Passion Signs Volume Deal with XYZnetworks

LONDON: A package of 253 hours of programming from Passion Distribution has been picked up for broadcast by XYZnetworks, which has also agreed to acquire another 350 hours of first-run exclusive content.

Further under the terms of the volume deal, XYZnetworks has first option to purchase formats based on the shows it acquires. Titles in the deal include 5 Ingredient Fix, Secrets of a Restaurant Chef, Private Chefs of Beverly Hills and further seasons of Ace of Cakes, all from Scripps Networks International in the Passion catalogue.

Also included is an all new season of RuPaul’s Drag Race and RuPaul’s Drag Race: Untucked from production company World of Wonder; Too Fat for 15: Fighting Back from Daisybeck Productions; and Baby Beauty Queens from Landmark Films.

Bruce Mann, the CEO of XYZnetworks, said, “Passion is an important strategic partner who supplies many of our key shows. We wanted to further formalise our arrangements as Passion consistently provide programs so well to brief. In addition to supplying us with numerous shows for LifeStyle FOOD and LifeStyle YOU, Passion now represents the Scripps catalogue which is important for our increasing interest in U.S. programming.”

“XYZnetworks portfolio of LifeStyle Channels lead the Australian market in the lifestyle genre and we believe this arrangement with Passion is a significant step towards reinforcing this position,” commented Hannah Barnes, XYZnetworks’ director of programming and acquisitions. “Passion has great shows including the food hit Ace of Cakes, and the fabulous series RuPaul’s Drag Race, we couldn’t be happier with the deal.”

Sally Miles, the CEO of Passion, added: “We have enjoyed a long and successful relationship with Bruce Mann and his great team at XYZnetworks and we are delighted to play an important role in the schedules of their LifeStyle Channels going forward.”