Viewpoints: Acquisition strategies
Katie Buchanan
VP, Programming & Acquisitions
The Style Network
United States
What are your acquisition strategies?
Acquisitions that can bring in a built-in audience and fan base are the ones of most interest for us. Recognizable characters and formats that have had success on other networks are a key reason we shop around for certain shows. An acquisition with high volume is also very appealing, as it allows us to rest our library product and add more premiere hours to the schedule. If an acquisition does well for us in the ratings, it's also a plus if there is a possibility or discussion to be had on producing original eps.
How Do I Look?
What products are you looking for?
Ideally, we're looking for story-driven formats and docu-series. We like unique characters that entertain as well as have dynamic circumstances. Docu-series with a strong central character as well as a tight ensemble family are appealing—especially is they can take us into a stylish or unique world. We've also had luck with some Canadian acquisitions that deal with everything from financial troubles to marital issues. These series pair well with our existing programming, and offer a seamless bridge between our original and acquired content.
Can you name the most successful titles that you acquired this year?
We're launching the ABC hit, "Supernanny", in September and we're thrilled to add this popular series to our line-up. Jo Frost (the nanny) is a great addition to our other strong hosts and characters on The Style Network. We're also finishing up production on a new hybrid acquired series in partnership with NBC's Today show. The series features Jeannie Mai (host of "How Do I Look?") and Thom Filicia (host of "Dress My Nest") partnered with Today's Natalie Morales and features past Today Show clips centered on Beauty, Fashion, Home and Wedding tips. From Canada, the series "Outlaw-in-Laws" has been a great addition to our wedding programming. We've also recently licensed a handful of high profile documentaries, which have further solidified our brand by telling uplifting and inspirational stories for women.
What products will be in demand during MIPCOM 2009?
think the focus for many of women's lifestyle cable nets will be on strong docu-series and formats focused on weight loss, unique families, and uplifting stories of real people. It's a sign of the times that almost all of the successful reality programming on the air today features real people in real situations with true stories. |
