Judge hears final arguments in Globes TV dispute

By Anthony Mccartney

Associated Press

Published: Friday, Feb. 10 2012 3:11 p.m. MST

FILE - In this Jan. 11, 2009 file photo, celebrities arrive at the 66th Annual Golden Globe Awards in Beverly Hills, Calif. Testimony has ended in a trial that will decide the broadcast rights of the Golden Globes award with a federal judge strongly urging both sides to settle before a ruling is necessary. U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz warned attorneys for the Globes' organizers, the Hollywood Foreign Press Association and its longtime producers that he would declare a clear winner. He said the parties should try to resolve the case to prevent the Globes being tangled up in court for another awards season.

Matt Sayles, File, Associated Press

Enlarge photo»

Summary

A federal judge says it will take him some time to decide the fate of a disputed deal keeping the Golden Globe Awards on NBC through 2018.

LOS ANGELES — A federal judge says it will take him some time to decide the fate of a disputed deal keeping the Golden Globe Awards on NBC through 2018.

U.S. District Judge A. Howard Matz listened Friday as attorneys for the Globes' organizers and its longtime producers made final arguments to try to sway his ruling.

The Hollywood Foreign Press Association wants the $150 million deal invalidated, arguing that dick clark productions negotiated it without permission.

The company claims a 1993 agreement allows it to produce the glitzy gala for as long as it airs on NBC.

HFPA attorney Daniel Pertrocelli likened the arrangement to the producers enslaving the association. Attorney Marty Katz argued that the group is trying to nullify the deal and cut dick clark productions out of the profits.

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Judge hears final arguments in Globes TV dispute

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