Fremantle (company)

This article is about the British TV production company. For other corporate entities, see Fremantle (disambiguation).

Fremantle Limited
Formerly
  • Pearson Television (1993–2001)
  • FremantleMedia (2001–2018)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTelevision
Predecessors
Founded1993; 31 years ago (1993)
Headquarters
London
,
England
Area served
Worldwide
Key people
Jennifer Mullin (CEO)
ParentPearson plc (1993–2000)
RTL Group (2000–present)
SubsidiariesSee § Production offices and labels
Websitefremantle.com
Fremantle Licensing
Formerly
  • Fremantle Overseas Radio and Television (1952–1958)
  • Fremantle International (1958–1994, 2018–present for Fremantle's current international distribution division)
  • All American Fremantle International Inc (1994–1998)
  • Pearson Television Licensing (1998–2001)
Company typeSubsidiary
IndustryTelevision
Founded1952; 72 years ago (1952)
FounderPaul Talbot
Headquarters
New York City, New York
,
U.S.
Area served
Worldwide
ParentAll American Television (1994–1998)
Pearson plc (1998–2000)
RTL Group (2000–present)
Websitefremantle.com
Footnotes / references
[1][2]

Fremantle Limited[3] (/ˈfriːmæntəl/), formerly FremantleMedia, is a British multinational television production and distribution company based in London. The company was founded as Pearson Television in 1993 when publishing and education company Pearson acquired the former British ITV franchisee Thames Television. Fremantle takes its name from Fremantle International, which was acquired by predecessor company All American Television in 1994. Pearson Television and Bertelsmann's CLT-UFA merged in 2000 to form the RTL Group, with Pearson Television itself being renamed FremantleMedia on 20 August of the following year.

Fremantle owns non-scripted formats, including the British talent shows Idols, Got Talent and The X Factor; all of which have been sold globally. Since 1994, Fremantle has distributed American game shows locally in the US and globally.

  1. ^ Dawtrey, Adam (20 August 2001). "Pearson TV placed on Fremantle". Variety. London.[failed verification]
  2. ^ "Search result at Variety: Pearson TV placed on Fremantle. Adam Dawtrey. Aug 20, 2001 Article. London -- Pearson Television has been renamed FremantleMedia. Move follows last year's merger of Pearson TV with CLT/Ufa to create RTL Group and reflects that Pearson TV is no longer part of British media group Pearson". 27 February 2013. (Search result in September 2020)
  3. ^ "Fremantle Limited overview - Find and update company information - GOV.UK". Companies House. 8 June 2018. Retrieved 2 September 2023.