Graboff gets to the Core

TALKING SHOP: Marc Graboff, president of Core Media Group, says there’s never been a better time to be in the content business and despite having missed out in the bidding for Nice Entertainment, the American Idol co-owner has other plans, he tells Jonathan Webdale.

C21's Talking Shop is a daily strand on C21Media.net that goes behind the news to talk to leading players in the international content business.

Graboff says he’s cautiously optimistic the recent root-and-branch review of TV’s biggest music competition format will revive Idol as it returns this week after last season’s ratings disaster.

He talks about his broader mission at Core – investing in Sharp Entertainment and B17, the thwarted attempt to buy out Scandinavia’s Nice Entertainment, and addresses rumours of a potential tie-up with Endemol.

“The biggest piece of the portfolio we’re looking to add is an international distribution operation,” says Graboff.

“Even in this day and age where it’s getting increasingly more competitive and tough the explosion for content demand around the world is apparent … We’ve got our eye on a number of companies and producers both in the UK and the rest of the world.”