ITV and CJ E&M agree UK-Korea format pact

The content arm of UK broadcaster ITV and Korean programmer and channel operator CJ E&M will jointly work up an entertainment show for the global market.

ITV Studios and CJ E&M will co-develop the as-yet-unnamed format, with each producing local versions in their home countries.

ITV’s sales arm, ITV Studios Global Entertainment, will handle international sales of the format outside Asia, where CJ E&M will distribute.

“This is the natural next step for our relationship with CJ E&M,” said Mike Beale, executive VP of global development & formats for ITV Studios

”By bringing together some of the creative minds and distribution strength from each of our businesses we’re making the very best of our respective expertise. We think this will lead to something really interesting and new for broadcasters all over the world.”

Beale added that the fruits of the codevelopment push should be ready for launch a MIPCOM in October.

Chul-Yeon Kim, senior VP of global contents strategy for CJ E&M, said: “We are thrilled to develop a whole new creative format for a global audience in collaboration with ITV Studios. The concept of the upcoming format will be fresh and venturous, something not tried before that will create an amazing experience and excite all viewers.”