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[01/28/08 - 03:34 PM]
Mgm Acquires Domestic Syndication Rights to Tribune's "Ron Hazelton's Housecalls"
MGM is offering local stations 22 new episodes for next season, its 10th.

[via press release from MGM]

MGM ACQUIRES DOMESTIC SYNDICATION RIGHTS TO TRIBUNE'S "RON HAZELTON'S HOUSECALLS"

LAS VEGAS, NV January 28, 2008 --- Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.'s (MGM) domestic television distribution operation has acquired the U.S. syndication rights to Tribune's popular home improvement series "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls" previously distributed by Tribune. This past season, "Ron Hazelton's House Calls" was cleared in over 70% of the US. and MGM will utilize this year's NATPE conference to launch renewal agreements for the popular home improvement series for the next two seasons.

In making the announcement at NATPE Jim Packer, Co-President, MGM Worldwide Television stated: "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls," is an established series with a loyal following on TV and online. The online and broadband applications of Ron's website are strong now and we plan to increase the overall presence including incorporating local station tie-ins. In taking over the distribution from our partners at Tribune, we already have a head start in getting the series renewed given the success they've had in clearing the show and selling the barter time."

"We are thrilled to represent "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls" the destination point for the do-it yourself, home improvement audience," said John Bryan, Executive Vice President, Broadcast Strategy, MGM. "With Ron's strong following, major national sponsors, comprehensive website and the devoted weekly newsletter, our station partners are getting a series which has a powerful presence on many platforms."

"This partnership with MGM is a terrific way to celebrate our tenth anniversary in syndication," said Hazelton, host and producer of "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls." "It's certainly going to create new synergy between broadcast, online and product integration. We are in a great position to deliver high-value information content in a form that benefits viewers, internet users and advertisers. This is going to be a win on all fronts."

MGM is offering 22 new episodes for next season and the following seasons, along with the 9 seasons of "Ron Hazelton's HouseCalls." In each 30 minute episode, viewers learn how to tackle a variety of weekend home projects. Hazelton visits two homes and provides expert coaching for do-it-yourselfers.

The Ron Hazelton brand is multiplatform as he also oversees a popular website ronhazelton.com, featuring home improvement tips, techniques and how-to videos. He also keeps his fans tuned in with the weekly, Ron Hazelton newsletter. The show has affiliations with large national sponsors including Home Depot, GMC, Thompson's Water Seal, and Pella.

On the road, at the studio or in his workshop, Ron Hazelton is on a mission: to provide people with the friendly advice and motivation they need to improve their homes and surroundings.

A leading authority in the do-it-yourself home improvement field, Ron is also the Home Improvement Editor for ABC's "Good Morning America" Ron, the son of a building contractor, began his journey into the world of home improvement when he left a successful marketing career to return to his roots and hone his wood-working skills. After founding an antique restoration workshop in San Francisco in 1978, he became recognized as a master craftsmen and cabinetmaker. Hoping to share with others the satisfaction he had working with his hands to enhance the beauty and comfort of a home, he embarked on his first television venture in 1989, pioneering the concept of reality-based, on-location home improvement television with "The House Doctor."

About Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc.

Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Inc., through its operating subsidiaries, is actively engaged in the worldwide production and distribution of motion pictures, television programming, home video, interactive media, music and licensed merchandise. The company owns the world's largest library of modern films, comprising around 4,100 titles. Operating units include Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Pictures Inc., United Artists Films Inc., Ventanazul, MGM Television Entertainment Inc., MGM Networks Inc., MGM Domestic Networks LLC, MGM Distribution Co., MGM International Television Distribution Inc., Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Home Entertainment LLC, MGM ON STAGE, MGM Music, MGM Worldwide Digital Media, MGM Consumer Products and MGM Interactive. In addition, MGM has ownership interests in international TV channels reaching nearly 120 countries. MGM ownership is as follows: Providence Equity Partners (29%), TPG (21%), Sony Corporation of America (20%), Comcast (20%), DLJ Merchant Banking Partners (7%) and Quadrangle Group (3%). For more information, visit www.mgm.com.





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· RON HAZELTON'S HOUSECALLS (SYNDICATION)





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