CBS Studios International, Prime TV in Volume Deal

LOS ANGELES: In its first volume licensing deal, New Zealand broadcaster Prime TV has secured the exclusive free-TV rights to a range of new series from CBS Studios International.

“Prime has been the only channel in New Zealand without a major studio supply deal and our agreement with CBS Studios International will enhance our current schedule in both prime time and off-peak, allowing us to offer a far greater variety of quality daytime content including talk shows, entertainment news and factual programming,” said Karen Bieleski, the head of Prime TV. “The addition of top quality American network programs such as Elementary and Vegas will add enormous value to our existing line up alongside viewer favorites such as Downton Abbey, Doctor Who, Midsomer Murders, Top Gear and True Blood."

She added, “This is a turning point for Prime TV.  Over the past six years we have worked hard to rebuild the channel’s financial structure and we are thrilled that we are now further enhancing our commitment to quality free-to-air television in New Zealand with our agreement with CBS Studios International."
 
Armando Nuñez, the president of CBS Studios International, commented,  “We are very pleased to be the first major Hollywood studio to partner with Prime. This volume deal provides audiences in New Zealand with a wide range of CBS’s world-class programming and further positions us as a leading U.S. content supplier in the region.”