Grey's Anatomy admitted for syndication

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After finding a cable buyer for Grey's Anatomy over the summer, the distributor of the hit medical drama is now firming up sales for the off-network series in weekend broadcast syndication. Buena Vista Television has secured several clearances for the show, including stations in 14 of the top 15 markets, for a fall 2009 launch. The stations clearing the series include the ABC owned-and-operated stations WABC New York, KABC Los Angeles, WLS Chicago, WPVI Philadelphia, KGO San Francisco, and KTRK Houston; Fox-owned WFXT Boston and WTTG Washington; Cox's ABC affiliate WSB Atlanta; and Scripps' ABC affiliate WXYZ Detroit. The three-year deals include double runs in specific time periods. Walt Disney Co.-owned Buena Vista in July struck a deal with Lifetime for cable rerun rights, with the network paying what is believed to be $1.2 million per episode. Lifetime's deal allows it to begin airing the series daily in fall 2009; in addition, the women's cable network will begin airing episodes from Season 1 once a week starting in January. Grey's is in its third season on ABC. It's the No. 1 series among total viewers as well as the key adult demos of 18 to 34, 18 to 49, and 25 to 54. Disney also owns ABC and half of Lifetime.