Fox Television Stations Renews Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution’s “Judge Jeanine Pirro” For Fall 2010
(November 23, 2009 – New York and Burbank, CA) – Fox Television Stations (FTS) has renewed Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD) and Telepictures Productions’ first-run court strip “Judge Jeanine Pirro.” The announcement was made today by Frank Cicha, Senior Vice President, Programming, FTS and Ken Werner, President, WBDTD.
In making the announcement, Cicha stated, “We’re very happy that Judge Pirro’s move to the Fox-owned stations worked out as well as it has. Jeanine has gone above and beyond for us promotionally, and we’re extremely glad to have her on board with us as we continue to strengthen our lineups.”
The agreement covers the upcoming 2010–2011 season of “Judge Jeanine Pirro,” its third on TV and second in syndication. “Pirro” has been renewed in the group’s nine duopoly markets – including New York City, Los Angeles and Chicago – as well as on the Fox-owned stations in Boston and Baltimore.
Werner added, “Jeanine has shown considerable ratings growth in her second season on the air, and we couldn’t be more excited to extend our relationship with our partners at the Fox Television Stations on this successful court series.”
A fast-paced one-hour daily court program presided over by highly respected legal commentator, author and former Westchester (N.Y.) County District Attorney and County Judge Jeanine Pirro, “Judge Jeanine Pirro” is currently in its second season and first in syndication after originally launching in fall 2008 as a daytime program on The CW Television Network. To date during the 2009–2010 season, “Pirro” is averaging a 1.0 national Household rating, up +67% versus its performance on The CW (0.6) during the same time frame last year. Additionally, “Pirro” is averaging a 0.6 rating among Women 25–54, up +100% from a 0.3 on The CW last year, according to information from Nielsen Media Research. (Source: NTI/NSS Galaxy Explorer, Live+ Same Day AA Ratings, Premiere–11/09/08 vs. Premiere–11/08/09)
Hilary Estey McLoughlin, President, Telepictures Productions commented, “Jeanine has been everything we expected her to be when we got into business with her, a dynamic on-air presence with a distinct point of view informed by unique personal and life experiences. We are incredibly fortunate to work with such an impressive talent, in addition to having a seasoned executive producer in Bo Banks and Judge Mathis serving as an executive consultant, all being supported by a devoted production staff for another season. It is without question that our ratings success can be attributed to their combined efforts and dedication.”
Jeanine Pirro brings her direct, no-nonsense attitude and compassionate approach to a myriad of cases, ranging from typical small claims to more emotionally charged family court matters, including couples in crisis, deadbeat dads, and out-of-control teens. The show reflects many of the themes of Pirro’s own political and legal career, in which she tenaciously fought for a level playing field for women, children and the disenfranchised. After being elected Westchester County’s first female County Court Judge in 1990 and Westchester’s first female District Attorney in 1993, Pirro crusaded to change laws in order to protect women and children. From successfully starting the first domestic violence unit in the nation to becoming a highly sought-after legal commentator on the biggest news stories to grip the nation – starting with the O.J. Simpson murder trial in 1994 – Pirro has used her insight, education and professional experience to make a difference. A true social activist, she now broadens her reach as she tackles issues affecting families and individuals across the country, in an effort to improve their lives.
“Judge Jeanine Pirro” is produced by Telepictures Productions and originates from Chicago. Bo Banks (“Judge Mathis”) is the executive producer. Judge Greg Mathis serves as executive consultant.
About Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution
Warner Bros. Domestic Television Distribution (WBDTD) is one of the leading suppliers of entertainment programming to the domestic television marketplace, distributing first-run syndicated series, off-network television programs and theatrical motion pictures to local broadcast television stations, as well as to pay, cable, satellite and broadcast networks throughout the U.S. WBDTD handles the domestic distribution of television series produced by Warner Bros. Television, Telepictures Productions, Warner Bros. Animation and Warner Horizon Television; selected HBO Independent Productions and the Lorimar Television library; current feature films from Warner Bros. Pictures; and the Studio’s unmatched motion picture library.
About the Fox Television Stations
The Fox Television Stations is one of the nation’s largest owned-and-operated network broadcast groups, comprising 27 stations in 18 markets and covering nearly 37.21% of U.S. television homes. This includes six duopolies in the top 10 markets: New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Dallas, Washington, D.C. and Houston; as well as duopolies in Minneapolis, Phoenix and Orlando.
About Telepictures Productions
For the 2009–10 season, Telepictures Productions – an industry-leading and Emmy® Award–winning producer of syndicated programming (having garnered 59 Emmys® in 13 years, including Outstanding Talk Show/Talk Show Host for 11 of the last 13 years) – is producing eight nationally syndicated strips. The slate includes the seventh season of “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” the second season of “The Bonnie Hunt Show,” the third season of “TMZ,” the fifth season of the Emmy® Award–winning “The Tyra Show,” the 11th season of the hourlong court series “Judge Mathis,” the 26th season of “The People’s Court”; the 16th season of the pop culture newsmagazine “Extra” and the second season of the one-hour daily court program “Judge Jeanine Pirro.” In November 2009, Telepictures launched George Lopez’s new late-night talk show, “Lopez Tonight,” airing on TBS. Additionally, Telepictures is focused on expanding into the broadband and wireless content landscape, launching Momlogic.com, an online destination and cross-platform advertising network created as the ultimate lifestyle and parenting community for women with children. Telepictures has also teamed up with Time Inc.’s Essence Communications on a cross-divisional collaboration to launch Essence.com as the premier online destination for African-American women. # # #