http://www.tvweek.com/ en Copyright 2008 Thu, 08 May 2008 11:00:00 -0800 http://www.sixapart.com/movabletype/ http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss
View Larger Map --Greg Baumann]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/upfront_bound_bookmark_this_ma.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/upfront_bound_bookmark_this_ma.php Advertising Broadcast Cable Digital Syndication ABC CBS CW ESPN Fox NBC New York Telemundo Turner Entertainment Univision Upfront Thu, 08 May 2008 11:00:00 -0800 Heating Up In a bold shift in the development cycle, there already are more first-run series in development for 2009 than there are new series with national clearances for fall 2008. Typically, the number of series on deck doesn’t hit such a high number until the summer. Sources from at least two distributors have confirmed their interest in the Janice Dickinson talk show project. A representative for Ms. Dickinson would not comment on the show. Ratings in recent years have shown that series featuring widely known names are likely to score higher when they hit syndication. The risk for syndicators is that the costs involved in signing a major name can make any failure financially disastrous. A well-known name can potentially cost a syndicator $8 million per year or more in talent budget alone. ]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/studios_eye_dickinson_for_synd.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/studios_eye_dickinson_for_synd.php Syndication Janice Dickinson Oxygen Print Edition Sun, 04 May 2008 20:55:57 -0800 Ion Television, the nation’s largest broadcast television station group, announced a new set of programming initiatives for the 2008-09 season Thursday at its upfront presentation in New York. Under the new network branding motto “Positively Entertaining,” Ion introduced a slate of prime-time programming comprised of syndicated episodes of “Boston Legal,” “ER,” “The Dead Zone,” “Ghost Whisperer” and “Criminal Minds.” The network, which targets the 25-54 demographic, also announced plans to air 12 original movies produced by RHI Entertainment, its partner in weekend primetime programming. “Advertisers aiming to build market share and showcase their products need look no further than our new lineup,” said Ion president of sales and marketing Stephen Appel in a statement. “Ion Television will be recognized for its value, innovation, ratings growth and expansive reach.” Ion Television, owned and operated by Ion Media Networks, reaches more than 94 million U.S. television households through its nationwide broadcast television, cable and satellite distribution systems. Via digital multicasting, Ion Media has launched digital TV brands including kids channel qubo. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/ion_presents_primetime_movie_l.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/05/ion_presents_primetime_movie_l.php Syndication Ion Upfront Thu, 01 May 2008 17:16:26 -0800 here. ]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/cbs_gets_56_daytime_emmy_nomin.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/cbs_gets_56_daytime_emmy_nomin.php Broadcast Cable Syndication Daytime Emmys NATAS Regis Philbin Wed, 30 Apr 2008 11:27:42 -0800 Cooling Economy “The economy will determine our clients’ spending, and that determines who does well this year. I’m not sure there’s a clear picture one way or the other,” Mr. Dundas said. “A few months ago, it looked like the upfront would be strong,” said Dave Barrington, executive VP and managing director of video investment at MPG. “”It doesn’t appear to be setting up that way any longer.” At this point, sales execs said, the economic concerns haven’t affected the scatter market, which has cooled in the second quarter after being red-hot. “We haven’t seen at this point any impact of the recent stock market woes on our business,” Mr. Teicher said. “Having said that, it’s naive to not believe that at some point there may be some issues.” Despite the economy, sales executives see factors that could translate into upfront gains. They point to high commercial retention, which translates into better ratings using the new C3 ratings that measure commercial viewing during live broadcasts and three days of playback using digital video recorders. “We found that those numbers have been very good for us,” said Howard Levy, executive VP at Disney-ABC Domestic Television. Bob Cesa, executive VP for advertising sales at Twentieth Television, said there were signs the market is still healthy. Relatively few advertisers have taken their options to give back ads they agreed to buy in last year’s upfront. “Options are going to be in line with what I would expect to be normal for the third quarter,” Mr. Cesa said. “There are fewer ratings points in the market because of the erosion. When you add all those things together, and the economy’s still pretty strong, we should do well.” Syndication has not been immune to erosion, with some court shows, entertainment magazines and off-net sitcoms showing significant drops, Mr. Barrington said. But a number of shows are bucking the trend, including “Inside Edition,” “Jeopardy!,” “Judge Judy,” “Rachael Ray” and “Sex in the City.” Last year’s new off-net comedy “Two and a Half Men” “has had a great run,” and “TMZ” is “moving in the right direction,” he said. Of the new shows, Mr. Dundas noted that Warner Bros.’ talk show “Bonnie Hunt” could serve as an effective companion to “Ellen.” “In the six years I’ve been here, we haven’t had this type of momentum behind a new show launch,” Mr. Teicher said. He expects Ms. Hunt’s show to be open to product integration, as are the syndicator’s other shows, “Ellen” and “Tyra Banks.” At Disney, Mr. Levy is excited about the new weekend hour “Wizard’s First Rule.” “We harken it back to the days when syndication had huge successes on the weekend with new programming,” he said. “There was ‘Star Trek,’ there was ‘Xena,’ there was ‘Hercules.’” Period Piece Since it’s a period piece, it will be difficult to integrate products into the show, Mr. Levy said. “There are ways we can do some tie-ins.” At Twentieth, adding “Tyler Perry’s House of Payne” to its roster means “we’re stronger now in the African American market,” Mr. Cesa said. The syndicator also picked up ad sales for “South Park,” giving it a number of shows that skew young and male, including “Family Guy” and “House of Payne.” The excitement at NBC is over the new half-hour version of “Deal or No Deal.” With host Howie Mandel, the banker, the models and the money, “‘Deal’ is an exciting opportunity for our stations and our clients,” said Donna Kerin, VP of advertiser and media sales at NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution. Ms. Kerin said product integration is an important part of NBC’s pitch for the syndicated show. NBC Universal’s broadcast network unveiled its prime-time schedule last month, so during upfront week the company will instead be putting on a show designed to highlight all of its divisions for ad buyers. “It’s great for us. We’re going to have a presence there with Nancy O’Dell [host of ‘Access Hollywood’], and ‘Deal or No Deal’ will obviously be a highlight for us,” Ms. Kerin said. ]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/calm_and_chaos_syndie_upfront.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/calm_and_chaos_syndie_upfront.php Syndication Print Edition Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:55:15 -0800 Fox stations are returning to the crime-drama genre, inking a syndication deal with NBC Universal to air “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” Monday-Friday beginning in fall 2009. The deal follows on the Fox station group’s purchase of sister show “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” last fall. The “Law & Order: SVU” procedural drama has been sold to Fox stations in the country’s top markets, including owned-and-operated outlets in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Houston, Phoenix, Minneapolis, Orlando and Baltimore. The series also has been sold in 18 of the nation’s top 20 markets, with stations from CBS, Sinclair, Sunbeam, Belo, Hearst and Granite groups buying in. “We are a big believer in the hour business for syndication,” said Barry Wallach, president of NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. “Stations that aired ‘Criminal Intent’ this season saw a return of the procedural drama to their Monday-through-Friday lineups and were very happy with the results. We look forward to continuing that trend with ‘SVU.’” Ratings declines among long-running sitcoms such as “Seinfeld” and “Friends” in syndication and the shortage of new hit comedies coming down the pipeline have left stations searching for other weekday options. That has opened the door for crime dramas, and the Dick Wolf-produced “Law & Order” franchise has benefited from that demand. Like “CI,” “SVU” was sold in syndication in a two-year 50/50 barter deal with stations, executives familiar with the matter said. Meanwhile, NBC Universal is still mulling whether to bring “CI” back for another two-year run in syndication. “The appetite continues to be there for these shows,” said Mr. Wallach. “Stations have already spent their time and effort building the brand in that time period, and they now get another 150 fresh episodes to give to viewers.” “Law & Order: Criminal Intent” debuted in September, scoring an average 1.3 rating in its first month on the air and growing to a 1.5 through April. “SVU,” meanwhile, made its syndication debut on weekends, and has since pushed its 2.2 premiere rating for September up to a 3.3 in April. The show scored a 3.7 during the February sweeps ratings period, which is used to set station ad prices. In addition, the February sweeps saw “SVU’s” weekend syndicated runs boosting time-period ratings by more than 40% in both households and adults 25-54 year-over-year. Ratings rose more than 50% in women 25-54. In the most recent February sweeps in New York, on WWOR-TV at 11 p.m. “CI” built on its local news lead-in with a 27% jump in household ratings and a 44% increase in women 25-54. The show also improved the time-period ratings by 27% in households, 80% in adults 25-54 and 86% in women 25-54. Currently in its ninth season on NBC prime time, “Law & Order: SVU” continues to be one of the network’s top programs. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/fox_stations_add_to_lo_syndie.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/fox_stations_add_to_lo_syndie.php Syndication Law and Order SVU Print Edition Sun, 27 Apr 2008 20:50:23 -0800 CBS Television Distribution sold the cable rights to the series “Criminal Minds” to A&E Networks and the broadcast rights to Ion Television. A&E will begin showing episodes from the series’ first three seasons once weekly in May. It will begin stripping the series in September 2009. “The addition of this series comes at the perfect time, as we get ready to reintroduce original drama series to the network beginning this summer,” said Bob DeBitetto, executive VP and general manger of A&E. The cable network also runs “CSI: Miami” and “The Sopranos.” Ion will begin airing “Criminal Minds” in prime time beginning in 2009. “This high-caliber TV series strengthens and broadens Ion Television with target audiences and advertisers long-term,” said Brandon Burgess, chairman-CEO of Ion Media Networks. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/cbs_sells_criminal_minds_to_ae.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/cbs_sells_criminal_minds_to_ae.php Syndication CBS Criminal Minds Thu, 24 Apr 2008 10:33:35 -0800 In the latest move to develop hits for the ever-evolving television syndication business, Fox Television Stations and Debmar-Mercury will co-produce a six-week preview of “The Wendy Williams Show” starting July 14. Among stations on board for the series, set to hit national syndication in fall 2009, will be the Fox-owned stations in New York (WNYW-TV), Los Angeles (KTTV-TV), Dallas (KDFW-TV) and Detroit (WJBK-TV). “For stations anxious to buy a proven performer, rather than pie in the sky, this show will allow them to get a look at concrete ratings results rather than empty promises when making their fall 2009 programming decisions” said Ira Bernstein, co-president of Debmar-Mercury. “The Wendy Williams Show,” is a daily, one-hour entertainment talk show starring New York DJ, syndicated radio host and TV personality Wendy Williams. The strip will be broadcast live from New York, featuring Ms. Williams’ commentary on celebrity gossip and news events, as well as “interviews, fashion and advice segments” in which Williams will help audiences tackle their personal issues involving sex, relationships, money and dating. “It’s clear that the traditional syndication model is no longer functional, particularly for daytime product, and I believe what we’re doing with Debmar-Mercury is a syndication blueprint for the future,” said Frank Cicha, senior VP of programming at Fox Television Stations. “Wendy is a compelling talent with an extremely loyal fan base, and this opportunity comes to us within a deal structure that allows both sides to minimize risk, yet share the rewards if the program is the hit we know it can be.” Veteran talk show producer Rob Dauber, formerly co-executive producer of “Martha” and supervising producer of “Oprah Winfrey” and “Rosie O’Donnell,” will serve as executive producer of “The Wendy Williams Show” along with Ms. Williams and her husband-manager, Kevin Hunter. “Wendy has been a winner in every medium she has chosen,” said Debmar-Mercury Co-President Mort Marcus. “When we decided the time was right for a different kind of TV talk show that would instantly appeal to stations and viewers, we knew the Queen of Radio would be the perfect choice and approached her.” http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/fox_debmarmercury_roll_out_pre.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/fox_debmarmercury_roll_out_pre.php Syndication Debmar-Mercury Fox Wendy Williams Mon, 21 Apr 2008 13:29:54 -0800 Oz Factor The celebrity names attached to syndication projects in the works for the 2009-10 season suggest that the studios are once again opening their pocketbooks for development in daytime. Beyond Ms. Deen’s project and Ms. Osmond’s talk show from distributor Program Partners, there’s a Donald Trump program from Twentieth Television, a daytime version of “Are You Smarter Than a 5th Grader?” with Jeff Foxworthy (from either Twentieth or Debmar-Mercury), and “Oprah” spinoff “Dr. Oz,” backed by Harpo Productions. Ratings in recent years have shown that series featuring widely known names are more likely to score higher when they hit syndication. The risk for syndicators is that the costs involved in scoring names can make any failures financially disastrous. A well-known name can potentially cost a syndicator $8 million per year or more in talent budget alone. Moreover, a big name doesn’t guarantee big ratings, as failed talk-shows starring Tony Danza, Jane Pauley and Megan Mullally in recent years will attest. The “Dr. Oz” project has caused a stir around the industry as the series (so far) will be sold without Ms. Winfrey’s distributor, CBS Television Distribution, attached to the project. In fact, sources close to the show say Twentieth and ABC/Disney were among the syndicators that the producers have taken meetings with regarding distribution of. If the project moves forward, it could pose direct competition with CBS’ Dr. Phil spinoff, “The Doctors,” which will launch this fall. However, “Dr. Phil” was also shopped to multiple companies, which is allowed under Ms. Winfrey’s contract with CBS, before the program settled in with the distributor in the end. Another recent acquisition by Ms. Winfrey, a talk show with host Kirstie Alley, is now expected to be targeted for Ms. Winfrey’s upcoming cable channel, which will take the place of Discovery Health. Dr. Oz joined Oprah Winfrey as a regular contributor to her Oprah & Friends XM Satellite Radio channel on Sept. 25, 2006, and has been a regular contributor to her daytime talk show in addition to appearing on a number of Discovery Health programs.]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/new_syndie_shows_its_who_knows.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/new_syndie_shows_its_who_knows.php Syndication Print Edition Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:55:00 -0800 Updated: Name of company in last paragraph.]]> http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/punkd_sold_across_us_3.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/punkd_sold_across_us_3.php Syndication Print Edition Sun, 13 Apr 2008 20:55:00 -0800 Disney-ABC International Television has renewed its live-action distribution agreement with broadcaster SBS. SBS, which broadcasts across Belgium and the Netherlands, will distribute “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Ugly Betty,” “Dirty Sexy Money” and “Samantha Who?” as well as other prime-time programming under the multiyear deal. ABC-Disney also has licensed its “Hannah Montana” series and feature films “The Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe” and the “Pirates of the Caribbean” titles to air on SBS, among other film properties. “We’re delighted to continue our relationship with Disney-ABC International Television,” said SBS program acquisition manager Esther van Den Brink. “DAIT is one of the leading studios worldwide and their product is a true complement to our channels.” http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/disney_renews_distribution_dea.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/disney_renews_distribution_dea.php Syndication ABC Disney Mip SBS Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:38:14 -0800 Israeli broadcaster Reshet has licensed Disney-ABC International’s “The Amazing Race” for local production. The deal comes in the wake of a similar agreement between Disney and AXN to produce “The Amazing Race Asia,” which has aired for two seasons. Created by Bertram van Munster and Jerry Bruckheimer, the reality competition program has won five consecutive Emmy awards for outstanding reality program. “The format of ‘The Amazing Race’ has seen great success in the U.S. and Asia,” said Tom Toumazis, executive VP of Disney-ABC International Television. “We are looking forward to seeing an action-packed contest between contestants from Israel, across Asia.” http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/disney_licenses_amazing_race_t.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/disney_licenses_amazing_race_t.php Syndication ABC Disney Mip Reshet The Amazing Race Tue, 08 Apr 2008 11:33:09 -0800 Warner Bros. and HBO are the initial suppliers of programming to France Telecom Orange’s newly announced pay television service. The Time Warner companies signed a deal that will make content including Warner Bros.’ “Harry Potter” films and HBO miniseries “John Adams” available across Orange’s multiple platforms starting in the fourth quarter of this year. Orange has acquired rights to all of Warner Bros.’ current and upcoming feature films as well as select titles from the studio’s feature and television library. Included in HBO’s first output deal in France are rights to HBO’s upcoming Alan Ball series “True Blood” and David Simon’s miniseries “Generation Kill,” as well as select documentaries and library titles. “This is a monumental deal for HBO with a wonderful partner in Orange,” said Charles Schreger, president of programming sales at HBO. “We are thrilled that the breadth and depth of HBO’s high-quality programming will be enjoyed by French audiences and made available to them on their preferred platform.” http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/frances_orange_pay_tv_service.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/frances_orange_pay_tv_service.php Syndication France Telecom Orange HBO Mip Warner Bros. Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:16:07 -0800 Disney Media Networks Distribution Latin American signed a deal with Vista Productions and RCN to produce local versions of the ABC series “Grey’s Anatomy” and “Brothers & Sisters” in Colombia. The Colombian versions of the ABC dramas will follow the format and scripts of the original versions. Pre-production for the new local series begins in mid-April. The deal comes in the wake of Disney’s success with its “Desperate Housewives” original terrestrial format in Colombia, Ecuador, Argentina, Brazil and the U.S. Hispanic market. Disney said its Latin American expansion is part of a global franchise initiative that includes Turkish versions of “Hope & Faith” and “According to Jim” as well as “The Golden Girls” in Russia and Greece. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/colombia_gets_local_versions_o.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/colombia_gets_local_versions_o.php Syndication ABC Brothers and Sisters Disney Grey's Anatomy Mip Mon, 07 Apr 2008 13:01:21 -0800 Echo Bridge Entertainment has signed a deal to acquire Alliance Atlantis International Distribution from Goldman Sachs. The deal gives Echo Bridge distribution rights to approximately 7,500 titles and 5,500 hours of first-run and catalog programming from Alliance Atlantis. The worldwide distribution rights extend to all countries except Canada, where Alliance Atlantis is based. Financial details of the agreement were not disclosed. The acquired content includes dramas “Due South” and “Gene Roddenberry’s Earth: Final Conflict,” teen show “Degrassi: The Next Generation” and the award-winning miniseries “Nuremberg.” “This agreement marks a significant step in our aggressive campaign to further expand the company’s distribution infrastructure and library of assets,” said Michael Rosenblatt, president of Echo Bridge. “By adding this impressive roster of programming to our existing stable of product, we will greatly diversify our catalog and position the company as a leading worldwide content provider.” Echo Bridge is an independent distribution company that acquires and distributes movies and television programming as well as video-on-demand content around the world. http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/echo_bridge_acquires_alliance.php http://www.tvweek.com/news/2008/04/echo_bridge_acquires_alliance.php Syndication Alliance Atlantis DeGrassi Echo Bridge Goldman Sachs Fri, 04 Apr 2008 12:10:03 -0800