A new Discovery: twin syndication deal

October 29, 2007 Debmar-Mercury has snapped up domestic syndication rights to two of Discovery Communications' most popular series -- "Deadliest Catch" and "American Chopper" -- marking Discovery's first deal in syndication. Debmar-Mercury, which last week announced a deal for a new syndicated game show version of Trivial Pursuit with Hasbro for fall 2008, is planning to make "Chopper" available to broadcast stations for weekend runs starting in fall 2008, while "Catch" will become available a year later. Debmar-Mercury co-presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said the deal came about after the pair were approached by Joel Berman, who is overseeing syndication for Discovery Communications.

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