Martha Stewart hopes for TV survival

DOMESTIC style guru Martha Stewart, fighting for her business life as she waits to be sentenced next month after conviction for obstructing an investigation into her share trading, has turned to the company behind reality TV show Survivor for salvation.

Mark Burnett Productions may take over the syndication of Stewart's flagship TV programme, which has been ditched by most US television stations.

Burnett, who is also executive producer of the hugely popular show The Apprentice starring property developer Donald Trump, says he has discussed syndication options with Stewart and Sharon Patrick, chief executive of Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia.

'My vision says her customers and fans are still loyal to her,' he said, adding that he would be interested in her show if it becomes available on the syndication market.

After Stewart was found guilty in March, media conglomerate Viacom pulled her TV show from all its affiliate stations. It is also likely not to renew its syndication deal with Stewart when the current contract expires.

The survival of Stewart's TV show could prove crucial to the survival of her company, which is already suffering from its founder's personal problems. It reported larger-than-expected losses in the last quarter as the cancellation of the TV show led to a loss of advertising and licensing income.

The company claims, however, that its research shows that Stewart retains a loyal customer base.