Singapore: In an inaugural deal, Buena Vista International Television–Asia Pacific (BVITV-AP), the international television distribution arm of The Walt Disney Company, announced today an agreement to license a live action series package to Indonesian terrestrial broadcaster JAK-TV, a leading local channel targeting Greater Jakarta’s urban and upscale audience.

For the first time on terrestrial television, viewers will be able to enjoy a selection of BVITV’s hottest series including the No.1 show currently on US television, “Grey’s Anatomy” (seasons 1 and 2), as well as J.J. Abrams’s (creator of “Lost”) “What About Brian” and “Ghost Whisperer”, starring Jennifer Love Hewitt. The series’ are expected to launch early next year.
“We are delighted to be bringing for the first time to JAK-TV viewers some of our most talked about series,” commented Steve Macallister, BVITV-AP’s senior vice president and managing director. “This deal reflects our commitment to expanding the reach of our programming into key markets such as Indonesia.”

JAK-TV’s president director, Erick Thohir, added “It is a great honor for JAK-TV to exclusively carry BVITV’s hottest series, since BVITV is known around the world for its high quality and entertaining programming. This is the kind of programming that we are looking for our viewers: the young, smart, and cosmopolitan community such as the Jakarta citizens. It also shows the world that there is trust and cooperation between the two that can be built successfully. We look forward to a long-lasting relationship with BVITV.”

Starring Golden Globe winner Sandra Oh and Emmy-nominee Patrick Dempsey, “Grey’s Anatomy”, has already been sold to over 200 territories worldwide and a consistent timeslot winner in countries like Australia, New Zealand, France and Spain. In New Zealand, “Grey’s Anatomy” is one of the top two series in 2006 (to date) on TV2 for P18-49, behind “Desperate Housewives”, with a rating / share of 18 / 47%.

Licensed to more than 165 territories around the world, “Ghost Whisperer” made its international debut earlier this year on Seven Network Australia as the No.1 program of the night. And the series has been consistently leading its hour in markets such as New Zealand, UK and Germany. “Ghost Whisperer” is one of the top two U.S. series this year to date in Singapore and Malaysia, on Channel 5 and 8TV, respectively.

Although not yet launched internationally, “What About Brian” has already been licensed to over 60 territories across the world.