Ira Bernstein

Ira Bernstein is co-president of Debmar-Mercury, an innovative leading media company specializing in syndication, network, cable and ancillary markets. Debmar-Mercury has produced and distributed many successful series that have gone on to become first-run and off-network syndication staples. The company has become the home of the groundbreaking 10-90 sitcom model, created by Bernstein and his partner, Co-President Mort Marcus, in 2006 with the launch of Tyler Perry’s House of Payne for TBS. They followed that success with a spate of other high-profile comedies, including Tyler Perry’s spinoff Meet the Browns and Revolution/CubeVision’s Are We There Yet? (starring Ice Cube), also for TBS; and, for FX, Lionsgate Television’s Anger Management (starring Charlie Sheen), Saint George (starring and co-created by George Lopez) and a new, untitled sitcom (starring comedy legends Martin Lawrence and Kelsey Grammer), set to premiere in 2014. In the first-run arena, Debmar–Mercury has established itself as a significant presence in daytime talk with the production and distribution of The Wendy Williams Show; which entered its fifth season in September, 2013; and in game shows with U.S. distribution rights to FremantleMedia North America’s Steve Harvey-hosted Family Feud. Debmar-Mercury was established in 2003 with the merger of Marcus’ Debmar and Bernstein’s Mercury television distribution companies. They also acquired distribution rights to film packages from Joe Roth and Revolution Studios. In July of 2006, Lionsgate (NYSE: LGF), a leading global entertainment company, acquired the entrepreneurial Debmar-Mercury, which continues to operate as a wholly owned independent subsidiary. Previously, Bernstein served as president of worldwide television distribution for Lionsgate Entertainment. Earlier, Mercury launched a number of first-run action hours in domestic syndication, including Relic Hunter, starring Tia Carrere. Prior to the launch of Mercury, Bernstein served as president of domestic television distribution for Rysher Entertainment, Cox Enterprise’s production and distribution studio division. Beginning in June 1993 as executive VP, Bernstein became involved in all areas of the company’s marketing and programming activities, including domestic syndication, international distribution, cable, and home video and advertising sales. In December 1994, following his promotion to president, he oversaw the development, sales and marketing of programming to the domestic television marketplace. During his six-year tenure there, Rysher successfully launched seven action hours and three strips. Earlier in his career, Bernstein served as VP of advertiser-supported and cable programming at Reeves Entertainment from 1990-1993. At Reeves, Bernstein was involved in a variety of international and cable co-productions. He also packaged the special We’re Expecting for ABC, bringing Procter & Gamble and Prudential Insurance on board to sponsor the acclaimed program. From 1984-90, Bernstein served as executive VP/director of advertising sales for LBS Communications, where he oversaw in excess of $100 million in annual billings