SFM Entertainment
| Company type | Private |
|---|---|
| Industry | Television syndication, film distribution, production, licensing |
| Founded | September 29, 1969 |
| Founder | Walter Staab, Robert Frank, Stanley Moger |
| Headquarters | Rye Brook , United States |
Key people | Stanley Moger (CEO), Michael Maizes (SVP/CFO) |
| Products | Television programming distribution, occasional television networks |
SFM Entertainment, LLC is a U.S.-based company engaged in television syndication, film distribution, production, and licensing, established on September 29, 1969. Initially created as a branch of SFM Media Corporation, the firm concentrates on developing 'occasional' television networks and operates chiefly within the realms of syndication and licensing. Its name is derived from the initials of its three founders: Walter Staab, Robert Frank, and Stanley Moger. The company is headquartered in Rye Brook, New York, with key leadership including CEO Stanley Moger and SVP/CFO Michael Maizes. SFM Entertainment's operational strategy emphasizes distributing television programming and managing temporary TV networks, capitalizing on its strength in niche programming sectors.
History
On September 29, 1969, SFM Media Services Corporation was launched as an independent advertising agency by founders Stanley Moger, Bob Frank, and Walt Staab. To broaden its scope, SFM introduced a subdivision named SFM Entertainment (SFME), marking its entry into strip programming with its initial show, The Mickey Mouse Club.
Between 1976 and 1977, SFM Media played a pivotal role in assisting Mobil Oil with the launch of the Mobil Showcase Network. This success attracted other companies seeking SFM’s expertise to develop their own occasional networks. Seizing this opportunity, SFM inaugurated the SFM Holiday Network in 1978 and followed up with the General Foods Golden Showcase Network in 1980. In 1983, a collaboration with Del Monte Foods resulted in an ad hoc television network that aired the special Believe You Can . . . And You Can! across more than 100 stations.
In 1994, SFM expanded its offerings by creating a sports marketing division within its media services sector through the recruitment of Jerry Solomon as executive vice president, thereby strengthening its presence in sports advertising.
The year 1998 saw media conglomerate Havas acquire SFM Media Corporation; however, this transaction excluded the SFM Entertainment division. This acquisition represented a notable change in SFM’s corporate framework and international reach.
Shows distributed by SFM
SFM’s distribution catalog encompasses a wide array of programs that reflect its strategic emphasis on syndicated content spanning multiple genres:
- The Adventures of Rin Tin Tin
- Jayce and the Wheeled Warriors
- The Mickey Mouse Club (1977-1978 iteration including earlier syndication)
- The Flip Wilson Show
- Rowan & Martin's Laugh-In
- The Smothers Brothers Show
- The Adventures of Jim Bowie
- The Danny Thomas Show / Make Room for Daddy
- The Real McCoys
- The West Point Story (jointly distributed with MGM Television)
- The Life and Legend of Wyatt Earp (1955–1961)
- AFI's 100 Years... television specials
- Zoobilee Zoo (in partnership with DIC Entertainment) – live-action preschool series
- Syndicated editions of Care Bears and Rainbow Brite
- Holiday feature Grandma Got Run Over by a Reindeer
- The Joey Bishop Show
- Death Valley Days
- Classic series such as Mister Peepers, Help! I'm a Fish, and soap opera The Doctors
- British miniseries Edward the Seventh (U.S. distribution rights in 1979)
- Behind-the-scenes special titled Deal related to Let's Make a Deal
- Sitcoms including Good Morning World, Lotsa Luck, and the Carsey-Werner-produced Roseanne
- Edited reruns from the NBC series The Jerry Lewis Show (1967–1969)
- Seasonal and specialty content like The Toys That Rescued Christmas (2004)
- Sports-related programming such as the Superstars franchise, which includes titles like Battle of the Network Stars and Female Superstars
- Documentary and film collections featuring works such as The Indomitable Teddy Roosevelt and the animated movie Pinocchio in Outer Space
- Weekly shows profiling prominent personalities and trends:
- Stamp of Greatness – features individuals depicted on postage stamps
- Directions – centered on fashion
- The George Steinbrenner Show – sports panel moderated by Steinbrenner
- Faces of Love – romance anthology series
- Limited-run programs including The Hugga Bunch
- Special broadcasts like the Texas 150th Birthday Celebration live event
- Award-winning documentaries such as The March of Time
- Culinary series including The Dione Lucas Cooking Show
This comprehensive collection highlights SFM’s business approach focused on diversified content dissemination aimed at multiple audience segments to enhance revenue opportunities and expand market presence within television syndication.
Units
- SFM Entertainment