‘Idol’ Return Clears Legal Hurtle

A few weeks ago we reported the rumors that forces are at work behind the scenes to revive American Idol. While that reality is still far from seeing the light of day, RAMP has learned that the show’s path back to television (reportedly NBC, home of rival The Voice) took another step (of many required) forward — according to The Hollywood Reporter, U.S. Bankruptcy Court judge Stuart Bernstein last Thursday ratified an amended agreement between 19 Entertainment and FremantleMedia Limited. According to court papers, the agreement “memorializes the parties’ intention to re-launch American Idol on American television by seeking a new license agreement with a broadcaster, network or other platform subject to various terms and conditions.”

FremantleMedia has reportedly been pitching NBC on the reboot. First, however, FremantleMedia had to come to a deal with the show’s other producer, 19 Entertainment, which filed Chapter 11 last April, shortly after the 15th and final season of the show. Five months after the bankruptcy filing, 19’s reorganization plan was approved, and the new entity is now called NEG Operations, Inc.

And before you jump the gun and start setting your DVR, however, the story states, “Although there have been reported discussions with NBC, the deal appears structured to at least contemplate the possibility of a re-launch on a digital platform rather than television.” And there’s another little speed bump, as the story continues, “Although the parties have come together on reviving Idol, there’s still massive litigation pending directed at Fox, Endemol and a big private equity firm over the way assets were allegedly stripped from Core Media Group, parent company of 19.”