Big Bro Safe With C4 For Two Years

Reality behemoth Big Brother should be safe with Channel 4 for at least another two years, as the broadcaster is said to have signed a new deal with programme producer Endemol.

Although the ITV director of television, Simon Shaps, is believed to have talked to Endemol about the contract, it is understood the network did not make a formal offer for Big Brother.

Endemol and Channel 4 have finalised details of the new deal, which includes further series of Celebrity Big Brother, with Channel 4 director of programmes, Kevin Lygo, and Endemol UK chief creative officer, Tim Hincks said to have been primarily involved.

Sources familiar with the talks suggest the deal does not cover providing Big Brother content to Channel 4’s proposed new social networking website, unveiled recently by chief executive Andy Duncan.

It is understood that Channel 4 and Endemol will hold separate negotiations about content for the network’s new social networking website (see Channel 4 To Relaunch E4.com As Social Networking Site).

ITV’s decision not to bid for the show meant that the price tag has fallen and it is thought that Channel 4 will be paying between £30 million and £40 million a year for the two future series, which is one of C4’s highest rating programmes and earns the channel in the region of £50 million.

Channel Four: 020 7396 4444 www.channel4.com