FREMANTLEMEDIA AUSTRALIA

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FremantleMedia Australia was formed in 2006 by the merger of two great names in the Australian television industry – Crackerjack and Grundy, who had both been acquired by FremantleMedia.

Primary creator and producer of original comedy programming in Australia, Crackerjack was a renowned boutique production company operating since the early 90s headed up by Mark and Carl Fennessy. Their successes include Comedy Inc., The Chaser Decides, So Fresh, Australia’s Brainiest Kid and The Biggest Loser.

Grundy was founded by Reg Grundy, its first production being Wheel of Fortune, which launched on Channel Nine in 1959. From its small beginnings it became the largest privately owned Australian producer and distributor of television programmes both domestically and internationally.

Grundy’s first success in the serial drama genre came during the 1970’s with favourites The Young Doctors, The Restless Years, Sons and Daughters and Prisoner, which grew into a worldwide cult hit. Aired on Network Ten since 1986 Neighbours continues to prove a prime time hit ranking No.1 in its time slot for key young adult target groups. Neighbours was the highest rated daytime drama series in the UK in 2007, with audiences of over 3 million viewers. Neighbours moved to broadcaster Five in the UK in Febuary 2008 and is the highest rated daytime show for the broadcaster.

FremantleMedia Australia remains the market leader with shows such as the hugely popular Australian Idol, So You Think You Can Dance, Australia’s Got Talent and The Biggest Loser, The Farmer Wants a Wife and original formats such as The Gift and Choir of Hard Knocks (which won Most Outstanding Factual Series at the 2008 Logie Awards). FremantleMedia Australia is also the market leaders in the creation and production of digital media content.

Mark Fennessy is the CEO of FremantleMedia Australia and Carl Fennessy is the company’s COO.