Michaela Javorsky Programme Planning & Coordination/Entertainment Programmes, Buyer Family & Entertainment Programs TV, Program Markets, TV Festivals, Member of the EBU (European Broadcasting Union) Entertainment Experts Group ORF - Austrian Broadcasting Corporation / Family & Entertainment Dept. TV Austria

What are your acquisition strategies? What programs are you looking for?

The acquisition strategy of ORF's Family & Entertainment Dept. TV is that we are always looking for fresh studio based shows, in the moment mainly for ORF 1/prime time. Some time ago we acquired "Friends Forever" from ZODIAK (which I "found" at MIP) - it still is doing great, we are currently airing the 5th series. We also licensed "Strictly Come Dancing" from the BBC (our title for this program is "Dancing Stars"), and already aired two series - it is a huge success! Besides that on Thursday night in ORF 1 from about 10.45 p.m. onward, we have about three hours of programs targeting a very young audience - they consist of series, comedy programs - some purchased programs, but also programs which have been created by the Austrian Production Companies together with ORF (e.g. "Real Dope", "No Name Programme" and "Sunshine Airlines"). Regarding purchased programs - just to give you some examples - we had the series "Da Ali G. Show" and "Ali G in da USA ", as well as programs with Jamie Oliver, and BBC's hilarious comedy program "Little Britain". So I also am looking for finished programs to fit into this sequence of programs. So I always am keeping my eyes open for any new formats which could fit into our programming schedule and meet our programming strategy, but as Austria is a rather small market, it is not possible for us to afford to acquire loads of new formats, but - as everyone else - we need to have the "BEST" - therefore it's important for me to stay informed to what's new in the marketplace.

What programs are you looking for?

At MIPCOM 2006, there will surely be more revivals of shows which have been successful in the past, more spin-offs of successful formats - and hopefully some really great new programs we all are waiting and looking for!