Logo

Tribune Stations Keep ’em Talking

Jul 15, 2007  •  Post A Comment

Tribune Co.’s stations, making one of their first syndication deals since the company was acquired earlier this year, have picked up “Maury” and “The Jerry Springer Show” from distributor NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution through the 2009-10 season.
Tribune stations extending the talk show franchises include WPIX-TV in New York, KTLA-TV in Los Angeles, WPHL-TV in Philadelphia, KDAF-TV in Dallas, WDCW-TV in Washington, D.C., and KHCW-TV in Houston.
Sinclair-owned stations also have renewed their carriage deals for the shows, with stations including WPGH-TV in Pittsburgh, WTTE-TV in Columbus, Ohio, and WSTR-TV in Cincinnati.
“These are long-term franchises that make up the backbone of the daytime lineups for a lot of stations and work terrifically,” said Barry Wallach, president of NBCU Domestic Television Distribution. “They make a lot of money locally for stations and draw a lot of audiences.”
The deals will ensure that “Maury” stays on the air through its 12th season, while “Springer” will continue through the show’s 19th season.
Both were sold on a cash-plus-barter basis.
This season, “Maury” is averaging a 2.3 rating while “Springer” has been pulling a 1.6 score.
Tribune, which owns 23 stations, and NBC Universal declined to comment on the terms of the deal.
“I couldn’t be happier,” said Mr. Springer, who also is hosting this summer’s successful run of “America’s Got Talent.” “I love the people with whom I work, the show is a lot of fun to do and thankfully viewers continue to enjoy it.”
For Tribune, the move marks the first Monday-Friday deal for the station group since the entire Tribune media empire was sold to Sam Zell earlier in the year for a reported $8.2 billion.
The station group previously picked up “Jerry Springer” spinoff “The Steve Wilkos Show,” which will debut this fall. That trio will make up the bulk of the stations’ daytime lineups for the upcoming season.

5 Comments

  1. The deals will ensure that “Maury” stays on the air through its 12th season, while “Springer” will continue through the show’s 19th season.
    “Maury” started the same year as Springer (1991), so it would also be a 19th season for the show.

  2. These shows are getting old!

  3. Interesting thoughts here. I appreciate you taking the time to share them with us all. It’s people like you that make my day 🙂

  4. This is good info! Where else can if ind out more?? Who runs this joint too? Keep up the good work 🙂

Leave a Reply to Personal Finance Cancel Reply

Email (will not be published)