Television stations are going to try to stay in their comfort zones when choosing new syndicated programming in the future, “TMZ” Executive Producer Jim Paratore said.

At TelevisionWeek’s 2008 Syndication Roundtable, Mr. Paratore said stations’ conservatism in tough economic times will keep them signing long-term deals for familiar programming.

“They’re sticking with the stuff that’s working,” Mr. Paratore said Tuesday.

“I don’t think you can take something from scratch and sell it on the marketplace,” Mr. Paratore said. “You’ve got to bring an idea to the table that you can show them is worthy and [going to] get sampled as well as your ability to sustain it... I think you’ve got to have some kind of a compelling look to get it sold in the first place.”