Networks eyeing Palin reality series

11:45 PM PDT 10/13/2010 by James Hibberd, AP

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A&E, Discovery want to acquire the project

Sarah Palin is getting closer to having her own reality show.

A&E Networks and Discovery Communications want to acquire Palin's project, which focuses on the ex-governor giving a guided tour of her native Alaska -- visiting fishing boats and taking a trip to a gold mine, to cite a couple examples. Mark Burnett is executive producer.

The working title is "Sarah Palin's Alaska."

A&E Networks hasn't officially put in a bid for the project, but the company apparently is interested in the project for several of its brands: A&E, History or Lifetime.

Discovery likewise is vying for the project for one or more of its outlets, including TLC.
Palin is asking for $1 million-$1.5 million per episode, a hefty amount for a first-year cable series.

She initially pitched the show to broadcast networks. Given the laid-back nature theme and none of the high-stakes drama that typifies broadcast reality hits, industry execs see cable as a better fit.

A&E is the home of such bold reality fare as "Intervention" and "Dog the Bounty Hunter," and Discovery has picturesque travelogues and the Alaska-set "Deadliest Catch."

"It will sell," predicts one insider, "one way or another."

A&E and Discovery declined comment.