Sci-Fi Channel Buys Rights to 3 Series

In its largest single purchase of programming to date, the Sci-Fi Channel has bought basic cable rights to three series from MGM in a transaction worth an estimated $150 million. Sci-Fi, which is owned by Barry Diller’s USA Networks Inc., is buying rights to MGM’s “The Outer Limits,” “Stargate SG-1” and “Poltergeist: The Legacy,” all of which have been airing on Showtime. Under the deal, MGM will also produce 22 new episodes of “Poltergeist,” which will not air on Showtime after this season. Showtime has renewed its contract for “Stargate,” which is in its first season, and “The Outer Limits,” which is in its fourth season.