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Republic of Doyle, Mercer, 22 Minutes all renewed

Mark Critch performs during a segment of 22 Minutes, which is shot in Halifax's CBC production studio. The show has been renewed for another season.

Republic of Doyle, The Rick Mercer Report and 22 Minutes have all been renewed for another season, the CBC announced today.

The three shows with Newfoundland and Labrador ties are among 14 series returning for the 2012-13 season. The CBC says more details will be announced in the coming weeks.

The coming season will be the fourth for Republic of Doyle, which is shot on location in St. John’s.

“Breaking news from The Republic!” show creator and star Allan Hawco tweeted from Ireland. “Republic of Doyle back for a fourth season on CBC! ... More details May 10.”

The Rick Mercer Report is returning for a 10th season. And the venerable 22 Minutes will celebrate its 20th year on the air.

“CBC Television’s commitment to developing entertaining, engaging Canadian programming was rewarded with record ratings last season,” Christine Wilson, executive director of content planning for CBC English services, said in a press release.

“Despite financial challenges, the strength of those returning favourites combined with exciting new titles is setting the stage for an outstanding 2012-13 season.”

Federal government cuts will see the CBC lose $115 million in funding over three years. The public broadcaster will see 10 per cent taken from its current $1.1-billion budget.

The reduction in funding has resulted in a number of cost-cutting measures. The one-hour TV news program Connect with Mark Kelley, the radio show Dispatches and drama programming on Radio One are all going under the guillotine. Some 650 positions in total will disappear.

Earlier this month, the CBC announced there would be six fewer series on the television network, meaning 175 fewer hours produced.

Doyle, Mercer and 22 Minutes all survived the cut. It's not yet clear how many episodes of each show are being ordered.

22 Minutes is taped before a live studio audience in Halifax. As part of recently-announced cost-cutting measures, that studio is expected to close in two years.