Ion Acquires ‘Shark', ‘Godfather' Trilogy

Has money to spend after exiting Chapt. 11

By Michael Malone -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/11/2010 12:36:35 PM

Ion Television has inked deals with the likes of Paramount Pictures Worldwide Television Distribution, Twentieth Television and Warner Bros. Television Distribution to acquire 30-plus feature films and TV series, including the programs Shark (seasons 1-2) and Texas Justice (seasons 1-4) and the films The Godfather I, II and III, Death Wish and Top Gun.

"Ion Television continues to position itself as the premiere programming destination for the many viewers looking for top feature films," said Ion Senior VP Kristine Hunsinger. "With this announcement, Ion Television is establishing itself as a clear choice for appointment viewing."

Ion climbed out of bankruptcy in December, wiping away $2.7 billion in legacy debt and preferred stock claims. At the time, Chairman/CEO Brandon Burgess said Ion had $150 million in "growth funding" to acquire programming and build the Ion brand.