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UFC programming could soon air on CBS — real, network TV — and the announcement could come this week.
The report comes from David Goetzl of MediaPost Publications, who reports that a UFC-CBS deal is apparently in the final stages. Additionally, he reports that NBC is also now looking into airing MMA content of its own.
Why the change of heart? Has network TV really warmed up to the idea of airing mixed-martial arts in prime-time slots? Not necessarily. The networks are simply working on contingency plans in case the current Hollywood-writers’ strike continues long-term.
The strike, which includes more than 12,000 writers, is directed at the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which reps American film and television producers. The strike hopes to address issues in the Writers Guild of America’s Minimum Basic Agreement, including DVD residuals, new media (Internet downloads, smart-phone programming, etc.), and reality and animation television.
It’s already begun affecting the networks. For example, NBC has run out of episodes of its hit, “The Office.” New episodes won’t air until the strike is resolved.
The strike is expected to last through the new year, so TV networks are on the search for writer-free programming.
According to today’s report, Viacom (the parent company of UFC partner cable station Spike TV) is in “advanced negotiations” to air UFC programming on CBS in the first quarter of 2008, and according to a source for the report, an official announcement could come this week.
Now, with CBS and UFC apparently close to a deal, NBC has jumped into the mix. M-1 Global (which recently signed Fedor Emelianenko), K-1 and the International Fight League were all mentioned as possible broadcast partners.
The report comes from David Goetzl of MediaPost Publications, who reports that a UFC-CBS deal is apparently in the final stages. Additionally, he reports that NBC is also now looking into airing MMA content of its own.
Why the change of heart? Has network TV really warmed up to the idea of airing mixed-martial arts in prime-time slots? Not necessarily. The networks are simply working on contingency plans in case the current Hollywood-writers’ strike continues long-term.
The strike, which includes more than 12,000 writers, is directed at the Alliance of Motion Picture and Television Producers, which reps American film and television producers. The strike hopes to address issues in the Writers Guild of America’s Minimum Basic Agreement, including DVD residuals, new media (Internet downloads, smart-phone programming, etc.), and reality and animation television.
It’s already begun affecting the networks. For example, NBC has run out of episodes of its hit, “The Office.” New episodes won’t air until the strike is resolved.
The strike is expected to last through the new year, so TV networks are on the search for writer-free programming.
According to today’s report, Viacom (the parent company of UFC partner cable station Spike TV) is in “advanced negotiations” to air UFC programming on CBS in the first quarter of 2008, and according to a source for the report, an official announcement could come this week.
Now, with CBS and UFC apparently close to a deal, NBC has jumped into the mix. M-1 Global (which recently signed Fedor Emelianenko), K-1 and the International Fight League were all mentioned as possible broadcast partners.
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