| The company has announced that the currently off-cable
sitcom strip has been cleared for syndication in 85 per cent of the
US including 48 of the top 50 markets. The sitcom from Comedy Central
South Park will be carried on stations from the Viacom, Tribune,
Weigel, Belo, Scripps-Howard, Cox, Clear Channel, Raycom, Sinclair
and Meredith broadcast groups. Stations clearing the program in the
top five markets include WPIX/New York, KCAL/Los Angeles, WCIU/Chicago,
WPSG/Philadelphia and KBHK/San Francisco. The show is being offered
on a cash plus 90-second barter basis.
Tribune Entertainment EVP Domestic & Cable Sales Steve Mulderrig
states, "We're thrilled with the enthusiastic response from
stations toward 'South Park.' The local DMA Market numbers are so
competitive that stations immediately see the value in adding this
smart and edgy show to their sitcom lineups."
Tribune Entertainment is distributing South Park under an
exclusive deal with Debmar Studios and Mercury Entertainment. The
Mort Marcus, president of Debmar Studios, acquired the domestic
syndication rights from Comedy Central and together with Ira Bernstein
of Mercury Entertainment, cleared over 50 per cent of the country.
Tribune Entertainment will also oversee barter ad sales under the
agreement.
South Park created by Matt Stone and Trey Parker, has aired
on Comedy Central for seven seasons. Tribune Entertainment, the
Los Angeles-based entertainment division of Tribune Company Entertainment
has entered into a variety of distribution, production, and ad sales
relationships with such major partners as DreamWorks SKG, FremantleMedia
North America, Hearst Entertainment, New Line Television, and Universal
Domestic Television.
|
