Rainmaker Newsroom
26/09/2023
Rainmaker signs milestone distribution deal with Scripps; New relationship spans original programming and channel distribution outside of US.
Rainmaker Content, the worldwide distributor specialising in drama, factual and special-event programming, has closed a deal with The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) to represent its original programming and networks on the international market outside of the US.
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 lineup include the popular comedy series Act Your Age, which follows three successful women navigating friendship, dating, their exes and their adult children in the nation’s capital; and long-running primetime drama Saints & Sinners, which centres on a Baptist church in small-town Georgia — and the startling lives of crime, deceit, lust and greed of its congregation.
From Court TV’s 1400+ trial vault comes gripping non-scripted content including Someone They Knew with Tamron Hall, in which the award-winning journalist delves into riveting cases when victims know their killers; and OJ25, which takes a deep dive over 25 one-hour episodes into the world-renowned trial of OJ Simpson.
Programming from Scripps News includes Next Level, an original series that unpacks the real-world influence of gaming; and The Why, which goes in search of the answers behind the news headlines.
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.
Tom Zappala, senior vice-president of content and programming strategy at The E.W. Scripps Company, said: “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. 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.”
Greg Phillips, Co-CEO of Rainmaker Content, said: “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”.
About Rainmaker Content
Rainmaker Content is a global content company formed to create, finance and distribute commercially appealing scripted, non-scripted and special event programming, collaborating with award-winning producers and production companies with proven track records of making high quality premium programming for the widest audiences.
About Scripps
The E.W. Scripps Company (NASDAQ: SSP) is a diversified media company focused on creating a better-informed world. As one of the nation’s largest local TV broadcasters, Scripps serves communities with quality, objective local journalism and operates a portfolio of 61 stations in 41 markets. The Scripps Networks reach nearly every American through the national news outlets Court TV and Scripps News and popular entertainment brands ION, Bounce, Defy TV, Grit, ION Mystery and Laff. Scripps is the nation’s largest holder of broadcast spectrum. Scripps runs an award-winning investigative reporting newsroom in Washington, D.C., and is the longtime steward of the Scripps National Spelling Bee. Founded in 1878, Scripps has held for decades to the motto, “Give light and the people will find their own way.”
For further information on Rainmaker Content, please contact:
Cheryl Clarke at Mushroom Media on:
Tel: +44 (0)7939554109