Bernstein, Ira

Ira Bernstein is co-president of Lionsgate’s Debmar-Mercury, an innovative leading media company specializing in syndication, network, cable and ancillary markets.

The brand-name programming supplier distributes the Fremantle-produced game show hit Family Feud, hosted by Steve Harvey, and produces and distributes Sherri, the top-rated new, nationally syndicated daily talk show hosted by actress, comedian, best-selling author and TV personality Sherri Shepherd. Debmar-Mercury is currently distributing Game Show Network’s PEOPLE PUZZLER, hosted by actress, best-selling author, producer and television personality Leah Remini, to broadcast stations for fall 2023, as well as launching  ABC’s No. 1 sitcom from Werner Entertainment, The Conners, in domestic syndication for fall 2024. The Company also distributes the 10/90 sitcoms it pioneered including Tyler Perry’s House of Payne and spinoff Meet the Browns, Revolution/CubeVision’s Are We There Yet? (starring Ice Cube), and the Debmar-Mercury/Lionsgate Television comedy Anger Management (starring Charlie Sheen). 

A 2018 Broadcasting & Cable Hall of Fame honoree, Bernstein served as president of worldwide television distribution for Lionsgate Entertainment from 2001-03 after operating his own domestic distribution banner, Mercury, since 1999. There, he 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, 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 daily strips.

From 1990-93, Bernstein served as VP of advertiser-supported and cable programming at Reeves Entertainment. 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.

During a span stretching from 1984-90 at LBS Communications, Bernstein oversaw in excess of $100 million in annual billings as director of advertising sales and, as executive VP, was involved in bringing such hit programming as Fame, 21 Jump Street and Family Feud into the syndication marketplace.

Bernstein worked in the television department of ad agencies Ogilvy & Mather, McCann Erikson and Kenyon and Eckhardt from 1981-84. In his final year Kenyon and Eckhardt, he packaged The Last Days of Patton, starring George C. Scott, for CBS.  The movie was financed and sponsored by Chrysler.