Debmar-Mercury has cleared Lionsgate’s series, “The Dead Zone,” in 85% of the country, including all top ten markets, for a fall national syndication launch. In addition the indie distrib has cleared the same percentage of the country, including 49 of the top 50 markets, for the upcoming season of gameshow perennial “Family Feud.”
Both clearance milestones were unveiled by Debmar co-prexies Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein on Thursday.
The sci-fi series is cleared on the owned and operated Fox stations in New York, Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Washington DC, Philadelphia and Boston as well as on ABC affils in Chicago, San Francisco and Atlanta. Other station groups on board include Cox, Sinclair, Sunbeam, Gannett and Tribune.
Additionally, Marcus and Bernstein announced that 20th Television will be handling ad sales for the series.
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” ‘The Dead Zone’ has been a break out hit for USA Network, becoming one of cable’s longest running series,” Bernstein said.
“Zone” launches its sixth season on USA beginning in June.
Following the acquisition of “Family Feud” from FremantleMedia last November, Debmar-Mercury has upgraded time periods in key markets as well as added new stations to the line-up for the gameshow. Station groups on board include CBS, Gannett, Cox, Sinclair, Sunbeam, Meredith, Fox and Tribune.
” ‘Family Feud’ is the original reality competition show and after 30 years shows no signs of slowing down,” Marcus said.
“Feud” recently celebrated its 30th anni with a revamped look, new set and John O’Hurley as the new host.
Debmar will also be syndicating its novel firstrun sitcom “Houe of Payne” during next week’s NATPE in Las Vegas.
