C5 Takes Exclusive Warner Films Terrestrial Rights For £12.6m

Channel 5 has signed a £12.6 million deal with Warner Brother International Television securing exclusive rights to the terrestrial premieres of the studio’s 1999 film output. The contract is a boost for Channel 5, which has agreed with the Independent Television Commission (ITC), as part of its licence, to show a feature film every evening.

Warner’s releases this year include Wild Wild West, The Matrix and South Park: The Movie. However, whilst having terrestrial exclusivity, C5 will not be able to broadcast the films until 2002. This gives Warner Brothers time to merchandise the films through video, DVD and deals with cable and satellite operators.

Films have performed well for Channel 5, with the premiere of Independence Day contributing to the station’s strongest week ever, with an audience of 4.98 million. Channel 5 was recently granted approval by the ITC to reduce the proportion of original programming and commissions it must show (see ITC Agrees To Reduction In Original Material On Channel 5). This will allow the station to concentrate on its strengths of film, documentary and news.

Commenting on the Warner deal, C5’s controller of acquisitions, Jeff Ford, says: “In just over two years on air 5 has become the leading terrestrial channel for films. This deal means we will be able to further consolidate this position and stay ahead of our rivals.

The new deal extends Channel 5’s existing contract with Warner Brothers International Television. Under the current C5 will next year show the terrestrial premieres of Boogie Nights, Lethal Weapon 4, Ransom, You’ve Got Mail, Contact and US Marshals.

Channel 5: 0171 550 5555