FREMANTLEMEDIA ENTERPRISES AND MARTHA STEWART LIVING OMNIMEDIA JOIN FORCES TO DEVELOP AND CULTIVATE GLOBAL LIFESTYLE TALENT AND PROGRAMMING
FME To Continue as MSLO's Exclusive International TV Distributor
LONDON/NEW YORK, 25 OCTOBER, 2012: FremantleMedia Enterprises (FME) and Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia (NYSE: MSO) are partnering to co-develop television and digital video programming featuring contemporary lifestyle personalities.
Under this new first look and development deal, FME and MSLO will identify the next generation of lifestyle talent to star in programming to be produced under the Martha Stewart banner. FME will support the new programming with its unrivalled global TV, licensing and home entertainment capabilities. The objective is to develop a pipeline of lifestyle talent across food, fashion, home, gardening and more that will resonate with global audiences on all media platforms. FME and MSLO will name a development executive to head up the initiative.
FME's Global CEO David Ellender said of the deal, "Martha Stewart and her team are the best in the business at discovering and developing new talent. Combining America's best-known domestic and lifestyle expert with the industry's most successful distributor of multi-format brands is a really exciting prospect.
Lisa Gersh, President and CEO of MSLO said, "FME is a key player in the global content and brand space and we're delighted to be working with them to find the next big lifestyle superstars. They'll help us deliver on our goal of putting our considerable expertise in everything from cooking and décor to gardening and crafting in easy reach of consumers wherever they are, and on whatever platform they're engaging with, from smart phones and tablets to TVs and social media."
FME and MSLO have also expanded and renewed their long-standing television programming distribution deal outside of the US, which sees FME continuing to be the exclusive distributor of MSLO content around the world, including titles such as the Emmy(R) Award-winning series "The Martha Stewart Show" and "Martha Stewart's Cooking School."
About FremantleMedia and FremantleMedia Enterprises
FremantleMedia is one of the leading creators and producers of television entertainment brands in the world. FremantleMedia is part of RTL Group, the leading European entertainment network, which is in turn 92 percent owned by the international media company Bertelsmann. FremantleMedia's worldwide production arm is responsible for many of the world's highest rated prime time entertainment, drama, serial drama and factual entertainment programmes. FremantleMedia Enterprises is the brand extension arm of FremantleMedia, offering a one-stop-shop for all Licensing, Distribution and Home Entertainment around the world. The FremantleMedia Group (which includes FremantleMedia North America, UFA, FremantleMedia UK, FremantleMedia Australia, Ludia, @radical.media and Original Productions, amongst others) has operations in 22 countries, one of the most comprehensive global networks, creating over 9,200 hours of programming a year, rolling out more than 60 formats and managing over 300 individual titles. FremantleMedia has some of the world's most sought after and long running formats in its catalogue, and globally produces such programmes as: Idols (co-produced with 19 Productions in the US), Hole In The Wall, Got Talent (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), The X Factor (co-produced with Syco in the UK and the US), Take Me Out, Family Feud, The Price is Right, Farmer Wants A Wife, Gute Zeiten Schlechte Zeiten, and Neighbours.
www.fremantlemedia.com
About Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) is a diversified media and merchandising company, inspiring andengaging approximately 66 million consumers a month across all media platforms with unique lifestyle content, and has a growing retail presence with8,500 products in thousands of retail locations. MSLO's four magazine brands - Martha Stewart Living, Martha Stewart Weddings, Everyday Food and Whole Living - are available in print, digital and App formats and also makes special issues, books and utility Apps available. The Company's television and video programming includes the new "Martha Stewart's Cooking School" series, slated for debut in Fall 2012, in addition to a vast library of how-to video available online. Martha Stewart Living Radio is available on SIRIUS XM Channel 110. MSLO also designs high-quality Martha Stewart products in a range of lifestyle categories available through select retailers, including The HomeDepot, Macy's, Staples (together with Avery), PetSmart, Michaels and Jo-Ann Fabric & Craft Stores. The Company entered into a strategic alliance with J.C. Penney Company, Inc., and will jointly develop an e-commerce site, for a 2013 launch. The MSLO family of brands also includes Chef Emeril Lagasse's media and merchandising properties. Additional information about MSLO is at www.marthastewart.com.
|