Citytv was a big spender for new US series at the Los Angeles Screenings this spring, and mid-way through the fall 2011 season, Rogers Broadcasting president Scott Moore says he got bang for the buck.

“It’s definitely a process, and we’re really thrilled with where we are in the process,” says Moore. “We went to Hollywood wanting to make smart purchases, to get great programming, but also be smart in how we paid for that programming,” he recalls.

Malcolm Dunlop, EVP programming, Television, at Rogers Communications, did the heavy-lifting in picking rookie shows, and it was a long wait through the summer to see how the new shows would perform.

There have been misses, including The Playboy Club, but the gains so far this season look solid: “Person of Interest, Terra Nova, New Girl, 2 Broke Girls – to come away with four shows out of your buys that have already received full season orders, that’s a pretty good batting average,” Moore said.

Citytv also has a sleeper hit in Revenge, and Suburgatory looks promising for the network.

Much depends on whether the US networks order second seasons for Citytv’s performing rookie shows.

“The strength of some of those shows, New Girl and 2 Broke Girls, if they will get renewed, that would be a real success for us,” Moore said.

From Playback Daily