20th Jan 2005 09:00
ITV PLC20 January 2005 20th January 2005 ITV AND NBC UNIVERSAL EXTEND EXCLUSIVE LICENSING AGREEMENT IN THE UK (London, England and Los Angeles, CA - 20 January, 2005) ITV and NBC Universalhave extended their exclusive multi-year licensing agreement for the terrestrialtelevision rights to NBC Universal's feature films and television series in theUK, it was announced today. Under the terms of the new agreement, ITV will have access to NBC Universal's2004 - 2006 theatrical titles, including product from the UK's most successfulfilm producer Working Title Films. In addition, the agreement includes titlesfrom NBC Universal's world-class feature film and television libraries, as wellas upcoming television series beginning with the 2005 season. Major new titles for ITV include Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, Thunderbirdsand King Kong (2005), as well as a selection of titles from NBC Universal's vastlibrary of feature films. NBC Universal's feature film library is made up ofmore than 4000 titles, including such highlights as Gladiator, The Mummy,Notting Hill, and Bridget Jones's Diary. ITV Controller of Acquisitions Jeremy Boulton said: "We look forward tocontinuing our relationship with NBC Universal. Their incredible slate of titlesmeans that ITV can continue to provide its viewers with the fantastic movies andbox office successes over the coming years." Nigel Pickard, Director of Programmes for ITV added: "Films form a key part ofthe ITV schedules in both peak and off-peak hours and we are delighted to buildupon the hugely successful relationship we have with NBC Universal." "We've enjoyed a close and longstanding relationship with ITV in the UK," saidBelinda Menendez, president, NBC Universal International TelevisionDistribution. "This agreement underscores the power of our product portfolio, aswell as the significance of strong client support to help make our titlessuccessful around the world." ITV is Europe's biggest commercial television network watched on average by 45mpeople in a typical week. ITV's family of channels incorporates ITV1, ITV2 andITV3. ITV1 is the UK's pre-eminent commercial public service broadcaster, availablefree-to-air, providing programming across all genres including drama,entertainment, current affairs, news, film and sport. ITV2 and ITV3 offer a unique collection of original commissions, top US seriesand classic and contemporary quality dramas to around 14 million homes (over 55%of all UK homes) via all digital platforms throughout the UK. ITV2 also offersbrand extensions of ITV1's best-loved programmes, blockbuster movies and premiumsport. NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domesticand international marketplaces. Its NBC Universal Television Distributiondivision is responsible for the global distribution of NBC Universal product toall forms of television throughout the world. This includes distribution ofcurrent and library film and television product in the pay, free, and basicmarkets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programsand theatrical and TV movie packages. MEDIA CONTACTS: ITV Press contacts: Kate Smith020 7843 8216 Investor Relations contact: Georgina Blackburn020 7261 3911 NBC UNIVERSAL TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION Zenon Dmytryk1.818.777.8072 This information is provided by RNS The company news service from the London Stock ExchangeRelated Shares:
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