TV networks playing it safe this fall, UNT professor says

Reality series are a staple on the four main television networks' schedules for fall 2004, with the networks focusing on the familiar for new sitcoms and dramas. That's thanks in part to executives being content to leave daring shows to cable in the wake of last February's Super Bowl halftime show, says Kenneth Loomis, assistant professor of radio, television and film. He says the war on terrorism has also played a role in the shift in Americans' viewing preferences.

Loomis says the new programs being introduced this fall illustrate that those who develop network television series are increasingly "playing it safe." Original series on cable television include the profanity, violence and other material networks can't tolerate — not only because of Federal Communication Commission standards, but because advertisers may not approve, Loomis says.

"Networks primarily make money from advertisers so they have to have a large number of people watching a show to see the advertising. That cuts into the creativity," he says, noting that the exposure of Janet Jackson's breast during CBS' broadcast of the Super Bowl halftime show brought decency standards back to the public eye.

Loomis points out that only six new comedies are scheduled to premiere on FOX, ABC, NBC and CBS in September, most of which will star familiar television actors.

But 13 new or returning reality programs, which are less expensive to produce than other types of shows, are scheduled to air between August and December.

"Reality TV has essentially replaced sitcoms. The shows have the same humorous appeal, and we get attached to the individuals just as we get attached to the sitcom characters," Loomis says, pointing to the war on terrorism as one reason so few new sitcoms are on the network schedules.

"The sitcom revival during the 1970s was during a light time for America, but now we're in a heavy time. The networks are sensing that the marketplace isn't in the mood for new sitcoms," he says.

BY NANCY KOLSTI nkolsti@unt.edu

Other featured articles in this issue

• KNTU, UNT Observatory named to D Magazine's 'Best of Big D' lists
• Leadership Texas scholarship funds available
• Faculty, staff participants needed for new student mentoring program
• Money earned by interns translates to $1 million for region's economy
• Grant supports UNT initiative to place librarians in border towns
• Student Recreation Center memberships available to faculty, staff for 2004-05
• Walkers, donors needed for 2004 American Heart Walk
• UNT scholarships available for faculty, staff
• Events planned to welcome students back to UNT

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