MGM Movie Package Continues to Gain U.S. Clearance

LOS ANGELES: Affiliate stations of The CW have been snapping up Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios’ (MGM) prime-time Sunday movie package, which has now been cleared in 65 percent of the U.S.

Known as MGM Prime-Time Sunday Movie, the package includes Legally Blonde, starring Reese Witherspoon; Overboard, featuring Goldie Hawn and Kurt Russell; and four films from the studio’s James Bond collection. In addition to the Tribune Broadcasting Company, The CW stations owned by the following groups have been secured: Sunbeam TV Corporation, Capitol Broadcasting Company, Gray Television, Freedom Communication and The CW Plus station group.

MGM took over programming from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. on Sunday nights for The CW Television Network last fall. With all of The CW stations taking back Sunday night, MGM is offering an upgraded lineup of feature films.

Jim Packer, the co-president of MGM Worldwide Television, said: “MGM has a long track record of providing quality, ratings-driven films that work in a 52-week lineup. With over 4,000 movies in our library, MGM has the right mix of films to deliver ratings while allowing CW stations to have some programming continuity on Sunday nights.”

John Bryan, the executive VP of broadcast strategy for MGM, added: “The station community has embraced the MGM Prime-Time Sunday Movie as evidenced by the 150 CW stations that have signed up. In addition, MGM is offering over 50 percent of the titles in high definition, which has been a big win for local stations in their drive to be competitive on Sunday nights.”