3) The B5 mag is cancelled as of #24 due to poor US sales due
to TNT hiding the program away in it's scheduling. Boo I say
since it's the only Titan mag that's ever been any good.
Hold it, hold it - TNT are showing B5? You're damm right they're hiding
it
- God knows (and is probably the only one) where they've shoved it in
their
schedules!
Quoting the B5JMS Email where he talks about the mags cancelation:
<Quote JMS>
I find it weird (can't think of another word) that people who were so
excited
that TNT gave B5 another chance are suddenly so upset at them that they
blame
them for EVERYTHING that goes wrong.
Actually...it is.
We've heard from licensors and publishers, including Titan and Del Rey, and
the
#1 reason they cite the problems they're having is that TNT is airing the
show
at 7 a.m. Saturday mornings here in the US, which is the biggest market, and
where it *cannot* add new viewers. (Kung Fu is aired middle afternoon
weekdays.) Putting it at 7 a.m. Saturdays was a testosterone decision by
some
folks at TNT.
So without question or hesitation, from the source: the continued placement
of
B5 where it is is hurting the publishing licensees. This is but the most
current and visible example.
</Quote JMS>
I just love US scheduling - it's a nightmare figuring out where any show
is
(and don't even get me started on the sweeps!) and if it is a new episode.
Having said that, once you have got it figured out it does get easier - I
have finally got Fox and X-files sussed (speaking of which you folks have
got to watch "First Person Shooter" 'cause it's absolutely hilarious in
places - Mulder actually shows some emotion and Scully gets to kick ass!)
US Scheduling is somewhat comedic at times. TF, like B5 fans before them,
are finding out what it's like to have your show shown abroad first - S2 of
Beast Machines is airing in Canada first.
BTW S1 of Beast Machines is on GMTV over the summer. You heard it here
first.
P.S. The new season of Farscape starts next Friday and from the bits and
pieces I've seen so far, it looks pretty damm good!
Saw a bit last week. Wasn't impressed. Schedulers aren't our fave people
at the moment due to Dr Who. Thank the lord they've put Blake's 7 on even
if it is a somewhat movable fest....
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-
Philip Ayres
payres@
www.netcomuk.co.uk/~payres
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