Fox Executives Leave Room For Improvement

Mon., March 20, 2000

Theresa Carpine, Ferris

Over the year, I have watched the business sense of FOX network officials, and save a few decisions, the choices they’ve made have not helped FOX programming.

Do you remember the series “Harsh Realm?” How could you? The Chris Carter (“The X-Files”) drama that debuted last fall was canceled after only three airings and three weeks of mediocre reviews and ratings. Fortunately, for fans of the show, FOX’s cable network FX has picked up the series and will being airing episodes on Fridays at 9 p.m. beginning this week.

I’m looking forward to seeing the show on-air again, but production of the series was shut down, so even if the ratings are promising, they have only a few shows to run.

If FOX officials wanted to improve “Harsh Realm,” they could have put it on hiatus while they tweaked the problems. They could have moved the show to a new time slot. Friday nights is trouble for any series; even “The X-Files” struggled when it premiered in the same position. Plus, “Harsh Realm” was up against “Now and Again” on CBS. Two science-fiction action shows battling for the 18-35 male crowd on a Friday night - what geniuses arranged those schedules?

I don’t think FOX has any problem with rearranging its lineup in order to improve ratings. “Time of Your Life,” “Get Real” and “The PJs” are getting second chances after humble beginnings.

The - bluntly put - stupid cartoon “Family Guy” is still trying to get an audience and a permanent time slot after its debut a year ago. “Harsh Realm” was cut off too quickly by the executives.

Next year, FOX will be losing “Party of Five,” “Beverly Hills 90210” and “The X-Files.” Officials say they’re cutting back on the reality programs, all the “When Good Pets Go Bad” type shows. The only really secure hits the network has left are “The Simpsons” and “Ally McBeal.” Sure, FOX has other quality shows, but they’re only surviving while the aforementioned thrive.

If FOX wants to maintain its status as a major network, its officials better start acting like they know how to run a company. They could start by sending “Family Guy” on a fond farewell.

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