Trivial Pursuit: from Tabletop to TV

Five-a-week half-hour "Trivial Pursuit: America Plays" will kick off in the fall. Counting the Fox O&Os, distributor Debmar-Mercury has signed TV stations in more than 50% of the U.S. so far. These stations, which includes outlets of CBS, Cox, Belo and Gannett, will pay cash license fees and give Debmar-Mercury three 30-second spots in each half-hour to sell nationally.

Mort Marcus, co-president of Debmar-Mercury, said a key selling point was Hasbro's commitment to shell out for extensive merchandising and promotion in advance of the debut of "Pursuit," helping to make the mass audience aware of the show.