It also acquires theatrical and television programs for domestic syndication, home video and international distribution.

But those are precisely the shows that run the biggest deficits and generate the least demand in domestic syndication.

This division offers its program, Hometeam, in domestic and global syndication.

Those included a ban on active domestic and foreign syndication of non-entertainment shows and a ban on network investment or co-production in first-run shows made by independent producers.

The two sides would also share the revenue from any subsequent foreign sales and domestic syndication, these people said.

As head of Disney's television unit, Mr. Hightower was responsible for network production, domestic syndication and international TV distribution.

Sony Pictures Television handles domestic syndication, while NBCU handles international syndication.

The production companies retain ownership of the programs and make money by selling them to foreign broadcasters and for domestic syndication.

Viacom Inc., a communications and entertainment company, said yesterday that domestic syndication of "The Cosby Show" increased its revenues in the fourth quarter and helped cut losses sharply.

It is also in domestic syndication and is broadcast in more than 50 countries.