Foxtel has unveiled a new programming list for its Owned and Operated Channels. It is set to include some of the top-rating shows from Twentieth Century Fox and Buena Vista Televsion, such as ‘Desperate Housewives’ and ‘Prison Break’.
“The Twentieth Century Fox Television Distribution contract is an historic, multi-year deal which grants Foxtel a share of the selection process and the first-run telecast rights to new Fox series, from July 2007. From that date onwards, this revolutionary deal will also mean our subscribers will be able to watch new hit Fox shows concurrent with their U.S. seasons,” said Foxtel’s Brian Walsh.
Some of the new shows Foxtel viewers can expect this year include Prison Break, for which Fox8 will hold subscription television rights from July. Later in the year, Fox8 will also acquire the drama series, Bones, and sitcom, My Name Is Earl. Old Fox favourites such as The Simpsons, 24, Futurama, Family Guy and Arrested Development will continue.
Under the new deal with Buena Vista, Fox8 will launch the subscription television premiere season of Lost, playing the series as movie-length episodes on Sunday nights. Over summer, W. Channel will debut Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy. From July this year, W. will also have exclusive rights to reality series, Extreme Makeover: Home Edition.
In a deal with Mark Burnett Productions, Foxtel will also have exclusive programming rights to the second series of reality show, Rock Star (launching this winter), The Apprentice and boxing reality series, The Contender (launching in July).
From CBS Paramount, Foxtel retains exclusive rights to run America’s Next Top Model, as well as the Australian format rights for FOX8’s reality series, Australia’s Next Top Model.
“These fantastic programming agreements deliver Foxtel’s Owned and Operated Channels a significant and powerful slate of programming that features some of television’s biggest hit shows. Foxtel is leading the charge with premium entertainment and award-winning factual programming from international supply deals, and from bold, exclusive local production initiatives,” added Walsh.
