Drama, factual and special-event programming distributor Rainmaker Content is to represent non-US original programming and networks for The E.W. Scripps Company .
The new relationship, which will launch officially at MIPCOM this October, marks the first time that Scripps has permitted a third party to distribute selected channels - such as Court TV, Court TV: Legendary Trials and Scripps News - whilst also offering original programming and series from their other networks, including ION and Bounce as well as the Scripps National Spelling Bee.
Under the deal, Rainmaker will represent the most popular original titles from the Scripps national entertainment and news networks. Highlights from Bounce’s line-up include the popular comedy series Act Your Age, which follows three successful women navigating friendship and dating, and long-running primetime drama Saints & Sinners.
Rainmaker will also distribute the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, the longest-running educational competition in the US, having launched in 1925, as well as The Bounce Trumpet Awards, which celebrate outstanding African American humanitarians and achievement.
“Scripps has built a library of unique and compelling content over the years which has had virtually no prior exposure in territories around the world - until now,” remarked Tom Zappala, senior vice-president of content and programming strategy at The E.W. Scripps Company. “Our diverse entertainment library of scripted, reality, features, and event programming is unrivalled, while our thriving news and court channels are distinctive and appealing. They combine to offer a terrific opportunity to content providers worldwide and we believe Rainmaker is the perfect partner to take our programming across the globe.”
Rainmaker Content co-CEO Greg Phillips added: “Scripps and its networks have a global reputation for its compelling programme and channel offerings. Rainmaker, meanwhile, has built a global network of relationships with premium broadcast partners, which enables us to find the best home for our growing catalogue of content. That Scripps has appointed us to distribute its channels for the first time internationally alongside their premium programming is a real vote of confidence in Rainmaker’s abilities.”
Under the deal, Rainmaker will represent the most popular original titles from the Scripps national entertainment and news networks. Highlights from Bounce’s line-up include the popular comedy series Act Your Age, which follows three successful women navigating friendship and dating, and long-running primetime drama Saints & Sinners.
Rainmaker will also distribute the annual Scripps National Spelling Bee, the longest-running educational competition in the US, having launched in 1925, as well as The Bounce Trumpet Awards, which celebrate outstanding African American humanitarians and achievement.
“Scripps has built a library of unique and compelling content over the years which has had virtually no prior exposure in territories around the world - until now,” remarked Tom Zappala, senior vice-president of content and programming strategy at The E.W. Scripps Company. “Our diverse entertainment library of scripted, reality, features, and event programming is unrivalled, while our thriving news and court channels are distinctive and appealing. They combine to offer a terrific opportunity to content providers worldwide and we believe Rainmaker is the perfect partner to take our programming across the globe.”
Rainmaker Content co-CEO Greg Phillips added: “Scripps and its networks have a global reputation for its compelling programme and channel offerings. Rainmaker, meanwhile, has built a global network of relationships with premium broadcast partners, which enables us to find the best home for our growing catalogue of content. That Scripps has appointed us to distribute its channels for the first time internationally alongside their premium programming is a real vote of confidence in Rainmaker’s abilities.”
