BUSINESS

Bell Media inks deal with MGM, 'Survivor' creator to develop new TV formats

The Canadian Press Published Wednesday, October 15, 2014 11:23AM EDT Last Updated Wednesday, October 15, 2014 11:48AM EDT

Mark Burnett poses with the award for best reality-competition series for 'Shark Tank' in the press room at the Critics' Choice Television Awards at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on Thursday, June 19, 2014, in Beverly Hills, Calif. (AP / Invision / Richard Shotwell)

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TORONTO - Bell Media is teaming with "Survivor" creator Mark Burnett and MGM to develop new TV formats for worldwide audiences.

A TV format is the concept, branding and premise of a program. Examples of international formats adapted by Bell Media's CTV for local audiences include "The Amazing Race Canada," "Masterchef Canada" and "Canadian Idol."

The terms of the deal announced Wednesday were not released, but Bell Media says it already has several pilots for new formats in development and pre-production.

Bell Media is officially partnering with the United Artists Media Group -- a newly formed joint venture among Burnett, his production partner Roma Downey, MGM and Hearst Entertainment -- and Omnicom Canada's Highway Entertainment.

Phil King, president of CTV sports and entertainment programming, said in a news release that the broadcaster was "thrilled" to be partnering with Burnett and others.

"With enormous pedigree and an incredible track record for hit format creation, we look forward to not only developing content for our own market, but internationally as well," he said.