BVI-TV Boosts Ailing KirchMedia
BERLIN (Hollywood Reporter) -- In an agreement that could mark the return of KirchMedia to the international scene, Buena Vista International Television (BVI-TV) announced that it has signed a multiyear package deal with the insolvent German rights giant. The deal is the first major licensing agreement Kirch has signed since it filed for bankruptcy protection last spring. The deal will see Kirch acquire German free TV rights to Disney features such as "Signs," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "The Santa Clause 2," as well as television series including "Scrubs," "Alias" and "8 Simple Rules." Programming will be broadcast on German commercial channels ProSieben and Sat.1, which are controlled by Kirch. The agreement will also see ProSieben air two Disney-branded programming blocks of animated children's series starting in early 2003, with titles including "Tarzan" and "Buzz Lightyear."
BERLIN (Hollywood Reporter) -- In an agreement that could mark the return of KirchMedia to the international scene, Buena Vista International Television (BVI-TV) announced that it has signed a multiyear package deal with the insolvent German rights giant. The deal is the first major licensing agreement Kirch has signed since it filed for bankruptcy protection last spring. The deal will see Kirch acquire German free TV rights to Disney features such as "Signs," "Sweet Home Alabama" and "The Santa Clause 2," as well as television series including "Scrubs," "Alias" and "8 Simple Rules." Programming will be broadcast on German commercial channels ProSieben and Sat.1, which are controlled by Kirch. The agreement will also see ProSieben air two Disney-branded programming blocks of animated children's series starting in early 2003, with titles including "Tarzan" and "Buzz Lightyear."