In a phone call with reporters to discuss the company’s quarterly earnings, Michael Ferrel, CEO of Idol owner, CKX, said that American Idol will refocus on strong talent this coming season.
“We want to refocus ‘Idol’ on its talent, ” Ferrel told analysts on the company’s quarterly earnings call. He highlighted that Idol’s ratings declined strongly in the 18-49 demo by the end of last season.
Ferrel said that Nigel Lythgoe’s return as executive producer, and the new deal with Universal Music Group will better position this coming season to succeed.like.
CKX management also said that talks with potential “Idol” judges and with possible acquirers of CKX will continue.
Ferrel suggested that an announcement of Idol judges is likely to come no later than mid-September.
Last we heard, the announcement was to be made no later than Sept. 1. A late announcement will push the judges’ round of auditions into October. Which actually, is not unprecedented.
I just hope TBTB are serious about refocusing the show on the talent. Hopefully, when Nigel Lythgoe returns to the show this week, he’ll keep everyone on task.
CKX’s six month results showed revenue fell to US$156.1m, with the company attributing the loss to the ending of licensing agreements and overestimation Idol profits. Revenues at 19 Entertainment also fell by US$200, 000.
However, CKX’s second-quarter results showed recovery, with revenue up 12% on the same period in 2009 at US$89.4m.
Source: THR, C21media, Associated Press
