Touchdown's Reality Slate for Fox

U.S. cable and satellite network Fox Reality has picked up a raft of reality shows from New Zealand's Touchdown Television, marking the recently launched network's first acquisition from this territory.

In addition to two series of flagship reality franchise "Treasure Island," Fox Reality has also acquired rights to the spin-off series "Treasure Island Extreme," which puts contestants through even tougher challenges and denies them even basic supplies such as food and water. The network has also acquired action adventure show "The Bounty Hunters."

All shows originally aired on New Zealand's TV2 during primetime.

Says David Lyle, General Manager and COO, Fox Reality, "These shows are really strong examples of compelling reality television and we have found our viewers have a desire to see how reality television is made in other parts of the world. Our audience responds to human dramas in Reality Television whether they take place with Americans in a Honduran resort, British on the Costa Del Sol or even, we hope, New Zealanders racing around a Pacific Island. "

Says Sales Director Yvonne Pilkington "We're delighted to be doing our first deal with Fox Reality, and have our shows join a selection of the world's best reality programming."

Launched May 24, 2005, Fox Reality is the all reality, all the time channel dedicated to giving you more. Fox Reality gives viewers more of what they want: major US network favorites, international reality hits, and Reality Revealed moments airing never-before-seen footage, exclusive behind-the-scenes interviews, insight into reality's most memorable moments, and international favourites unseen by U.S. audiences. Fox Reality, a Fox Networks Group channel, is seen in more than 18 million domestic households. For more information on Fox Reality, visit www.foxreality.com.

Touchdown Television is one of New Zealand's largest television production companies with formats and finished programming licensed to 25 countries worldwide. Specialising in entertainment, reality and lifestyle programs Touchdown TV produces over 22 television series a year. Their international distribution operation is based in London, licencing both formats and catalogue programming. Touchdown was the first Australasian production company to produce a series for Network television in the USA ('The Chair' for ABC) and the first to have its format produced by the BBC ('The Chair' in the UK).