Trifecta to Distribute 'America Now' Nationally

Independent distributor to take over distribution and ad sales duties in 2013

By Paige Albiniak -- Broadcasting & Cable, 12/10/2012 2:00:00 PM

Trifecta Entertainment & Media is the new distributor of Raycom and ITV Studios America's America Now, the news magazine strip that's cohosted by Leeza Gibbons and Bill Rancic, said Paul McTear, president and CEO of Raycom Media and Paul Buccieri, managing director of ITV Studios International and president and CEO of ITV Studios America.

Trifecta will begin selling the show nationally and handling all of the national advertising sales starting next year. America Now, which is not yet nationally syndicated, previously was distributed by Bellum Entertainment.

"Season after season, this show continues to deliver great content, interesting stories from Leeza and Bill in the field, compelling news from around the country and practical tips from our savvy experts," said Raycom's McTear in a statement. "We look forward to bringing America Now to even more viewers in new markets nationwide."

Now in its third season, America Now airs weekdays in 45 markets, and is up 8% in rating from a year ago to a 1.3 rating/3 share household average across its metered markets season to date. The show performs best on Raycom's WBRC Birmingham, Ala., where it's up 26% year-to-year to a 4.4 rating average in households.