Now is the time for all good viewers to come to the aid of their favorite shows

By Ted Cox - TV/Radio

As the primary campaign just showed, it's all right to simply make your choice and cast your vote, but it's better to organize and get others on your side. There's strength in numbers. And the same holds true where TV shows, not political candidates, are concerned.

With network executives already planning to release their new fall TV schedules in May, now is the time to campaign for your favorite shows. You can't just sit idly by and watch them, expecting the Nielsen ratings to cast your vote for you. You have to organize support, galvanize the audience, make a difference.

If only there were a way to run political attack ads against programs like "Yes, Dear." Sure, it's a long shot, sort of like expecting a qualified candidate like John Schmidt to top a connected big-name mediocrity like Lisa Madigan, but quality shows can be saved. And the political parallels aren't so farfetched. The www.petitiononline.com Web site, which organizes Internet petitions on various issues, has also taken up the cause of "Futurama," "Once and Again" and the perennially threatened "Roswell."

So, with an eye toward making a difference, here's a look at the broadcast networks' endangered shows and the person best to appeal to at each. Remember, it's not about winning, it's about preserving the political process.

[snipped to ABC mentions]
The Mouse network has hit rock bottom and is facing a major overhaul. "Dharma & Greg" and "Spin City" appear to be on their last legs, so that not even the most avid letter campaigns could save them.

"Once and Again" faces its annual renewal test, but its odds of surviving are longer than ever. Support is organizing around the www.saveoanda.com web site, as well as the aforementioned petitiononline.com. "The Job" is also in need of support, and even "Alias" could be in danger, as it was tied to the anchor that dragged down Stu Bloomberg. Now, write to Susan Lyne, ABC Entertainment Chairwoman, 2040 Avenue of the Stars, 7th Floor, Century City, CA 90067. __ The Daily Herald (March 21, 2002)

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