CBS Fills in 'Reagans' Spot With Reruns

Herald ^ | 11/6/03 | Lynn Elber

[Tumbleweed_Connection]

LOS ANGELES - Faced with a four-hour hole in its key November sweeps schedule after yanking "The Reagans," CBS said Thursday it is plugging in series reruns.

The miniseries about former President Reagan and his wife, Nancy, was set to air Nov. 16 and 18 but was pulled amid a barrage of conservative criticism that it distorted his character and achievements.

On Sunday, Nov. 16, CBS will repeat a two-part episode of "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation from 9-11 p.m. EST. On Tuesday, Nov. 18, reruns of "CSI: Miami" and "Without a Trace" will air.

Sweeps periods, used to set advertising rates, are highly competitive and tend to feature specials or first-run series episodes, often with eye-catching guest stars.

One of the programs the CBS reruns will face is the American Music Awards on ABC on Nov. 16.

"The Reagans" was moved to pay cable channel Showtime, a corporate cousin of Viacom-owned CBS with about a fifth of CBS' audience. An air date has yet to be announced.

Critics of the film, who based their concerns on news reports about the script and a few minutes of film sent out by CBS, praised the network's decision. They had blasted the film's fairness and timing, airing as Reagan, 92, struggles with Alzheimer's disease.

Others, questioning attacks on a film that had yet to be seen publicly, said it appeared CBS had capitulated to pressure and set a dangerous precedent.

Some argued it was a business decision, noting that Viacom is awaiting federal action on rules to restrict ownership of local TV stations. Viacom needs help from Republicans in the White House and Congress who might not like seeing Reagan portrayed negatively, they said.

The network said it made an independent decision about the film's worthiness for CBS viewers.

[dts32041]

Ouch ther goes the bottom line.

[eggman]

Others, questioning attacks on a film that had yet to be seen publicly, said it appeared CBS had capitulated to pressure and set a dangerous precedent.

No precedent here. Just an economic decision. It is better for CBS to air reruns than a show that could cost them millions in future revenues from lost viewership. If you want presedent just look at what happened to Dr. Laura Schlessinger’s television show.

Amazing what a few angry people can do to a big powerful company. Hey CBS, now you know that angry conservatives can be just as determined as angry liberals.

[Wiggins]

Reruns