FOXTEL to Boost Local Programming

SYDNEY: A key part of the new direction for the FOXTEL Channels Group will be the increased investment in local programming, across entertainment, reality, factual and comedy.

The FOXTEL Channels Group includes many of the top offerings on the platform, such as FOX8, Arena, W, The Comedy Channel, FOX Classics, Bio, Crime & Investigation Network, The History Channel, 111 Hits, Main Event and FOXTEL Box Office. FOXTEL said that over the next year it plans to "significantly increase" the amount of local programming produced by these channels.

New local productions for the 2010-11 schedule include Got To Dance Australia, to premiere exclusively on FOX8 in late 2011; SLiDE, a multiplatform drama for FOX8; Dating in the Dark Australia, produced by Shine Australia for FOX8; and Cricket Superstar, a reality competition format based on the Football Superstar franchise. There’s also Balls of Steel, a local comedy for The Comedy Channel; The Statesmen of Comedy, with Trevor Marmalade; and Kalgoorlie Cops for Crime & Investigation Network. Further local productions will include Tony Robinson Digs Australia for The History Channel and an Australian version of the landmark U.S. TV event The People Speak.

FOXTEL’s executive director of television, Brian Walsh, said, “Traditionally we have invested heavily in local productions, but in the 2010/11 season the new look FOXTEL Channels Group will be committing to even more exclusive and first-run Australian programming across a broad range including FOX8’s Got To Dance Australia, The Comedy Channel’s Balls of Steel and CI Network’s Kalgoorlie Cops.

“In addition to the new drama series Spirited starring Claudia Karvan premiering on W next week, FOXTEL is thrilled to announce a third season of Arena’s viewer favorite Project Runway Australia. In just two seasons, Runway has become a powerhouse brand for FOXTEL and has resonated strongly with both audiences and advertisers.”

Walsh continued, “I am also pleased to announce a seventh season of our longest running and most-watched series, Australia’s Next Top Model to air mid 2011, as well as a co-production with SKY New Zealand of a Trans-Tasman series of The Contender, which will premiere on FOX8 in early 2011.

“Additionally, we have made a significant investment into international acquisitions and our landmark deal with 20th Century Fox continues with an exciting line-up of new series, perfect for FOXTEL. With Ride Along, The Glades, The Gates and Terra Nova we have international first-run product covered.”