ION Scores CBS’s Criminal Minds

WEST PALM BEACH, April 24:
ION Media Networks has acquired the broadcast syndication rights to Criminal
Minds from CBS Television
Distribution for a prime-time launch in 2009.

“This high-caliber TV
series strengthens and broadens ION Television with target audiences and
advertisers long term,” said Brandon Burgess, the chairman and CEO of ION Media
Networks. “The series has compelling first-run ratings on CBS and is showing
strength going into its fourth original season.”

The drama, sold
internationally by Disney-ABC International Television, follows a team of
profilers from the FBI's Behavioral Analysis Unit at Quantico, Virginia. Criminal
Minds joins other recent additions
to ION, including Boston Legal,
launching later this year, as well as The Steve Harvey Show, Family Feud and Quantum Leap. The
acquisitions are all part of ION’s long-term strategy to meet the entertainment
needs of the adults aged 25 to 54 with a mix of series, theatrical and
made-for-television movies, specials and sports.

—By Mansha Daswani