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MUMBAI:
Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer, Inc's American TV distribution wing has
acquired local syndication rights to Tribune's popular home
improvement series Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls.
Since
the series was cleared in over 70 per cent of the US this
past season, MGM will utilise this year's National Association
of Television Program Executives (Natpe) conference to launch
renewal agreements for the popular series for the next two
seasons, says an official statement.
In
making the announcement at Natpe, MGM worldwide television
co-president Jim Packer said, "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls
is an established series with a loyal following on TV and
online. The online and broadband applications of Ron's website
are strong now and we plan to increase the overall presence
including incorporating local station tie-ins. In taking over
the distribution from our partners at Tribune, we already
have a head start in getting the series renewed given the
success they've had in clearing the show and selling the barter
time."
"We
are thrilled to represent Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls,
the destination point for the do-it-yourself, home improvement
audience," said MGM EVP (broadcast strategy) John Bryan.
"With Ron's strong following, major national sponsors,
comprehensive website and the devoted weekly newsletter, our
station partners are getting a series which has a powerful
presence on many platforms."
"This
partnership with MGM is a terrific way to celebrate our tenth
anniversary in syndication," added Hazelton, host and
producer of Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls. "It's certainly
going to create new synergy between broadcast, online and
product integration. We are in a great position to deliver
high-value information content in a form that benefits viewers,
Internet users and advertisers. This is going to be a win
on all fronts."
In addition to the 9 seasons of the series, MGM will offer
22 new episodes for next season and the following seasons.
In each of the 30-minute episodes, viewers learn how to tackle
a variety of weekend home projects. Hazelton visits two homes
and provides expert coaching for do-it-yourselfers.
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