Seven signs NBCU deal

The Seven Network has signed another licensing deal with NBC Universal Television.

The deal allows Seven to continue airing NBC Universal programming including Heroes, Bionic Woman, 30 Rock and Las Vegas, as well as the upcoming Brooke Shields series Lipstick Jungle.

It also supplies Seven with movies including American Gangster, Atonement, The Bourne Ultimatum, Evan Almighty, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, as well as the upcoming Charlie Wilson’s War, Wanted, Mamma Mia and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

Seven Programmer Tim Worner said, “It’s great that we have been selected as the Australian home for some of their best-known and most-loved programmes and we look forward to working with NBC Universal in ensuring great success over the coming years.”

He didn’t mention anything about the fact that Las Vegas has tanked in primetime, 30 Rock was shafted to a 10:30 timeslot and that Bionic Woman was a huge disappointment. Otherwise it’s fantastic!

Press Release:

NBC Universal International Television Distribution and Seven Network have entered into an exclusive licensing agreement for the free terrestrial television rights in Australia to current, library and upcoming feature films and television programming, it was announced today by Belinda Menendez, President, NBC Universal International Television Distribution, and David Leckie, Chief Executive Officer of Seven Media Group and Seven Network.

Under the terms of the new multiple-year agreement, Seven Network will continue airing NBC Universal programming including Heroes, Bionic Woman, 30 Rock and Las Vegas, as well as the upcoming Lipstick Jungle, starring Brooke Shields, Kim Raver and Lindsay Price. Lipstick Jungle is scheduled for a U.S. premiere in February 2008. In addition to scripted and reality programming, also included in the agreement is news programming, including Dateline International and The Today Show.

Highlights of feature films that are part of the deal include American Gangster, Atonement, The Bourne Ultimatum, Evan Almighty, and Elizabeth: The Golden Age, as well as the upcoming Charlie Wilson’s War, Wanted, Mamma Mia and The Mummy: Tomb of the Dragon Emperor.

“We couldn’t be happier to have concluded this deal with the Seven Network, continuing our longstanding relationship of more than five decades,” said Ms. Menendez. “Australia is a key market for our business and the Seven team has done a tremendous job of making our programming successful in the territory.”

Commenting, Mr David Leckie, the Chief Executive Officer of Seven Media Group and Seven Network, said: “This is a great deal for Seven. We soon move into a new television season with confirmation of long-term access to programming and a new agreement with NBC Universal that builds on the deep and long-term partnership between our two companies.”

Commenting, Mr Tim Worner, the Director of Programming and Production for the Seven Network, said: “We are very close to the group at NBC Universal. Like us, NBCU is highly motivated and focused on creating great television.

“We have enjoyed tremendous success over the years and we’re looking forward to extending what has been an enduring partnership. It’s great that we have been selected as the Australian home for some of their best-known and most-loved programmes and we look forward to working with NBC Universal in ensuring great success over the coming years.”