Ion To Begin Airing 'ER,' Stat
Medical Drama Joins Net’s Primetime Lineup In June
By Mike Reynolds -- Multichannel News, 5/1/2008 3:35:00 AM
Ion Media Networks continued its off-net buying spree, clamping down the rights to four seasons of ER.
Through a deal with Warner Bros. Domestic Television, terms of which were not disclosed, Ion Television has gained the rights to seasons 11 through 14 of the medical drama. Ion Television, which is holding its upfront presentation to advertisers at the New York Public Library on 42nd Street tonight, will add ER to its primetime lineup, beginning next month.
Currently in its 14th season, ER continues to earn some of the highest ratings among TV dramas. In addition to winning 22 Emmy Awards, including outstanding drama in 1996, and 120 Emmy Award nominations, the show has also earned the George Foster Peabody Award and four Screen Actors Guild Awards for outstanding ensemble performance in a drama series.
“This deal with Warner Bros. highlights Ion Television’s evolution both in terms of programming and target audience—a major consideration for advertisers,” said Ion Media Networks chairman and CEO Brandon Burgess in a statement. “ER is one of America’s most acclaimed series. The addition of this show underscores our network’s commitment to contemporary, quality programming that will appeal to a wide audience.”
Over the past few months, Ion has gained the rights to such off-network fare as Baywatch, The Steve Harvey Show and Boston Legal, and in recent days Ghost Whisperer and Criminal Minds.
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