MIAMI — Day One of the NATPE conference always brings a flurry of deals, partnerships, and pickups.
Fox Television Stations have renewed “Page Six TV” for a second season, as expected. The entertainment news show has been a big priority for Fox as it blends the resources of the New York Post with Fox’s O&O stations, the Endemol Shine North America production unit and the Twentieth TV distribution arm. Ratings since the show’s Sept. 18 debut have been respectable enough to earn a commitment to year two.
“’Page Six TV’ fits our strategy and has shown great promise over its first few months. We expect growth this year, and certainly in year two, as well,” said Frank Cicha, senior VP of programming for Fox Television Stations.
Sony Pictures TV on Tuesday unveiled a distribution pact with station group owner Tegna to handle distribution of Tegna’s growing roster of original series. Sony will also handle national barter advertising sales for Tegna shows, including the Internet buzz series “Daily Blast Live.”
“It’s a one-of-a-kind agreement, where Tegna and Sony Pictures Television each bring distinct strengths to the new partnership,” said Robert Sullivan, Tegna’s senior VP of programming. Tegna’s other in-house shows including the talk show “Sister Circle” and singing competition “Sing Like a Star.”
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“Tegna is a first-class broadcasting company with forward-thinking, digital and programming initiatives,” said John Weiser, Sony’s president of U.S. distribution.
Endemol Shine Boomdog, a newly formed Mexico-based production unit, has sold a drama series about the life of Reggaeton star Nicky Jam to Telemundo in the U.S. and Netflix in international territories.
The 13-episode drama, “Nicky Jam: El Ganador,” will detail the artist’s story from his beginnings in Boston to rise as a Latin music superstar. Jam is also starring in the production. Filming began this week in Medellin, Colombia under the direction of helmer Jessy Terrero.
(Pictured: Nicky Jam)
