A+E strengthens ties with Korea’s JTBC

US broadcaster, producer and distributor A+E Networks has expanded its relationship with South Korean broadcaster JTBC by forging a strategic formats and joint production agreement.

Edward Sabin

The arrangement will see A+E Networks exclusively represent the format rights to key programmes from JTBC’s library as well as its forthcoming line-up.

Titles have yet to be announced but both companies said the deal “signifies a major expansion of A+E Networks’ format catalogue and JTBC’s reach in the US.”

The companies, which are already coproducing a Korean talkshow due to air on Lifetime in Korea and on JTBC, are also planning to coproduce one Korean drama and a documentary series. Details of the shows have not been revealed.

Ed Sabin, exec MD of international at A+E Networks, described the deal as a “major component” of the company’s plans announced in 2017 “to create and aggregate premium Korean content for representation worldwide.”

Jeongdo Hong, president of JTBC parent JoongAng Media Group, added: “This partnership with A+E Networks represents an important step towards JTBC’s vision of transforming into a global content studio.

“A+E Network’s international programming pedigree, as well as their innovative content productions, make A+E an exciting partner for JTBC, especially at this time where we have a diverse range of global projects in development.”

Seoul-based JTBC previously struck a deal with Endemol Shine Group in 2017 to create, produce and distribute formats for the international market.