Russian nets form pact for Hollywood deals

A trio of Russian broadcasters have allied to group-buy content from the Hollywood studios, according to a local report.

Kommersant claims CTC Media, National Media Group and YUTV will team up to drive down costs of buying American programming for their channels.

The reports adds the trio will also combine online advertising and TV channel sponsorships, and create a joint back office.

Attempts to jointly buy from the Hollywood studios will reportedly begin in the third quarter of this year.

By aligning their forces, the networks hope to negotiate better content deals from the likes of CBS Studios International, Disney Media Distribution, Twentieth Century Television Fox Distribution, Sony Pictures Television, and Warner Bros. International Television Distribution.

None of the broadcasters could be contacted for comment.