• by Sara Guaglione , January 6, 2017

Hearst has acquired a majority interest in Litton Entertainment, a TV producer and distributor that specializes in children’s television and family entertainment programming.

Emerson Coleman, Hearst Television VP of programming, said the partnership provides Hearst with “the opportunity to expand our syndication and distribution opportunities by building on the very successful foundation that [Litton has] created.”

Coleman added Hearst Television has “always emphasized quality programming that has a strong local appeal.”

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed. The deal is expected to close by February 1.

Litton Entertainment was founded nearly 30 years ago by Dave Morgan, who also serves as the company’s president and CEO. Morgan previously held executive management positions at Hearst Radio in the 1980s, as well as Katz Television, a TV broadcasting advertising-sales firm with a longtime relationship with Hearst Television, a spokesperson said.

“I'm coming home to a company that delivers content that positively impacts the community, mirroring the pro-social principles we've innovated at Litton,” Morgan stated. “Together, we will do great things.”

Hearst Television president Jordan Wertlieb added: “Providing quality, family-friendly programming to viewers is an important tenet of Hearst Television..." He said adding Litton’s assets and expertise "will be a terrific complement to our business.”

Litton Entertainment is headquartered in Charleston, S.C., with offices in New York, Boston and Burbank, Calif. The company produces more than 800 hours of scripted and unscripted programming for broadcast networks and station groups each year.

Litton Entertainment specializes in educational and informational TV production and syndication, including “Litton’s Weekend Adventure” on ABC stations, “One Magnificent Morning” on The CW and “CBS Dream Team: It’s Epic.”

Hearst Television owns and operates local television and radio stations and distributes national content to nearly 70 video channels, including programming from ABC, NBC, CBS and CW.