Fox Buys ‘Modern Family’ Syndication Rights From Itself

Fox conducted an in-house syndication deal for the broadcast rights to one of TV’s hottest shows after a “highly competitive” bidding war with Tribune

Fox has completed an in-house syndication deal for the broadcast rights to one of TV's most popular shows — "Modern Family."

"Modern Family," which is TV's number one program in the key adults 18-49 demographic, is produced by 20th Televison and Levitan Lloyd Productions. Fox Television Stations announced that they acquired the broadcast syndication rights from 20th Monday morning.

Fox's decision to keep one of its hottest properties in the family may seem like the studio gave itself a sweetheart deal, but a source with knowledge of the arrangement told TheWrap that the acquisition was made after a "highly competitive" bidding process that involved Tribune.

20th's most recent syndication deals placed "Futurama" and "Pt. Dume," a new series from "Baywatch" creator Gregory Bonnan, with Tribune. Fox Television Stations recently picked up the daytime "Dr. Oz Show" and purchased the broadcast syndication rights to "Big Bang Theory," another one of TV's most popular sitcoms, from Warner Bros. in May.

The "Modern Family" announcement was made by Paul Franklin, executive vice president and general sales manager, broadcast at 20th Television, and Frank Cicha, senior vice president of programming at Fox Television Stations.

“On the heels of ‘Big Bang Theory’ and ‘Dr. Oz,’ the acquisition of ‘Modern Family’ ensures the continuing flow of A-level hit product to the Fox Stations,” Cicha said.

Original episodes of "Modern Family" air on ABC. USA Network purchased the cable syndication rights to the sitcom in June.
 

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