NBCU, Bravo in FOXTEL Australian Deal

LOS ANGELES/SYDNEY, April
16: The Australian platform FOXTEL has secured the rights to a host of
programming from U.S. cable network Bravo, as well as its signature “Watch What
Happens” branding campaign, under new deals with NBC Universal International
Television Distribution and Bravo Media.

Through the long-term
Bravo Media agreement, FOXTEL will adapt the “Watch What Happens” branding
campaign for its Arena channel. This is the first time that the “Watch What
Happens” on- and off-air graphics are being expanded internationally.

The branding deal runs
alongside a multi-year agreement with NBC Universal International Television
Distribution for Arena to have the exclusive basic cable rights in Australia to
a broad selection of programming from Bravo. This includes Kathy Griffin: My
Life on the D-List, Hey Paula!, The Real Housewives of Orange County, Top Chef and Million Dollar Listing. Additional titles that make up the programming deal include Tim
Gunn’s Guide to Style, Flipping
Out, The Millionaire Matchmaker, The Real Housewives of New York City, Step It Up & Dance, Top Design and Welcome to the Parker,
as well as others to be announced.

Brian Walsh, FOXTEL’s
executive director of television and marketing, commented: “This renovation of
Arena will set it apart from any other channel on Australian television. Bravo’s
audience and demographic are a perfect fit for where Arena is heading and the
new programming will provide a real alternative of exclusive and
never-before-seen content.”

NBC Universal
International Television Distribution’s president, Belinda Menendez, said the
deals “underscore the proven global appeal of Bravo’s unique, compelling and
addictive slate of programming.”

Frances Berwick, the
executive VP and general manager of Bravo Media, added: “We’re excited to be a
part of such a ground-breaking deal, and incredibly proud and flattered that
Bravo Media’s brand assets have achieved this level of international recognition.”

—By Mansha Daswani