CanWest Scores NBCU Fare Ahead of L.A. Screenings

TORONTO, May 6: For the first time, Canwest Broadcasting and
NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution have inked a licensing deal for
new and returning product ahead of the L.A. Screenings, including Knight
Rider, My Own Worst Enemy and Kath and Kim.

The agreement covers programs slated for broadcast on the
over-the air networks Global Television and E! for the 2008/09 season. The deal
also includes programming for Canwest’s stable of 21 specialty cable channels.

In addition to Knight Rider, My Own Worst Enemy and Kath
and Kim, set to premiere in the fall, the
deal includes the spin-off of The Office for midseason. Returning fare includes House, Heroes,
The Office, The Biggest
Loser, Life and Friday Night Lights.

As part of a new strategy towards the Upfront process, NBC
announced its fall schedule before its competitors, unveiling the slate last
month. The other broadcast networks are due to announce next week.

“We are thrilled to partner with NBC Universal Domestic TV
Distribution to announce this landmark deal,” commented Barbara Williams, the
executive VP of content at Canwest Broadcasting. “As the television landscape
continues to evolve, Canwest is proud to be in business with one of the industry’s
most innovative companies. We look forward to offering our viewers an
incredible lineup of new and returning programming from NBC Universal with
impressive pedigree and star power.”

“Our strategy to get out in front with advertisers this year
provided us with an opportunity to have meaningful discussions about our new
fall programming with our broadcast and cable partners earlier than we ever
have," said Ron Suter, the senior VP and general manager of NBC Universal
Television Distribution Canada. "And we are thrilled that Canwest was able
to come away from our meetings and agree to this unprecedented, wide-ranging
deal for many of our upcoming and returning series."

—By Mansha Daswani