SFM Entertainment, LLC is an American television syndicator, film distributor, production company, and licensing firm established on September 29, 1969, originally as a division of SFM Media Corporation.[2] SFM Entertainment is known for setting up 'occasional' networks.[3] The name comes from the initials of the company's founders: Walter Staab, Robert Frank, and Stanley Moger.[citation needed]
History
SFM Media Services Corporation was founded on September 29,[2] 1969 as an independent advertising agency by Stanley Moger, Bob Frank and Walt Staab. SFM Media started a division, SFM Entertainment (SFME), to enter the strip-programming business. SFME's first program was The Mickey Mouse Club.[4]
During the winter of 1976-77, SFM Media Service assisted Mobil Oil in running and launching the Mobil Showcase Network. This led to three additional companies approaching SFM on setting up their own 'occasional' networks.[3] In 1978, SFM launched its own network, SFM Holiday Network.[5] SFM subsequently launched the General Foods Golden Showcase Network[4] in 1980.[6] In 1983, SFM worked with Del Monte Foods to form an ad hoc TV network to broadcast the special Believe You Can . . . And You Can! over 100 stations on April 21, 1983 at 8 PM EST.[7]
In 1994, SFM started up a sports marketing unit in its media services division with the hiring of Jerry Solomon as executive vice president.[8]
In 1998, media holding company Havas purchased SFM Media Corporation; its SFM Entertainment division was not included in the sale.[9]
Shows distributed by SFM
Some shows distributed by SFM (past or present) include:
Stamp of Greatness – weekly half-hour program profile those on the postage stamps[10]
Directions – weekly half-hour program on fashion[10]
The George Steinbrenner Show – half-hour weekly sports series moderated by Steinbrenner as two well-known sports figures debate sports related issue in front of an audience[10]
Faces of Love – first-run anthology series from major authors feature romance[10]
