Rachael Ray:2 More Years on Food Network

By JULIETTE ROSSANT The New York Times took a close look at the Food Network on Monday, in light of the news that Rachael Ray renewed her two-year contract with the network last week and Emeril Lagasse declined to renew his for Emeril Live!. The Times explored the business of the network, its ratings, and the choice to lure younger viewers – and the fact that it does not yet have a replacement for Emeril Live! FN did not, until last year, have a stake in all the lucrative, outside deals of its stars. About a year ago, the Food Network began aggressively trying to change that with new deals that were “way more onerous” from the stars’ point of view, said a person who has been affected by the changing strategy, by insisting on a stake in book deals and licensing ventures, and control over outside activities. Rachael new contract reduces her commitment from 80 to 60 episodes of 30 Minute Meals and 13 episodes of a new show called Rachael's Vacation. This is how the press release describes the new show: Rachael’s Vacation, premiering January 12 at 9 PM ET/PT, follows Rachael as she takes time to sneak away and have a vacation. Viewers will follow as she discovers the distant cities, countries, foods, and lifestyles that continue to amaze and excite her. Wait a minute. Does that sound like Giada DeLaurentiis' travel show, or maybe that is Alton's or the Deen Brothers. Maybe the reason FN is not outdoing Bravo for highest ranking show is that they keep recycling ideas - true of just about every other network, too. Why did Rachael sign the deal rather than cut out like Emeril? It is true that she hasn't been on the scene as long as Emeril, who has been making Food Network shows (and still makes Essence of Emeril) since 1996. Rach started in 2001. Did FN sweeten her deal? Does FN get a piece of everything Rachael does? It is not clear from the Times article or the press release, other than Rach feels loyalty to the network. Here is Brooke Johnson, President, FN: Rachael is the quintessential example of the homegrown stars we create at Food Network. She has been with us since 2001 and we have built a strong partnership that will continue for years to come and bring more new and exciting projects.” Although Rachael has magazines, a day-time talk show (partially owned by FN) and products, as well as endorsements (Ritz Crackers, etc) – see Rachael Ray: Space Invader she doesn't have restaurants – something Emeril has plenty of – restaurants that give him clout, exposure and fans to sell everything else he does. Emeril's lesson seems to be: you have to be on Television, but you don't need more than one successful show to sell, sell, sell everything else you do. Looks like we get two more years of life without restaurant Rachael. Related news: Village Voice Cincinnati Business Courier Previous articles: Emeril Lives! No More Mario Batali: Still on the Food Network Bobby Flay Joins Food Network at Kohl's Rachael Ray: Just in Time Rachael Ray: Think You Can Cook? Rachael Ray Greases Dunkin' Donuts Rachael Ray Drinking Game Rachael Ray: Space Invader Rossant on Rachael Ray's Competition Who Rules, Trans-Fat to Foie Gras? Forbes Celebrity 100 Chefs 2006: Cute? Rachael Ray: Media Empire Rachael Ray: A Few Days Later Rachael Ray Every Day from Readers Digest [Food Television - complete] Technorati Tags: superchefblog, Juliette Rossant, super chef, celebrities, chefs, food, restaurants, cooking, branding, cuisine, blogging, food blogging, Rachael Ray, Food Network --> back to Super Chef