Sinclair Broadcast Group and Tornante Company have created a joint venture to “acquire, create, develop, produce and distribute first-run syndicated television programming.”
Former Disney CEO Michael Eisner owns Tornante, the creative end of the deal.
The two companies will split ownership 50-50 and plan to develop syndicated shows with a “unique take” on everyone’s favorite afternoon fare of comedy, talk shows, game shows and court shows.
Tornante Television is a leading independent company wholly-owned by Eisner’s Tornante Company. The company has launched critically acclaimed adult animation comedy BoJack Horseman on Netflix and Judge Faith in syndication in partnership with Trifecta Entertainment and Media. Judge Faith is licensed by Sinclair for syndication in over 35 markets and has been commissioned for a second season, which is set to debut in September.
“By owning content, we can create other revenue streams,” Steve Pruett, Sinclair’s co-COO told The Baltimore Sun.
Sinclair has expanded rapidly in recent years, mainly through acquisitions, and now wants to own more of the non-network and non-news content it airs. The broadcaster plans to expand distribution of the new programs beyond its own stations, by selling syndication, foreign rights, cable TV or subscription services, said Steve Pruett, Sinclair’s co-chief operating officer.