News > 'Grey' admitted for syndication
November 13, 2006
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After having found a cable buyer for the hit medical drama "Grey's Anatomy" over the summer, Buena Vista Television is now firming up sales for the off-net series in weekend broadcast syndication.
BVT has secured several clearances for the show, including stations in 14 of the top 15 markets, for a fall 2009 launch. The stations clearing the series include the ABC owned-and-operated stations WABC New York, KABC Los Angeles, WLS Chicago, WPVI Philadelphia, KGO San Francisco and KTRK Houston; Fox O&Os WFXT Boston and WTTG Washington; Cox's ABC affiliate WSB Atlanta; and Scripps' ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit.
The three-year deals include double runs in specific time periods. The terms also include a straight 7/7 barter split.
" 'Grey's Anatomy' is having a phenomenal run on ABC, and it has become a prized acquisition in the syndication marketplace," said Jed Cohen, executive vp, general sales manager at BVT. "We are thrilled that it has found a home on these fine stations in the top markets, which will provide an ideal launch platform for the blockbuster series."
BVT in July struck a deal with Lifetime for cable rerun rights, with the network paying what is believed to be $1.2 million per episode. Lifetime's deal allows it to begin stripping the series in fall 2009; in addition, the network will begin airing episodes from Season 1 once a week starting in January.
"Grey's," from Touchstone Television, is in its third season on ABC. It's the No. 1 series among total viewers as well as the key adult demos of 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54.
"Grey's" is executive produced by creator Shonda Rhimes, Betsy Beers, Mark Gordon, Peter Horton and Krista Vernof. The Emmy-winning series stars Ellen Pompeo, Patrick Dempsey, Sandra Oh, Isaiah Washington, Katherine Heigl, Justin Chambers, T.R. Knight, Chandra Wilson, James Pickens Jr., Kate Walsh, Sara Ramirez and Eric Dane.
