TORONTO – So who needs to go to L.A. anymore?
Canwest Broadcasting and NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution said today that, for the first time, the companies have completed a new programming agreement in advance of the annual Los Angeles Screenings.
Canwest has acquired several new and returning programs slated for broadcast on the company’s conventional broadcast stations Global Television and E! for the 2008/09 season, as well as on the Canadian company’s 21 specialty services.
Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed and the release does not say if this includes the multiplatform (VOD, wireless, broadband, etc.) rights to the NBCU programming, too.
New programs that will appear on Canwest channels this fall include the new Knight Rider series; Christian Slater drama My Own Worst Enemy; comedy Kath and Kim starring Molly Shannon and Selma Blair; plus, slated for mid-season, a spin-off of primetime hit The Office.
Canwest has also renewed several other NBC hits including House, Heroes, The Office, reality show The Biggest Loser, Life and Friday Night Lights.
“We are thrilled to partner with NBC Universal Domestic TV Distribution to announce this landmark deal,” said Barbara Williams, executive vice-president, content, Canwest Broadcasting, in a press release. “As the television landscape continues to evolve, Canwest is proud to be in business with one of the industry’s most innovative companies. We look forward to offering our viewers an incredible line-up of new and returning programming from NBC Universal with impressive pedigree and star power.”
“Our strategy to get out in front with advertisers this year provided us with an opportunity to have meaningful discussions about our new fall programming with our broadcast and cable partners earlier than we ever have," says Ron Suter, SVP and general manager, NBC Universal Television Distribution Canada. "And we are thrilled that Canwest was able to come away from our meetings and agree to this unprecedented, wide-ranging deal for many of our upcoming and returning series."
