A TV network bidding war is set to erupt over controversial reality show Big Brother.
Seven put up its hand for the series yesterday after conjecture Ten may ditch the series after seven years.
“We’re interested in Big Brother,” Seven spokesman Simon Francis told the Herald Sun.
“We’re into building our programming and enhancing our leadership in prime time.
“And we have some terrific plans for re-energising the Big Brother franchise.
“We’re not forcing anyone into a bidding war, let alone ourselves.”
Big Brother’s ratings slipped this year and Ten’s contract with the production company ended with the July finale.
But Ten says it is keen to keep the franchise in 2008.
It is no secret, however, that relations between Ten and production company Southern Star Endemol have been strained.
Executives from Ten met the production company yesterday after rumours that Seven’s interest in the show was gathering momentum.
“Network Ten is in discussions with Endemol Southern Star,” a Ten spokesperson said.
Ten pays about $30 million a year for screening rights to the show.
It is understood that Ten has first right of refusal on a new contract.
The new deal could cost the successful bidder in the vicinity of $40 million a year.
Some industry sources, even inside Seven, are sceptical about the network’s interest in Big Brother.
One school of thought suggests Seven is not serious about bidding, but is making noise in the hope it inflates the fee Ten will have to pay to keep the show.
Channel 9 is staying out of the bidding machinations.
“We are not interested in pursuing the Big Brother franchise,” a spokesperson said.
“It sounds like somebody is trying to up the price and playing games,” another Nine source told the Herald Sun.
“It seems very unlikely it would end up at Nine. We are already planning shows for the 7pm time slot next year.”
If the show did move to Seven, it would almost certainly end the reign of host Gretel Killeen, who is contracted to Ten.
No names have been put forward by Seven, but the likes of Fifi Box would be in contention to take over the hosting job.
Seven would have trouble scheduling Big Brother at 7pm, where Home and Away has been a top performer.
While Big Brother’s ratings were down this year, the revenue from advertising and money from SMS messages and phone lines make the show a valuable asset.
Big Brother has enjoyed risque highlights in its seven years, including Sara-Marie Fedele’s bum dance.
Source: Herald Sun
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