submits documentation in accordance with Company’s policy within
thirty (30) days of Executive’s last day of employment. To the extent any such
reimbursements are includable in the Executive’s gross income for Federal income tax
purposes, all such reimbursements shall be made no later than March 15 of the calendar year next
following the calendar year in which the expenses to be reimbursed are incurred.

3

 

	 	(b)	 	Executive will be paid the portion of his Units in the Plan that has
vested as of Executive’s last day of employment according to the terms of the Plan,
whether such Units are the Units described in Section III(D) or otherwise. Such
payment will be made within thirty (30) days following the Release Deadline if
Executive has the executed the Release and the Release has become effective.
	 
	 	(c)	 	Executive will be paid Executive’s bonus under Company’s bonus/incentive
plan for the year in which the termination occurs. The bonus/incentive payment
portion of the Severance Payment will be paid in the year following the calendar
year in which the termination occurs on the date that Company pays bonuses/incentive
payments to its other executives at Executive’s level in Company and will be
calculated based at one hundred percent (100%) of the target amount set forth in
Section III(B) for the year, subject to the terms and conditions of the actual
bonus/incentive plan in effect at the time (e.g., Executive’s bonus/incentive
payment will be subject to reductions for Company under-performance or increases for
Company over-performance if Company under-performance or over-performance is a
factor in determining bonus/incentive awards, or for any change to the applicable
bonus/incentive payment plan, that may result in Executive’s receiving an amount
that is less than the target amount set forth in Section III(B)), but Executive’s
bonus/incentive payment will not be subject to reduction for Executive’s individual
performance.
	 
	 	(d)	 	Except as otherwise provided in the next sentence of this Subsection (d),
and assuming Executive is eligible for and elects to have COBRA coverage, Company
shall reimburse Executive for the monthly COBRA premiums Executive pays to obtain
COBRA coverage in Company’s health and dental plans, until (1) the end of the Term
of Employment; or (2) the end of the maximum amount of time which Executive is
eligible for COBRA, whichever period is least. If Executive accepts other
employment prior to the end of the Term of Employment, Executive shall notify
Company of Executive’s coverage by the successor employer’s health and dental
insurance, and, upon such coverage, Company shall cease reimbursing Executive for
COBRA premiums.

	 	3.	 	No Severance Payment will be made if Executive fails to sign a release in
substantially the form attached hereto, provided that such release shall not release
Executive’s rights to indemnification (whether by contract, insurance, or otherwise) or
Executive’s rights under employee benefit plans. Such release must be executed and
become effective within the sixty (60) calendar day period following the date of the
Executive’s “separation from service” within the meaning of Section 409A (the last day
of such period being the “Release Deadline”). In addition, if Executive
violates the provisions of Section VI hereof, all further increments of the Severance
Payment shall cease, and Executive shall be required to repay to Company those
increments of the Severance Payment already made.
	 
	 	4.	 	Company agrees that if, at the time Executive is Terminated not For Cause, or
Executive terminates his employment for Good Reason, Company has a standard severance
policy in effect that would be applicable in the absence of this Agreement (i.e.,
applicable to the circumstances surrounding the termination) and that would result in
Executive’s receiving a sum greater than the Severance Payment, Executive will receive
whichever is the greater of these two payments; provided, that if (i) the standard
severance policy would provide for a sum greater than the Severance Payment, and (ii)
the payment schedule under the Severance Policy is different from the payment schedules
for the Severance Payment and would result in an impermissible acceleration or delay in
payment in violation of the time and manner of payment requirements of Section 409A,
then the payment schedule provided in the Company’s standard severance policy shall only
apply to the portion of the amount payable under the standard severance policy that
exceeds the Severance Payment.
	 
	 	5.	 	If Executive terminates this Agreement before the Term of Employment has expired
for a reason other than those stated in Section IV(D)(1) hereof, it will be deemed a
material breach of this Agreement. Executive agrees that, in that event, in addition to
any other rights and remedies which Company may have as a result of such breach, he will
forfeit all right and obligations to be compensated for any remaining portion of his
annualized base salary, Severance Payment, bonus/incentive payment and DAP Units that
may otherwise be due under this Agreement, pursuant to other Company plans or policies,
or otherwise, that has not been earned or vested at the time Executive’s employment
terminates, except as may be required by law.

4

 

	 	E.	 	Treatment of Units Upon Non-Renewal.

	 	1.	 	In the event that Executive and Company do not enter into a new agreement
(whether or not Company exercises its option to enter negotiations with Executive to
renew), and Executive continues employment with Company, upon
expiration of this Agreement and the Term of Employment, Executive’s employment shall be considered at-will
and Executive’s Units will thereafter be governed by the terms and conditions of the Plan.

	 	F.	 	Right To Offset. In the event that Executive secures employment or any
consulting or contractor or business arrangement for services he performs during the period
that any payment from Company is continuing under Section IV(D) hereof, Executive shall have
the obligation to timely notify Company of the source and amount of payment (“Offset
Income”). Company shall have the right to reduce the amounts it would otherwise have to
pay Executive by the Offset Income, subject to the provisions of Section 1D. Executive
acknowledges and agrees that any deferred compensation for his services from another source
that are performed while receiving Severance Payment from Company, will be treated as Offset
Income (regardless of when Executive chooses to receive such compensation). Executive
agrees that timely failure to provide such notice or to respond to inquiries from Company
regarding any such Offset Income shall be deemed a material breach of this Agreement.
Executive also agrees that Company shall have the right to inquire of third party
individuals and entities regarding potential Offset Income and to inform such parties of
Company’s right of offset under this Agreement with Executive. Accordingly, Executive
agrees that no further Severance Payment from Company will be made until or unless this
breach is cured and that all payments from Company already made to Executive, during the
time he failed to disclose his Offset Income, shall be forfeited and must be returned to
Company upon its demand. In the event that Executive incurs actual expenses in starting his
own business during the period that severance payments are made to him and/or soliciting new
employment, and Executive submits to Company documentation of these expenses in a form
acceptable to Company, Company agrees that the amount of “Offset Income” that reduces the
severance payments to Executive may be decreased by the dollar amount of the actual expenses
Executive incurred that Company determines is reasonable and customary, and that its
approval of reasonable and customary expenses will not be unreasonably withheld. Any
offsets made by the Company pursuant to this Section IV(F) shall be made at the same time
and in the same amount as a Severance Payment amount is otherwise payable (applying the
Offset Income to the Company’s payments in the order each are paid) so as not to accelerate
or delay the payment of any Severance Payment installment.

V. CONFIDENTIAL INFORMATION

	 	A.	 	Executive acknowledges his fiduciary duty to Company. As a condition of employment,
Executive agrees to protect and hold in a fiduciary capacity for the benefit of Company all
confidential information, knowledge or data, including the terms of this Agreement and,
without limitation, all trade secrets relating to Company or any of its subsidiaries, and
their respective businesses, (i) obtained by Executive during his employment by Company or
otherwise and (ii) that is not otherwise publicly known (other than by reason of an
unauthorized act by Executive). After termination of Executive’s employment with Company,
Executive shall not communicate or divulge any such information, knowledge or data to anyone
other than Company and those designated by it, without the prior written consent of Company.
	 
	 	B.	 	In the event that Executive is compelled, pursuant to a subpoena or other order of a
court or other body having jurisdiction over such matter, to produce any information
relevant to Company, whether confidential or not, Executive agrees to provide Company with
written notice of this subpoena or order so that Company may timely move to quash if
appropriate.
	 
	 	C.	 	Executive also agrees to provide reasonable cooperation with Company in any legal action
for which his participation is needed. Company agrees to use reasonable efforts to schedule
all such meetings so that they do not unduly interfere with Executive’s pursuits after he is
no longer in Company’s employ. Company further agrees to provide reimbursement of
reasonable travel and other expenses incurred in connection therewith.

VI. COVENANT NOT TO COMPETE

	 	A.	 	Executive covenants that if he is Terminated For Cause pursuant to Section IV(C) hereof
or terminates his employment for other than Good Reason as set forth in Section IV(D)(1)
hereof, for a period of twelve (12) months after the conclusion of Executive’s employment
with Company, he will not work for or engage in any activities on behalf of any company or
any entity that provides television programming services for distribution to cable,
satellite and/or other multi-channel distribution platforms (any such company or entity, a
“Competitor”). Executive agrees that this Section VI(A) is a material part of this
Agreement, breach of which will cause Company irreparable harm and damages, the loss of
which cannot be adequately compensated at law. In the event that the provisions of this
paragraph should ever be deemed to exceed the limitations permitted by applicable laws,
Executive and Company agree that such provisions shall be reformed to the maximum
limitations permitted by the applicable laws.
	 
	 	 	 	Notwithstanding anything in the Plan to the contrary, “Competitor” as used in the Plan in
respect of Executive shall be deemed to refer solely to a “Competitor” as defined above.

5

 

	 	B.	 	If Executive is Terminated not For Cause, or terminates his employment for Good Reason,
pursuant to Section IV(D)(1) hereof, before expiration of the Term of Employment, Executive
will be released from this covenant not to compete.
	 
	 	C.	 	If Executive works for Company through and until the end of the Term of Employment,
Company agrees that Executive will be released from the covenant not to compete in Section
VI(A) hereof.
	 
	 	D.	 	During his employment and upon termination of Executive’s employment with Company,
regardless of the reason for the termination, Executive covenants that for a period of
twelve (12) months, he will not directly solicit any employees of Company or its subsidiary
and affiliated companies to leave their employment nor indirectly aid in the solicitation of
such employees.
	 
	 	E.	 	During the period Executive is employed by Company, Executive covenants and agrees not to
engage in any other business activities whatsoever, or to directly or indirectly render
services of a business, commercial or professional nature to any other business entity or
organization, regardless of whether Executive is compensated for these services. The only
two exceptions to this provision are if: (1) Executive obtains the prior written consent of
Company’s CEO; or (2) Executive’s engagement in business activities is limited to
Executive’s overseeing and/or managing his personal investments and assets, provided that:
(a) such activity is at all times in compliance with Company’s Insider Trading Policy and
applicable law; (b) such activity is not undertaken during business hours, except for minor
incidental activities that cannot be performed outside of business hours; and (c) such
activity does not interfere with, adversely impact, or prevent Executive’s timely
performance of his duties under this Agreement.
	 
	 	F.	 	Throughout the period that Executive is an employee of Company, Executive agrees to
disclose to Company any direct investments (i.e., an investment in which Executive has made
the decision to invest in a particular company, as opposed, to a mutual, index, or exchange
traded fund holding shares in several companies) he has in a business entity that Company is
doing business with during the Term of Employment (a “Company Vendor/Customer”) or
is a Competitor. In accordance with Company’s Insider Trading Policy, Executive shall not
make a direct investment in a business entity that is Company’s Competitor or a Company
Vendor/Customer during the Term of Employment, if such direct investments result in
Executive or Executive’s immediate family members, and/or a trust established by Executive
or Executive’s immediate family members, owning five percent or more of such a Competitor or
Company Vendor/Customer. This Section VI(F) shall not prohibit Executive, however, from
making passive investments (i.e., where Executive does not make the decision to invest in a
particular company, even if those mutual funds, in turn, invest in such a Competitor or
Company Vendor/Customer). Regardless of the nature of Executive’s investments, Executive
herein agrees that his investments may not materially interfere with Executive’s obligations
and ability to provide services under this Agreement.
	 
	 	G.	 	In the event that Executive violates any provision of this Section VI, Company will be
entitled to seek any and all injunctive relief and damages to which it is entitled.

VII. ARBITRATION

	 	A.	 	Submission To Arbitration. Company and Executive agree to submit to arbitration
all claims, disputes, issues or controversies between Company and Executive or between
Executive and other employees of Company or its subsidiaries or affiliates (collectively
“Claims”) directly or indirectly relating to or arising out of Executive’s
employment with Company or the termination of such employment including, but not limited to
Claims under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Civil Rights Act of
1991, the Age Discrimination in Employment Act of 1967, the Americans With Disabilities Act
of 1990, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1966, as amended, the Family Medical Leave
Act, the Employee Retirement Income Security Act, any Claim arising out of this Agreement,
and any similar federal, state or local law, statute, regulation or common law doctrine.
	 
	 	B.	 	Use Of AAA, Choice of Law. All Claims for arbitration shall be presented to the
American Arbitration Association (“AAA”) in accordance with its applicable rules.
The arbitrator(s) shall be directed to apply the substantive law of federal and state courts
sitting in Maryland, without regard to conflict of law principles. Any arbitration,
pursuant to this Agreement, shall be deemed an arbitration proceeding subject to the Federal
Arbitration Act.
	 
	 	C.	 	Binding Effect. Arbitration will be binding and will afford parties the same
options for damage awards as would be available in court. Executive and Company agree that
discovery will be allowed and all discovery disputes will be decided exclusively by
arbitration.

6

 

	 	D.	 	Damages and Costs. Any damages shall be awarded only in accord with applicable
law. The arbitrator may only order reinstatement of Executive if money damages are
insufficient. The parties shall share equally in all fees and expenses of arbitration
except that any requirement of the AAA regarding fees and expenses to the contrary shall
govern the allocation of such fees and expenses. However, each party shall bear the expense
of its own counsel, experts, witnesses and preparation and presentation of proof.

VIII. CONTROLLING LAW AND ADDITIONAL COVENANTS

	 	A.	 	The validity and construction of this Agreement or any of its provisions shall be
determined under the laws of Maryland. The invalidity or unenforceability of any provision
of this Agreement shall not affect or limit the validity and enforceability of the other
provisions.
	 
	 	B.	 	If any provision of this Agreement is held by a court of competent jurisdiction to be
invalid, void or unenforceable, the remaining provisions shall nevertheless continue in full
force without being impaired or invalidated.
	 
	 	C.	 	Executive expressly acknowledges that Company has advised Executive to consult with
independent legal counsel of his choosing to review and explain to Executive the legal
effect of the terms and conditions of this Agreement prior to Executive’s signing this
Agreement.
	 
	 	D.	 	This Agreement supersedes any and all other agreements, either oral or in writing,
between the parties with respect to the employment of Executive by Company including,
without limitation, the original employment agreement between the parties dated December 21,
2007, and contains all of the covenants and agreements between the parties with respect to
such employment in any manner whatsoever. To the extent any conflict exists between any
provision in Section IV of this Agreement and the Plan, the terms of this Agreement govern.
Each party to this Agreement acknowledges that no representations, inducements, promises or
agreements, orally or otherwise, have been made by any party, or anyone acting on behalf of
any party, that are not stated in this Agreement, and that no other agreement, statement or
promise not contained in this Agreement shall be valid or binding.
	 
	 	E.	 	Any modifications to this Agreement will be effective only if in writing and signed by
the party to be charged.
	 
	 	F.	 	Any payments to be made by Company hereunder shall be made subject to applicable law,
including required deductions and withholdings.
	 
	 	G.	 	Section 409A of the Code.

	 	1.	 	It is intended that the provisions of this Agreement comply with Section 409A of
the Code and the regulations and guidance promulgated thereunder (collectively, “Code
Section 409A”), and all provisions of this Agreement shall be construed in a manner
consistent with the requirements for avoiding taxes or penalties under Code Section
409A. Notwithstanding the foregoing, the Company shall have no liability with regard to
any failure to comply with Code Section 409A so long as it has acted in good faith with
regard to compliance therewith.
	 
	 	2.	 	If under this Agreement, an amount is to be paid in two or more installments, for
purposes of Code Section 409A, each installment shall be treated as a separate payment.
	 
	 	3.	 	A termination of employment shall not be deemed to have occurred for purposes of
any provision of this Agreement providing for the payment of amounts or benefits upon or
following a termination of employment unless such termination is also a “Separation from
Service” within the meaning of Code Section 409A and, for purposes of any such provision
of this Agreement, references to a “resignation,” “termination,” “termination of
employment” or like terms shall mean Separation from Service.
	 
	 	4.	 	If Executive is deemed on the date of termination of his employment to be a
“specified employee”, within the meaning of that term under Section 409A(a)(2)(B) of the
Code and using the identification methodology selected by the Company from time to time,
or if none, the default methodology, then:

	 	(a)	 	With regard to any payment, the providing of any benefit or any
distribution of equity upon separation from service that constitutes “deferred
compensation” subject to Code Section 409A, such payment, benefit or distribution
shall not be made or provided prior to the earlier of (i) the expiration of the six-month
period measured from the date of the Executive’s Separation from Service or (ii) the date
of the Executive’s death; and

7

 

	 	(b)	 	On the first day of the seventh month following the date of Executive’s
Separation from Service or, if earlier, on the date of his death, (x) all payments
delayed pursuant to this Section VIII(G)(4) (whether they would otherwise have been
payable in a single sum or in installments in the absence of such delay) shall be
paid or reimbursed to the Executive in a lump sum, and any remaining payments and
benefits due under this Agreement shall be paid or provided in accordance with the
normal dates specified from them herein and (y) all distributions of equity delayed
pursuant to this Section VIII(G)(4) shall be made to Executive.

	 	5.	 	With regard to any provision herein that provides for reimbursement of costs and
expenses or in-kind benefits, except as permitted by Code Section 409A, (i) the right to
reimbursement or in-kind benefits shall not be subject to liquidation or exchange for
another benefit, (ii) the amount of expenses eligible for reimbursement, of in-kind
benefits, provided during any taxable year shall not affect the expenses eligible for
reimbursement, or in-kind benefits to be provided, in any other taxable year, provided
that the foregoing clause (ii) shall not be violated without regard to expenses
reimbursed under any arrangement covered by Section 105(b) of the Code solely because
such expenses are subject to a limit related to the period the arrangement is in effect
and (iii) such payments shall be made on or before the last day of the Executive’s
taxable year following the taxable year in which the expense occurred.
	 
	 	6.	 	Whenever a payment under this Agreement specifies a payment period with reference
to a number of days (e.g., “payment shall be made within thirty (30) days following the
date of termination), the actual date of payment within the specified period shall be
within the sole discretion of the Company.
	 
	 	7.	 	Notwithstanding any provision in the Plan or the Agreement to the contrary, if,
with respect to one or more grants of Units, the Agreement establishes a time and manner
for the distribution of such Units (the “Agreement-governed Units”), the Agreement’s
provisions governing the time and manner of distribution shall apply and shall continue
to apply to such Agreement-governed Units following the expiration of the Agreement, the
purpose of this paragraph being that there shall be no acceleration or delay in the time
and manner in which Units constituting deferred compensation are distributed as a result
of any expiration of this Agreement. Units that are not Agreement-governed Units shall
be distributed in accordance with the distribution provisions of the Plan.

	 	H.	 	This Agreement shall be binding upon and inure to the benefit of the parties and their
respective successors, heirs (in the case of Executive) and assigns. The rights or
obligations under this Agreement may not be assigned or transferred by either party, except
that such rights or obligations may be assigned or transferred pursuant to a merger or
consolidation in which Company is not the continuing entity, or the sale or liquidation of
all or substantially all of the assets of Company; provided, however, that the assignee or
transferee is the successor to all or substantially all of the assets of Company and such
assignee or transferee assumes the liabilities, obligations and duties of Company, as
contained in this Agreement, either contractually or as a matter of law.
	 
	 	I.	 	This Agreement may be executed with electronic signatures, in any number of counterparts,
as shall subsequently be executed with actual signatures. The electronically signed
Agreement shall constitute one original agreement. Duplicates and electronically signed
copies of this Agreement shall be effective and fully enforceable as of the date signed and
sent.
	 
	 	J.	 	All notices and other communications to be made or otherwise given hereunder shall be in
writing and shall be deemed to have been given when the same are (i) addressed to the other
party at the mailing address, facsimile number or email address indicated below, and (ii)
either: (a) personally delivered or mailed, registered or certified mail, first class
postage-prepaid return receipt requested, (b) delivered by a reputable private overnight
courier service utilizing a written receipt or other written proof of delivery, to the
applicable party, (c) faxed to such party, or (d) sent by electronic email. Any notice sent
in the manner set forth above by United States Mail shall be deemed to have been given and
received three (3) days after it has been so deposited in the United States Mail, and any
notice sent in any other manner provided above shall be deemed to be given when received.
The substance of any such notice shall be deemed to have been fully acknowledged in the
event of refusal of acceptance by the party to whom the notice is addressed. Until further
notice given in according with the foregoing, the respective addresses, fax numbers and
email addresses for the parties are as follows:

8

 

	 	 	 
	If
to Company:	 	With a copy to:
	Discovery Communications, LLC

	 	Lawrence Z. Lorber, Esq.
	One Discovery Place

	 	Proskauer Rose LLP
	Silver Spring, MD 20910-3354

	 	1001 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
	Attn.: Fabienne Clermont, Esq.

	 	Suite 400
	Fax: (240) 662-1491

	 	Washington, DC 20004
	Email: fabienne_clermont@discovery.com

	 	Fax: (202) 416-6899
	 

	 	Email: llorber@proskauer.com

	 	 	 
	If to Executive:	 	With a copy to:
	Joseph A. LaSala, Jr., Esq.
	 	 

In witness whereof, the parties have caused this Agreement to be duly executed as of the date
set forth above.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	Executive 	 
	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 
	 	
 	 
	 	Discovery Communications, LLC 	 
	 	 	 

9

 

	 	 	 	 	 

AGREEMENT AND GENERAL RELEASE

     This Agreement and General Release (“Release”) is entered into by and between
Discovery Communications, LLC (“DCL”) and                      (“Executive”) to resolve
any and all disputes concerning his employment with DCL and his separation from employment on
                                        . Accordingly, in exchange for the consideration and mutual promises
set forth herein, the parties do hereby agree as follows:

          1. Effective close of business                     , Executive’s employment with DCL will
terminate, and all salary continuation and benefits will cease other than those to which Executive
is entitled in consideration for this Release as set forth in Executive’s employment agreement with
DCL (“Agreement”), which is incorporated by reference, and as a matter of law (e.g., COBRA
benefits).

          2. In consideration for Executive’s executing this Release of any and all legal claims he
might have against the DCL Parties (as defined below), and the undertakings described herein, and
to facilitate his transition to other employment, DCL agrees to provide Executive with the
consideration detailed in Section IV(D) (“Severance Payment”) of the Agreement.

          3. Neither DCL nor Executive admits any wrongdoing of any kind, and both agree that neither
they nor anyone acting on their behalf will disclose this Release, or its terms and conditions.
Notwithstanding the foregoing, Executive is not barred from disclosing this Release to his legal,
financial and personal advisors or to those persons essential for Executive to (a) implement or
enforce his rights under this Release and the Agreement in which the Release is incorporated; (b)
defend himself in a lawsuit, investigation or administrative proceeding; (c) file tax returns; or
(d) advise a prospective employer, business partner or insurer of the contractual restrictions on
his post-DCL employment.

          4. In exchange for the undertakings by DCL described in the above paragraphs:

               a. Executive, for himself, his heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, does hereby
release, acquit and forever discharge DCL, its subsidiaries, affiliates and related entities, as
well as all of their respective officers, shareholders, shareholder representatives, directors,
members, partners, trustees, employees, attorneys, representatives and agents (collectively, the
“DCL Parties”), from any and all claims, demands, actions, causes of action, liabilities,
obligations, covenants, contracts, promises, agreements, controversies, costs, expenses, debts,
dues, or attorneys’ fees of every name and nature, whether known or unknown, without limitation, at
law, in equity or administrative, against the DCL Parties that he may have had, now has or may have
against the DCL Parties by reason of any matter or thing arising from the beginning of the world to
the day and date of this Release, including any claim relating to the termination of his employment
with any DCL Party. Those claims, demands, liabilities and obligations from which Executive
releases the DCL Parties include, but are not limited to, any claim, demand or action, known or
unknown, arising out of any transaction, act or omission related to Executive’s employment by any
DCL Party and Executive’s separation from such employment, sounding in tort or contract and/or any
cause of action arising under federal, state or local statute or ordinance or common law,
including, but not limited to, the federal Age Discrimination In Employment Act of 1967, Title VII
of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, as amended, the Americans With Disabilities Act, the Family and
Medical Leave Act, the Equal Pay Act, the Worker Adjustment and Retraining Notification Act, the
Fair Labor Standards Act, the Maryland Human Rights Act, as well as any similar state or local
statute(s), in each case as any such law may be amended from time to time. The foregoing shall, in
accordance with applicable law, not prohibit or prevent Executive from filing a Charge with the
United States Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (“EEOC”) and/or any state or local
agency equivalent, and/or prohibit or prevent Executive from participating in any investigation of
any Charge filed by others, albeit that he understands and agrees that he shall not be entitled to
seek monetary compensation for himself from the filing and/or participation in any such Charge.

               b. Executive expressly acknowledges that his attorney has advised him regarding, and he is
familiar with the fact that certain state statutes provide that general releases do not extend to
claims that the releasor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time he executes
such a release, which if known to him may have materially affected his execution of the release.
Being aware of such statutes, Executive hereby expressly waives and relinquishes any rights or
benefits he may have under such statutes, as well as any other state or federal statutes or common
law principles of similar effect, and hereby acknowledges that no claim or cause of action against
any DCL Party shall be deemed to he outside the scope of this Release whether mentioned herein or
not. Executive also specifically knowingly waives the provisions of Section 1542 of the Civil Code
of the State of California, which reads: A general release does not extend to claims which the
creditor does not know or suspect to exist in his favor at the time of executing the release, which
if known by him must have materially affected his settlement with the debtor. Notwithstanding the
provisions of Civil Code Section 1542 stated above and for the purpose of implementing a full and
complete release and discharge of the DCL Parties, Executive expressly acknowledges that this
Agreement is specifically intended to include in its effect all claims that he does not know or
suspect to exist in his favor at the time he signs this Agreement.

10

 

               c. Executive hereby acknowledges that he is executing this Release pursuant to the Agreement,
and that the consideration to be provided to Executive pursuant to Section IV(D) of the Agreement
is in addition to what he would have been entitled to receive in the absence of this Release.
Executive hereby acknowledges that he is executing this Release voluntarily and with full knowledge
of all relevant information and any and all rights he may have. Executive hereby acknowledges that
he has been advised to consult with an independent attorney of his own choosing in connection with
this Release to explain to him the legal effect of the terms and conditions of this Release and
that Executive has consulted such an attorney for such purpose. Executive acknowledges that he has
read this Release in its entirety. Executive further states that he fully understands the terms of
this Release and that the only promises made to him in return for signing this Release are stated
herein and in the Agreement in which this Release is incorporated. Executive hereby acknowledges
that he is voluntarily and knowingly agreeing to the terms and conditions of this Release without
any threats, coercion or duress, whether economic or otherwise, and that Executive agrees to be
bound by the terms of this Release. Executive acknowledges that he has been given twenty-one (21)
days to consider this Release, and that if Executive is age forty (40) or over, Executive
understands that he has seven (7) days following his execution of this Release in which to revoke
his agreement to comply with this Release by providing written notice of revocation to the General
Counsel of DCL no later than three business days following such period.

               d. Executive further hereby covenants and agrees that this General Release shall be binding in
all respects upon himself, his heirs, executors, administrators, assigns and transferees and all
persons claiming under them, and shall inure to the benefit of all of the officers, directors,
agents, employees, stockholders, members and partners and successors in interest of DCL, as well as
all parents, subsidiaries, affiliates, related entities and representatives of any of the foregoing
persons and entities.

               e. Executive agrees that he will not disparage any DCL Party or make or publish any
communication that reflects adversely upon any of them, including communications concerning DCL
itself and its current or former directors, officers, employees or agents. DCL agrees that DCL
executive management will not disparage Executive or make or publish any communication that
reflects adversely upon Executive, including communications concerning Executive himself and his
current or former agents and representatives. Notwithstanding the foregoing, in accordance with
applicable law, either party may provide truthful statements respecting or concerning the other
party pursuant to a valid subpoena or court order or other valid legal process.

          5. a. If any provision of this Release is found to be invalid, unenforceable or void for any
reason, such provision shall be severed from the Release and shall not affect the validity or
enforceability of the remaining provisions.

               b. DCL and Executive agree that this Release, consisting of three (3) pages, and the Agreement
in which this Release is incorporated, constitutes the entire agreement between them. The parties
further warrant that they enter into this Release freely.

               c. This Release shall be interpreted, enforced and governed by the laws of the State of
Maryland without regard to the choice of law principles thereof.

     IN
WITNESS WHEREOF, I have signed this General Release this _ day of                     ,
200_.

	 	 	 	 	 
	 	 	 
	 	By:  	
 	 
	 	 	Print Name:  	
 	 	 
	 	 	
 	 
	 

Subscribed
and sworn to before me this           day of                     , 200_.

	 	 	 	 	 	 	 
	 
	 	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	Notary Public

My Commission Expires	 	 	 	 
	 

	 	 	 	 

	 	 

11

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