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http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commissioning/discovery-drives-off-with-c5s-fifth-gear/5036997.article
Quote:
Discovery has poached Channel 5’s flagship series Fifth Gear in a move that will shift the motoring show exclusively to pay-TV after 10 years of airing on the PSB.
Discovery head of programming for Western Europe Dan Korn fought off competition from C5 to secure Fifth Gear, which will be distributed across Europe later this year.
The investment forms part of Discovery’s push to increase spend in the UK by 50%.
The broadcaster has agreed a two-year, 18-hour deal with indie North One Television to fully fund the series, having previously acquired finished programmes.
Discovery head of production and development for factual Elizabeth McIntyre ordered the show.
Fifth Gear will evolve to reflect its wider reach, with more on-location trips – coverage of rallying in the Nordics and Formula 1 in Italy or Germany is expected alongside greater exposure for local drivers.
North One’s James Woodroffe will continue to exec produce.
Two 9 x 60-minute series have initially been ordered, restoring the show to its full length after it was cut to 30 minutes as part of a two-year deal with C5 in 2010.
Korn said the show would continue to be aimed at motoring aficionados but offer “fewer, meatier items”. He added: “We no longer have to compromise and can put our own stamp on it to ensure it is meeting the needs of our audience.”
North One managing director Heather Jones said: “A new home is always an opportunity to breathe new life into a brand. The discussions with Discovery about the editorial of Fifth Gear have been incredibly positive and creative.”
Talks are being finalised to negotiate Fifth Gear’s global commercial exploitation, which could include live events, digital content and merchandise, she added.
All3Media, which owns North One, will manage third-party acquisition deals but no free-to-air rights will be available in the UK.
A C5 spokeswoman said: “It’s been a popular format, but the decision has been taken to explore new ideas.”
Discovery head of programming for Western Europe Dan Korn fought off competition from C5 to secure Fifth Gear, which will be distributed across Europe later this year.
The investment forms part of Discovery’s push to increase spend in the UK by 50%.
The broadcaster has agreed a two-year, 18-hour deal with indie North One Television to fully fund the series, having previously acquired finished programmes.
Discovery head of production and development for factual Elizabeth McIntyre ordered the show.
Fifth Gear will evolve to reflect its wider reach, with more on-location trips – coverage of rallying in the Nordics and Formula 1 in Italy or Germany is expected alongside greater exposure for local drivers.
North One’s James Woodroffe will continue to exec produce.
Two 9 x 60-minute series have initially been ordered, restoring the show to its full length after it was cut to 30 minutes as part of a two-year deal with C5 in 2010.
Korn said the show would continue to be aimed at motoring aficionados but offer “fewer, meatier items”. He added: “We no longer have to compromise and can put our own stamp on it to ensure it is meeting the needs of our audience.”
North One managing director Heather Jones said: “A new home is always an opportunity to breathe new life into a brand. The discussions with Discovery about the editorial of Fifth Gear have been incredibly positive and creative.”
Talks are being finalised to negotiate Fifth Gear’s global commercial exploitation, which could include live events, digital content and merchandise, she added.
All3Media, which owns North One, will manage third-party acquisition deals but no free-to-air rights will be available in the UK.
A C5 spokeswoman said: “It’s been a popular format, but the decision has been taken to explore new ideas.”
http://www.broadcastnow.co.uk/news/commissioning/discovery-drives-off-with-c5s-fifth-gear/5036997.article
