"We're rooting for broadcast television."
This is the print version of the ABC executive session, but illustrated in a way you'd never see in the paper.
Before addressing the issues confronting his network during his summer TV Press Tour session Wednesday morning, ABC Entertainment president Stephen McPherson took time out for a kum-ba-yah moment.
"We're rooting for broadcast television," he declared. "It's important to get all the viewers back. We have to take a step back and root for the industry. There are a lot of nay-saying and doomsday scenarios out there, but as the May upfronts proved, the money (from advertisers) is there; the interest is there."
Of the major networks, ABC found its shelves the most depleted when it came time to schedule the 2008-09 season; it is premiering but one new scripted series and one new reality show this fall.
"The strike changed everything in terms of the way development went - we weren't going to announce ... shows that didn't exist," McPherson explained.
"We're really in the middle of pilot season now." The network will look at pilots for prospective series in August that may appear on the air as soon as November.
McPherson said that not having many new shows in the fall has an upside. "I like the fact we can prioritize promoting returning shows," he said.
Indeed, when shows returned in the spring after the writers strike, ABC held back its entire Wednesday schedule of new series and decided to launch them anew in the fall.
"That really does have a creative upside - we do believe in these shows; we do believe in these showrunners," McPherson said. "Our Wednesday night was an unbelievable success story, and we think there's a lot of upside there."
In fact, Wednesday proved to be a mixed bag for ABC. The network did prove able to launch a night of all new shows, traditionally considered a dangerous strategy, but the shows lost a considerable number of viewers as the season pressed on. "Private Practice," a spinoff of "Grey's Anatomy," never came close to approximating that show's hit numbers, viewership levels for the quirky mystery-comedy "Pushing Daisies" ebbed after a strong initial showing and the drolly urbane melodrama "Dirty Sexy Money" fairly struggled ...
(... and not just with performance-anxiety issues.)
Nonetheless, by keeping the shows off the spring schedule, McPherson said that gave those series' producers "a lot more prep time" to craft strong episodes that will hopefully grab and hold viewers come the fall, and allow them to possibly produce more episodes over the course of the upcoming season, cutting down the number of repeats.
McPherson attempted to tamp down rumors of creative turmoil regarding "Life on Mars," its sole new scripted series, based upon a British series about a contemporary policeman who, after an automobile accident, awakens to find himself in the 1970s, working for a less sophisticated, more rough-and-tumble police department.
"Those were rumors from people who were searching for something, some conspiracy," McPherson claimed. "It's in great shape. It's a production I'm particularly passionate about - I've been trying to do it for a couple of years."
David E. Kelley ("Boston Legal") initially created the pilot, but has since left the show, which McPherson attributed to his wanting to devote his time working on "Boston Legal's" final season. Executive producers from ABC's low-rated soaper "October Road" were brought in to guide the production; wholesale casting changes were made, as well, with Michael Imperioli ("The Sopranos") and Jason O'Mara recently added to the cast.
"They've been doing a fantastic job - they're creating something that's more what we wanted to accomplish," McPherson said. "We continue to be extremely excited about the show. It is a work in progress, but I would certainly not root against it."
McPherson said that the network's decision to spend more energy promoting its new reality-competition show "Opportunity Knocks" over "Life on Mars" was because the former is scheduled in a more difficult timeslot than the latter.
Jimmy Kimmel, ABC's late-night host, made a brief appearance to help McPherson deal with the question of whether the network will try to woo Jay Leno when he leaves "The Tonight Show" in 2009. Posing as a reporter from a small-town newspaper, he asked McPherson, "Are you concerned that if you do replace Jimmy Kimmel, he might do something to you or your car?"
Noting, "I can't believe NBC will let this guy go at the top of his game," McPherson was intentionally vague as to the network's intentions, but said that Kimmel would be brought in on any discussions. ABC is considered to have the best chance of landing Leno, whom many believe wants to remain at 11:30 p.m., a timeslot neither Fox nor a syndicated deal could guarantee, and though Kimmel's show would air a half-hour later, it would benefit from the ratings bump Leno would provide.
McPherson was equally circumspect in discussing Katherine Heigl's recent declaration that she didn't submit herself for an Emmy nomination (though she won last year) because the show's writers didn't give her any good material to work with this past season. Some saw her comments as a bid to get off the show so she could pursue her expanding film career.
(A serious actress deserves serious material.)
"It's unfortunate when there's turmoil on a show - so many people work hard to make it a No. 1 show," the executive said. But he maintained that Heigl will be back on the show, and promised that the writers had cooked up an "unbelievable story line" for the actress.
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David Kronke was appointed Mayor of Television after a bloodless coup in 2000. Since then, he has improved infrastructure, championed greater educational opportunities and fought for reforms that have utterly erased corruption and incompetence from the television industry. Since Mr. Kronke has ascended to power, Television is a far better place.
It is quite interesting this article in that October Road was said to be low-rated. It was low rated because it was not promoted properly and moved around and put on Mondays at a crappy time. This show was a breathe of fresh air and it was well written with a great cast. I hope they can find it possible to bring October Road back into the line-up. The fans of this show are doing whatever it takes to get the word out about this show, even going about a way called Pay October Road Forward. Where we donated to soldiers and librarys, season 1 dvd to introduce it to new viewers. This has worked well and so many are now hooked and can't believe they don't get to see more of it. Hopefully if we spread the word more of the cancellation it will get more people to write to ABC and ask them to bring it back.
To whom it may concern,
I am not sure what is going on but I can tell you that my friends and I love October Road. We are upset that it's season is always very short and that we have so much time between shows. Have you really given some people a chance to fall in love with October Road? I am not so sure. It is unfortunate that you will dump loads of time and money into another bad reality show when many of us are looking for good entertainment. Is it not enough that Grey's has gone to boring? When will you stop screwing with good television. I, like many women, work very hard all day and at night atleast 1 night a week, just want to relax and fall into a good program. I hope that you will reconsider the way that you seen to be approaching October Road. We can all go home again, as long as you let us.
I love October Road and I still can't believe that ABC canceled it.I wouldn't miss a single episode and miss OR very much!!Why can't ABC see what people want,instead of bringing new reality shows that nobody I know watches?They really didn't give OCTOBER ROAD fair chance,moving it around,not promoting it,giving us only 19! episodes in two seasons,often having 2-3 weeks between new episodes.I really hope ABC will bring OR back,I would trade OR for all other shows.If OR was the only show on TV,it would be fine with me.
Dropping October Road was a huge mistake. How could it possibly be considered low rated? It has what many other shows don't have- Fans. As McPherson stated other shows had lower numbers but are being coddled in the scheduling to help up them. Why not October Road?? I truly believe O Road was scraficed soley because overall ABC is struggling to keep up with other networks. Their lagging behind has induced a frenzy and as a result they jumped on LIFE ON MARS, which I have yet to see a good review for. It's a remake of a Brithish show and the trailers look like a cheezy parody. I hope ABC realizes that just because the British like it and did it well doesn't mean it's right for American's. It shows just how desperate a network can be when they jump on something just because they hope it'll save them. What happened to the American way of sticking it out and being loyal until you get past the humps (such as the writers strike). Listen to what your viewers want not what you think possible viewers will like. It takes something special to steal viewers from another network and Eddie Latekka and Phil said it best. Their going to loose their loyal viewers in a failed attempt to gain new ones. We were their possibility.
Bring O-Road Back!
If Steve McPherson keeps promoting overrated shows (i.e. Grey's Anatomy) and doesn't give great new shows a chance, he's going to watch his network get passed in the ratings. October Road was a heart warming show that really had promise. And he threw it away. I don't trust him. So here's my warning to fans of all the new/renewed shows, enjoy them while you can. Come next year, he'll have a whole new crop of weak shows to replace them with.
I was shocked by the new of the cancellation of October Road. This show was above so many others when it came to it's characters and the way you fell in love with the story. I have since aquired several new fans with sharing my Season 1 dvd and they will also continue to help fight and bring back this beloved show. I really hope that we boot these ridiculous reality shows and bring back the heart-warming relateable show that October Road was. Long Live the Road!
I hope ABC brings October Road back. It was a great show with great acting.
There are only so many primetime slots and only so many types of shows that draw the immense viewer base that networks desire. This limiting structure results in cancellations that are not good for the networks, for viewers, or for ad agencies.
Consequently, viewers are turning away from primetime networks and moving toward alternate media sources like Netflix, youtube, and other web based distribution methods. Ratings are down and fewer commercials are being watched on primetime television due to the influence of DVRs. Viewers are looking for original, quality content and are tiring of reality shows. More than ever they are looking for loyalty and desire that networks finish out the shows they start.
While this is a negative picture, I believe that networks can become more competitive, increase viewer satisfaction, and optimize ad effectiveness by adapting new practices in line with the digital media age that we live in. Networks can achieve this by expanding existing media, creating new content for web and mobile distribution, and actively involving viewers in the entertainment experience via convergence.
I think October Road would make a great test case for extending the distribution of an existing content. This is a show that encourages social community and has a loyal fan base. It has brought people to the internet that otherwise wouldn’t be there. It draws a certain audience and keeps them. It is authentic, immersive, moving, and has attracted millions of viewers despite poor marketing and inconsistent product placement.
A third season of October Road could be developed and jointly released for web/mobile in “minisode” form as well as in a traditional primetime slot. These thoughts are further developed out in the blog and comment section at "Prime Time For Change".
This delivery method would allow for more precise and effective ad placement. It would increase the number of ads watched and it would increase the viewing base.
Network programming currently emphasizes popularity. As a result, original content often ends up being stymied, creativity is often squelched, and tv ends up becoming saturated with “reality” shows and unoriginal remakes.
Networks should be accountable to deliver the goods to their viewers and should have a mechanism in place for doing so. Everyone wins. New stories can be told...in their totality!
Let's help save television from itself, let us rethink media in this digital age.
It is a PrimeTime For Change!
TimTodd
http://primetimeforchange.com.
I was also astonished at the news that October Road had been canceled. Not only was it my favorite show on television, but it was also the only show my husband watched on TV. He had given up on television all together until October Road started. This is the only show we watch together; we even make our boys go to their room and watch a movie so we do not miss any of it. GREAT SHOW! My husband and I will have no together time without this show!!
McPherson seems to always and I mean always fails to comment on the large following of October Road on heyneilson, and other similiar websites. And he has failed us I mean really failed us. We Roadies continue our quest, and we will NOT give up!! WE want OUR SHOW BACK. And we want it properly presented as to recieve a fair chance. The whole reality tv thing bites, we want oour good family viewing back, we want the Road back. The hard work we have done has brought in many new fans, so give us a fair chance. Do the Right thing. October Road return. I have now blocked ABC from every remote in my house. ANd it will stay that way til this is resolved.
There are a LOT of people out there now just discovering that their favorite show, OCTOBER ROAD, will not be back as of yet, this fall.
I find it interesting that they state "we're rooting for broadcast tv" and "we have to get all the viewers" back.
Really, ABC? Then, why on earth did you dump a great, unique show who's following was growing each week and replace it with crap? Yes, crap! Japanese Game show? Ridiculous dating shows like the Bachelor/ette? Wipeout? Medical shows like Private Practice and Greys Anatomy? Borrrrring!!
I love October Road, along with Men in Trees and they are both gone. I was a fan of The Nine and What About Brian and they disappeared, too.
I have watched ABC my entire life and I can quite honestly say that this coming fall, there will be nothing that I tune in too. That is a shame, too, because normally I will tune in to shows that are on before/after my favorites. I also am a dedicated, loyal fan who not only talks non stop about shows I love to anyone who will listen, I make it a point to support the show's sponsors. Yes, I am YOUR ideal viewer, ABC, and you've made me angry and broken my heart.
I hope ABC or some other network will consider bringing back to the airwaves a wonderful, unique, witty show - OCTOBER ROAD. Listen to your fans, ABC, before it is too late to get them back. With a little consistency and promotion (and the best there is, in my opinion, is word of mouth), October Road would certainly find its way to the limelight. I am sure of it.
Be ORIGINAL and make a stand. I can view garbage on any network these days.
OCTOBER ROAD IS A GEM.
I will add my comments to those already expressing their disappointment that October Road has been cancelled. I was continually checking the web site to see when the new season started so that I could catch up with all of my favorite characters. OR is a great show, and everyone that I know watches religiously- thank-you DVR! I cannot believe that ABC cancelled the show. Listen to what people are asking for. Film at least another season of OR and do a better job of marketing it.
ABC once apon a time had a great, wonderful, heart touching, excting show called October Road, now after they canceld that wonderful show I have doubts to watch any other show on ABC, they just don't see the true talent of greatness and see something in the dumbess shows, and also they have a way of setting shows like October Road up for failer with lack of advertisment and such....What a shame......ABC once abon a time had a great show and can again soooo please bring back our great, wonderful, heart touching and exciting show, "October Road"
I LOVE October Road! Please don't leave us wondering what happened to these people we care about.
I can't believe ABC was foolish enough to cancel such a brilliant show, October Road. It was well written with lovable characters that I couldn't wait to tune into watch each week. ABC and TV in general do not need anymore of the pathetic and usually stupid reality shows. Give the viewers something they can really enjoy and feel they're a part of. October Road just needs a better time slot and more promotion. Don't put it in a time slot that is against a show that has been on for several sessions and has a huge following, such as CSI Miami. Put it against another new show or one that is working on building it's audience so that October Road has a fair shot in the ratings. If it can't be watched on the air, then please put it on ABC's website to watch. We the fans of October Road feel cheated on so many storylines that were never completed. Give the fans what they want. LONG LIVE THE ROAD!!!
I found October Road by accident one night while flipping through channels I had never even heard of it before but after watching it once I was hooked and never missed another episode. Had it been properly promoted I would have been watching it from the start, I cant believe this great show was taken off while stupid reality crap runs rampant on tv!
You can see by the comments how disappointed fans of October Road are with ABC for cancelling one of the best family dramas to come out in years. This despite the lack of promotion, switching of days, and frequent preemptings. Just imagine what it could be with some advertising and promotion......... Does quality not count any more?
You can see by the comments how disappointed fans of October Road are with ABC for cancelling one of the best family dramas to come out in years. This despite the lack of promotion, switching of days, and frequent preemptings. Just imagine what it could be with some advertising and promotion......... Does quality not count any more?
Seriously, cancelling October Road was a huge mistake.
I just found out about the cancellation of October Road. ARE YOU GUYS CRAZY??? I looked forward to watching each week, as I did What About Brian. Didn't know that got cancelled either. October Road was a refreshing drama that was fun to watch. These other reality shows are so boring, the Japanese show?, that show Wipeout? You have got to be kidding me.
Bring back October Road. Please!!!
I am extremely disappointed in McPherson and the rest of the ABC people. What I don't understand is that October Road has a great following. It had good ratings when it was on Thursday nights, yet you chose to put it in Monday's death slot. It still had decent ratings, then the strike happened along with all the pre empting for specials. If ABC had only kept up the advertising of this awesome show then it would of had much better ratings.
Why would you keep putting on Reality, not everyone likes Reality.
We the viewers should have a choice as to what we want to watch.
Why would you keep certain shows on not knowing if those shows will survive? YOU need to bring October Road back, I know that it is too late to bring it back for the fall season so bring it back mid season. The Roadies have done plenty of advertising for you.
So reconsider your decision because it was the wrong one when you cancelled.
BRING BACK THE OCTOBER ROAD!!!!!!!!
GIVE IT THE RESPECT IT DESERVES!!!!!!!!!