Founded by Edwina Thring and Roz Parker —experienced TV sales executives and former colleagues at National Geographic Television International — ProgramBuyer.com is designed to give buyers the convenience of searching for and screening programming from around the world on one site, using a single password and detailed search parameters. While not facilitating online transactions, the platform helps buyers find content from existing and new sources. It is also said to support and extend the existing marketing efforts of rights owners and distributors with minimum effort and a low subscription fee, based on programming hours.

Previously announced ProgramBuyer users include Kew Media Distribution and DRG in the UK, Televisa in Mexico, Mondo TV in Italy, Off the Fence in the Netherlands, Lagardère Studios Distribution and Millimages in France and Nordic World in Scandinavia. Recent recruits to the platform include APT Worldwide from the US, INA from France, Looking Glass International from Australia, global producer and distributor Keshet International, EBS in Korea and Passion Distribution and Hat Trick International from the UK.

Also joining the platform is global content leader Lionsgate, who will offer ProgramBuyer hours of its television programming such as its catalogue of unscripted series and classic titles from its Hearst and Ignite libraries.

In a joint statement describing the ambition of their endeavour, Thring and Parker said: “We are delighted that ProgramBuyer.com is officially launched and are proud that so many distributors and buyers from around the world have readily seen the benefits it offers. Buyers have been particularly impressed with our detailed search functionality, which allows them to easily find quite specific or niche programming. With our content and buyer numbers increasing every week, and our world getting ever larger and more complex, we are confident that ProgramBuyer will simplify the search for great programming, build relationships and prove itself a vital one-stop portal for both buyers and rights owners.”

Judy Barlow, VP international sales, APT Worldwide added: “We're thrilled to be partnering with ProgramBuyer to make our high-quality, non-fiction content accessible to potential licensees around the world, in a way that's convenient, timely and secure. The site is incredibly user-friendly and visually rich - a terrific resource to help buyers make their content selections.”

Lionsgate executive vice president of worldwide distribution Gene George said: “ProgramBuyer is a simple and cost-effective platform that extends the reach of our content to even more buyers in the international marketplace. It maximises the value of our alternative programming catalogue and enables potential distribution partners to discover Lionsgate titles they might not know exist. We are excited to be part of the launch and look forward to the range of opportunities that develop for our content.”