Discovery Channel Wins Bid For Sarah Palin’s Alaska Documentary

Sources say Discovery Communications has edged out rival A&E Networks in the bidding for the project, titled "Sarah Palin's Alaska."

Although travelogues are on brand for the Discovery flagship, having Palin as a centerpiece also makes the show a fit for mom-friendly TLC. Clearly nature docs are still viable for the company -- Discovery's latest effort in genre, the miniseries "Life," just debuted to 11.8 million viewers on Sunday night.

In her numerous TV appearances across a variety of programs, Sarah Palin has likewise proven she can draw an audience. Yet her show won't come cheap.  Governor Palin's agent is asking $1.5 million per episode but considering the millions and millions of viewers it is a bargain.  It will most likely be the most watched documentary in history.

The high-definition program will be shot in a style similar to "Life" or the 11-part "Planet Earth" and will feature Sarah Palin as a guide to the Alaskan outdoors. 

Sources:

Sarah Palin near deal for show

Sarah Palin's Alaska to Air on Discovery

Bidding War: A&E Vs. Discovery Channel For Sarah Palin’s Alaska Documentary

Denise Martin, from the LA Times, reported: A&E and Discovery race to land Sarah Palin's Alaska-themed reality show

Two cable networks are bidding on the reality show Sarah Palin is pitching about Alaska.

According to Variety, it's come down to A&E and the Discovery Networks, companies that recently butted heads over the launch of two shows on Discovery's TLC that appeared to knock off A&E's highly rated "Intervention" and "Hoarders."

A&E and Discovery are said to be finalizing their bids and a decision could be made in the next few days. The trade reports that the show, which is being produced by Mark Burnett, could cost the winner about $1 million an episode. Burnett and Palin did pitch the project to the major broadcast networks, but they ultimately all passed.

Entertainment Weekly's initial report on the project described the show as "a travelogue-type documentary in which the former vice presidential candidate gives viewers an intimate look at her home state of Alaska."

Source:

A&E and Discovery race to land Sarah Palin's Alaska-themed reality show