Debmar Mercury cuts development, syndication deal with Gannett

Lionsgate’s Debmar Mercury has inked a deal with Gannet Broadcasting and the pair will develop and produce interactive TV series.

The content will be tested, in different durations and formats, in various daytime slots on Gannett’s stations. The first shows will bow in 2015.

Dave Lougee, president of Gannett Broadcasting, said: “We will work together to design shows to take advantage of how television has changed and create a new genre of syndicated programming. With more than 40 stations across the country, we will have the ability to experiment, test and refine programs throughout the development process.”

Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein added: : “We are big believers in the on-air testing model, because it gives stations concrete information on which to base their buying decisions before making long-term commitments to a series.”