Network Ten Snatches Dr Phil and 60 Minutes from Nine !!!

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NETWORK Ten has snatched from its Nine Network rival the rights to popular US talk show host Dr Phil plus exclusive use of American 60 Minutes stories.

In a bold bid to dominate local daytime television, Ten announced it had acquired Dr Phil and would screen him back-to-back with Oprah on weekdays from next year.

The network said it hoped these acquisitions, along with programs like Judge Judy and 9am With David and Kim, would boost Ten to No.1 in day-time television.

"Dr Phil will be coming to Ten – Nine's top rating daytime show," Ten's chief executive officer Grant Blackley said today.

"With Oprah and Dr Phil, Ten now has the two most popular daytime Australian television shows ... we have a winning top position."

Signing a deal with America's CBS to become its Australian affiliate, gives Ten exclusive rights to all 60 Minutes stories from the US.

Nine will only retain the 60 Minutes brand.

CBS also distribute Dr Phil and the Late Show With David Letterman, which will screen on Ten next year.

"We want a more ... reliable supply of international content and to widen our domestic portfolio," Blackley said.

The announcements were made at a 2007 program launch at Sydney's State Theatre tonight.

The launch included live performances from Australian Idol finalists Jessica Mauboy and Damien Leith, as well as interviews with Wallabies captain George Gregan, Formula One driver Mark Webber and Sydney Swans player Nick Davis.

Tripping Over star Abe Forsythe also attended and Ten announced a second series of the program would go into production.

From abroad, Ten has secured hospital drama series 3 Pounds, crime drama Raines – starring Jeff Goldblum – and Rules of Engagement, created by comedian Adam Sandler.

Locally, a second series of Australia's Biggest Loser recently began production and Big Brother, Australian Idol, plus top-rating theatre sports-based program, Thank God You're Here, will return in 2007.

Ten has also secured the rights to screen the 2007 Rugby World Cup, which will kick off in France on September 7.

Highly anticipated telemovie The Joanne Lees Story, about the murder of her British backpacker boyfriend Peter Falconio, will broadcast in 2007.

"Next year has more firepower then ever before," said Ten's chief programming officer David Mott.