small blurb on ABC programming

[Luv2Roam]

* ABC (nyse: DIS - news - people) has officially taken its current-programming department out of mothballs, hiring network veteran Lance Taylor to lead a revived unit.
Reuters, 02.05.03, 1:34 AM ET

 

[Another Voice]

A few other quick bits of buzz going around town.

First that major changes are in the works for ‘Alias’. Using the old standard “in order to attract new viewers” bit expect most of the multiple episode story arcs to disappear. There will be the occansional continuing plot, but more and more episodes will become “standalone”. And also expect a much clearer distinction between “the good guys” and “the bad guys” in the future. Essential, Disney thinks the show isn’t pulling in the audience that they want because the show is too smart.

Second, you’ve all probably seen the dust-up in the media from the creator of ‘The Practice’. He’s furious that Disney moved the show opposite to Monday where’s it’s getting slaughtered by ‘Joe Millionaire’. Disney did that to prop up two big budget dramas ‘Veritas’ and ‘Miracles’. These shows were created a bit back as counter-programming to reality shows (which Disney thought were going to be on their way out this season).

Well, sadly, reality is here to stay. The two new shows are not up to ratings requirements (expect them to be gone shortly after sweeps end this month) and ‘The Practice’ – which was ABC’s highest rated series – is now coming in fourth in its time slot. Another angle Disney is playing to force the show’s owner (which I believe is 20th Century Fox) to reduce the cost of the show. It’s another game of corporate chicken: charge me less or I’ll cancel the show – put the show back and you’ll get ratings enough to justify the cost.

Ratings at ABC are doing their standard post-Monday Night Football dive. Even ‘The Bachelorette’ has lost most if its shine. Disney will be forcing her on all kinds of ABC shows in the next couple of weeks in hopes of drumming up some kind of interest for the finale.

 

[doubletrouble_vb]

I was a bit surprised to see no comments about the Michael Jackson special. Given Disney's track record I expect to see specials like this one in the future. The only problem is that future candidates probably won't appreciate getting bushwacked and may not volunteer for a special...plus...8 months is a lonnnnng time to make a special.

 

[curtisl]

They must be hitting rock bottom now with such gems coming up as "Are You Hot?" and "I'm a Celebrity -- Get Me Out of Here!" ABC now about ties with Fox for coming out with crappy reality shows and axing quality programs.

 

[Safari Steve]

The Michael Jackson documentary/interview was produced by the BBC. ABC bought US TV rights, and added an interview with the journalist for Prime-Time: Live. As far as MJ being "bushwacked"... I think that it's pretty fair to say that Jackson got final approval of the documentary and is so out-of-touch that he thought it painted a pretty favorable picture of him, until his lawyers/press agents saw the public reaction to how far into Howard Hughes territory he has gone.

 

[Zurg]

Originally posted by Safari Steve
... how far into Howard Hughes territory he has gone.

Funny how the quotes of his objections about the show are more coherent that him on camera in the show, it is almost like someone else said them......

 

[dzneelvr]

Well--ABC has a long way to go to get better !

Seems like they are making the Millionnaire mistake all over again--taking a hit concept (reality show) and then making a zillion other shows just like it !!
I'm not a prude, but to think that Disney expouses family-values on one hand and then supports Trista's sluttish behavior on the other hand is a bit much.

Now we get the choice to watch "who's the hottest/sexiest person...." In EW's current copy, some females are auditioning for this show by taking off their tops and pulling up their skirts for the judges to look over the "material" (and they ain't wearin' undies). Wow--that's certainly a show I want my kids to watch !! And one of the judges is Lorenzo Lamas--come on, has that guy been on anything since Falcon Crest ????

Shame on Disney.

 

[korzmom]

amen