A+E Networks & JTBC Korea Align for Formats, Co-Production Partnership

A+E Networks and the Korean media company JTBC have signed a strategic formats representation agreement, which will expand the former’s format catalog and the latter’s reach in the U.S.

Per the deal, A+E Networks will exclusively represent the format rights for key programs from JTBC’s library catalog and the upcoming lineup. Further, the companies have expanded their existing content cooperation efforts in Korea and plan to co-produce a Korean scripted drama and a documentary series. JTBC and A+E’s first co-production, a talk show featuring a Korean pop star, is currently in production and slated for a June 2019 premiere on both Lifetime in Korea and JTBC.

Edward Sabin, executive managing director of international at A+E Networks, said: “JTBC is one of the top-rated general entertainment networks in South Korea. They have created some of Korea’s biggest hits in the last decade, with a number of their shows successfully formatted in countries around the world. We are thrilled to announce an expanded collaboration with JTBC. This is a major component of our strategic objective we announced in 2017 which was to create and aggregate premium Korean content for representation worldwide.”

Jeongdo Hong, president of JoongAng Media Group, added: “This partnership with A+E Networks represents an important step towards JTBC’s vision of transforming into a global content studio. A+E Network’s international programming pedigree, as well as their innovative content productions, make A+E an exciting partner for JTBC especially at this time where we have a diverse range of global projects in development. We are especially looking forward to working closely with a storied company such as A+E on developing JTBC’s premium originals in the North and South American market.”