ITV Inks New Deal for X Factor, Got Talent

LONDON: ITV today announced a new three-year deal with Simon Cowell‘s Syco Television and FremantleMedia to renew The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent.

In addition to the original British versions of the shows, ITV has secured the exclusive U.K. broadcast rights to the American version of The X Factor and America’s Got Talent. ITV has now extended its successful nine-year relationship with Simon Cowell until 2013.

Under the terms of the agreement, Britain’s Got Talent will return to ITV1 in late-spring 2011, and The X Factor in autumn 2011. ITV2 will also continue to broadcast hit shows The Xtra Factor and Britain’s Got More Talent. ITV will also become exclusive sales agents for all television, online and interactive properties for The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent. A new revenue share agreement for iTunes’ downloads of live performances has also been signed.

 "I am thrilled this deal has been concluded with ITV to enable our relationship to continue to develop," said Cowell. "I am committed to making sure both shows get bigger and better every year. I have a lot to thank ITV for; they have been key in making The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent the U.K.’s biggest television shows."

Peter Fincham, ITV’s director of television, added, “The X Factor and Britain’s Got Talent are the shows that have helped define the last decade of television in the U.K. and have become more than just a talking point: they are a national obsession, and I’m delighted that our viewers can continue to enjoy them on ITV over the next three years.