CTV has acquired the exclusive Canadian broadcast rights to the U.S. version of THE X FACTOR, premiering in North America on FOX and CTV in Fall, 2011, it was announced today by Susanne Boyce, President, Creative, Content and Channels, CTV Inc.. Simon Cowell, who created and launched THE X FACTOR in the U.K. in 2004, will serve as both executive producer and judge on the series, which will be produced by Cowell’s Syco Television and FremantleMedia North America.
Multi BAFTA-award winning THE X FACTOR searches the country to find the next singing individual artist or group superstar. Sold to 18 countries worldwide with a global audience of over 500 million, it is one of the top television formats in Europe, featuring guest performers such Beyonce, Lady Ga Ga and Paul McCartney, while discovering and launching the recording careers of singing artists such as Leona Lewis and Alexandra Burke. Attracting more and more viewers, THE X FACTOR has increased its Season 1 audience in the UK by 80% over the past six years.
THE X FACTOR format is owned by Syco, a global music, television and film production joint venture between Simon Cowell and Sony Music Entertainment. CTV acquired the show from its global distributor, FremantleMedia Enterprises.
“Simon Cowell is The X Factor,” said Boyce. “He’s a #1 brand and a natural fit for our network. THE X FACTOR is one of the most successful series in the world right now and we’re excited to bring it to Canadians on CTV.”
