'Idol' worship continues

Eastern Euro contries ink for local versions of talent show

By DEBRA JOHNSON

LONDON -- The "Pop Idol" phenomenon is catching hold in Eastern Europe. BK Telekom has picked up the rights to the top-rating talent show for Serbia and Montenegro and TV Nova for Croatia.

The most recently launched East European production of the format is "Narodny Artiste," which debuted on Russia's Channel Rossiya on Sept. 5. Sue Green, managing director, Nordic and Central Europe, of FremantleMedia Production, clinched both sales.

Auditions to find Serbia and Montenegro's newest pop sensations have already been staged in Novi Sad, Podgorica, Nis and Belgrade and the series is skedded to bow on BK Telekom on Oct. 7. TV Nova is expected to announce launch details shortly. FremantleMedia is acting as consultant producer on both series.

Local versions of "Idol" have been commissioned in 20 countries including Denmark, Portugal, Kazakstan, Iceland, Finland, U.K., U.S., South Africa, Canada, Australia and Poland.

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