RTE and TV3 enter bidding war

RTE and TV3 were in competition for the first time recently at the Los Angeles screenings, the most important international market for buying television programmes. RTE out bid TV3 to secured the television rights to 'Independence Day' from Fox. 'Independence day' is the second highest box office film on record in Ireland making it a much sought after product in the upcoming ratings war. The top box office slot is currently held by 'Titanic'.

The two rival stations have been bidding for many of the same shows with major US studios including Twentieth Century Fox, Warner Brothers and Paramount and consequently forcing up the price of films, documentaries and drama series for the Irish market. RTE had up until now been able to dictate deals, but with the arrival of TV3 it has lost its monopoly position and is now paying around 10-15% more for films and television programmes. This is, of course, good news for distributors, who will be able to sell more product into the Irish market place and at a better price.

The Sunday Times reports Stephen Cornish, Fox's sales agent, stated "There were a number of pictures both sides wanted. TV3 got some and RTE got some. But RTE walked away with 'Independence Day'.... The last thing a distributor wants to see is a monopoly. We are always delighted to see another player in the market."

RTE's package from Fox included 'The Truth about Cats & Dogs', 'Chain Reaction' and reruns of 'Die Hard' and 'Home Alone' film series. RTE also took 'The X Files', 'The Simpsons', 'NYPD Blue', 'King of the Hill', 'Friends' and 'Ally McBeal'. TV3 bought 'Buffy the Vampire Slayer', which is in keeping with their target young market profile which is similar to the Network 2 audience. TV3 would appear to have the resources to challenge RTE in this market area with CanWest behind them. Warner Brothers is still in negotiation with RTE and TV3. Disney is going to split its movies between the two stations.