Network Ten to Launch New Digital Channel

SYDNEY: Network Ten is to launch a new digital channel in Australia in 2011, Eleven, with a proposed joint-venture deal with CBS Studios International to provide content for the service.

Eleven will appeal to a "distinctly youthful" market and will air 24 hours a day. The proposed JV between Network Ten and CBS, ElevenCo, would provide the new channel with a selection of more than 70,000 hours of content from a library that includes hits such as Everybody Loves Raymond, Sex and the City, Frasier, Happy Days and MacGyver. Network Ten will hold 66 2/3 percent equity in ElevenCo, with CBS Studios holding the remaining 33 1/3 percent. CBS has also extended its long-term output deal with Network Ten as part of the arrangement of the proposed JV. Eleven’s lineup will include Futurama, The Cleveland Show, Supernatural, Stargate, Dexter, Smallville, The Office, Nurse Jackie, 90210 and The Simpsons.

CBS Studios International’s president, Armando Nuñez, said: "This new venture is an extension of our international strategy to match CBS’s globally popular content with best-in-class partners—for both establishing new ventures, as well as licensing our shows."

Added Nuñez: "It is a partnership that expands an already terrific relationship with Network Ten, a leading player in this important television market, while establishing more opportunities for CBS’s world-class content to serve audiences and advertisers across Australia." 

Network Ten’s CEO, Grant Blackley, commented: "CBS Studios is a leading producer of quality programming for the global marketplace.  In addition to its successful pipeline of content to the CBS network, which has been the lead network in the U.S. for the last 8 out of 10 years, CBS produces content for the youth-targeted network, The CW.  Our established output deal with CBS has been long and fruitful, delivering hits such as NCIS, NCIS: Los Angeles, Rules of Engagement, Medium, The Good Wife and the much-anticipated Hawaii Five-0 to Australian audiences." 

"Importantly, the joint venture will ensure long-term continuity of this prolific U.S. content pipeline, underpinning the sustainability of Eleven and also delivering continued supply of high-quality international programming for TEN," Mr Blackley said.

"We are delighted to be deepening and extending this relationship with such a well-respected and like-minded partner in CBS, as we bring Eleven to market," he said.

"Eleven will deliver a distinct destination for Australian consumers and advertisers. The channel’s ‘distinctly youthful’ focus will be well suited to fostering a strong level of online community and social media engagement, and the format will provide opportunities for a high level of sponsor integration—such as segment and program hostings—delivered in ways that will resonate with Eleven’s audience," Blackley continued.