Courting Viacom

[jadeshand]

Because we know that Viacom is interested in purchasing the Sci-Fi Channel or in starting their own science fiction network, the Save Farscape campaign needs to let them know how valuable a viewerbase we are.

So what should we do?

Of course, we need to write Viacom and its networks: UPN, TNN, CBS and Showtime.

Nice, professional typed letters to Viacom International would be correct.

What should we say?

1. That we are behind their bid to buy the Sci-Fi Channel or if that fails, we WANT them to start their own science fiction network.

2. Let them know what we would love to see on a science fiction network. Here you can talk about quality science fiction such as Farscape, Odyssey5, and yes, even Stargate ;) I think it's important here that we stress that a science fiction network be true to the genre instead of showing stuff like the Flintstones and Dream Team.

3. Tell them about yourself. Give your demographics, let them know how much money you spend on science fiction related merchandise. Even include a photo if you wish.

FOR VIACOM INTERNATIONAL

Mr. Sumner M. Redstone
Chairman & CEO
Viacom International
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036

Mr. Mel Karmazin
President and COO
Viacom International
1515 Broadway
New York, NY 10036


For the Viacom owned networks, it would probably be best to ask for a renewal of the Farscape franchise on their particular network instead of stressing a need for a science fiction channel, but again, stress your demographics and show them what a valuable resource you would be for their network. Also, in writing the networks, it is better to write HANDWRITTEN letters because networks have a tradition of believing that one handwritten letter represents a 1000 viewers.


UPN

Dawn Tarnofsky-Ostroff, Pres UPN Entertainment
Kevin Levy, Senior Vice-President, Schedule & Acquisitions


United Paramount Network
11800 Wilshire Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90025

Phone: +1 310-575-7000
Fax: +1 310-575-7220
Fax: 1 310 575 7210


SHOWTIME

East Coast
Showtime Networks
1633 Broadway
New York, NY 10019
Phone: 1 212-708-1600
Fax: 1 212-708-1217

Mathew C Blank (Chairman, CEO)
Frank Pintauro (Sr VP, Creative Director, Original Programming)

West Coast
Showtime Networks
10880 Wilshire Blvd. Stes. 1500 & 1600
Los Angeles, CA 90024
Phone 310-234-5200
Fax: 310-234-5393

Matthew Blank, CEO & Chairman, Showtime Networks
Jerry Offsay, President, Programming, Showtime Networks
Mathew Duda (VP, aquisitions and planning)
Gary Levine (VP., Original programming)

online
1.Go to: http://sho.com/util/custhelp.cfm
2.Login with your name and email address
3.On the next page, select, "Ask a Question -- Submit a question to our technical support staff who will reply to you by e-mail."
4.Don't let the word "technical" throw you (you can ask programming questions, as you will see)
5.On the next screen there will be a form. Select the topic, "SHO Original Series," but leave the second menu blank (as this would be a new show)
6.Write youe letter, and address it to Matthew Blank, CEO & Chairman, Showtime Networks and Jerry Offsay, President, Programming, Showtime Networks. Tell them that you want to see this fine series finish what it started, and anything else you feel will help!
7.Sign it and send. Follow the rest of the directions. The mail is being forwarded, and they are reading it.


Mr. Leslie Moonves
President and CEO
CBS Television
CBS Television City
7800 W Beverly Boulevard
Los Angeles, CA 90036

[Dominar of Action]

Great idea! Although not a genre fan, I (and others like me) can still certainly tell Viacom that I would welcome a sci fi channel because in these dark days of reality TV crap, it seems that sci fi is the last bastion of creativity out there. :aok: Who knows, properly marketed, such a channel might just be able to tap into a whole new segment of the market -- intelligent mainstream viewers who are desperate for quality, creative storytelling. :D

[saska]

Bump!

Thanks for posting this, jadeshand. It is definitely time to show Viacom some serious Scaper love.

Saska

[Mike@Pilots Chamber]

Bump!

Something for this weeks To-Do list methinks! Nice thinking Jadeshand

[AnnieBW]

Oh, I was reading somewhere that Mr. Redstone just got married. (I wanna be someone's trophy wife! :D ) Maybe we should congratulate him on his wedding, and tell him that Sci-Fi would make a great wedding present to his new bride - as long as it wasn't Bonnie Hammer! :D

- Annie

[uisceboo]

Totally behind this idea.

Can we bring the other disgruntled people on board, like the Battlestar Gallactica fans, the I-Man crowd, etc.?

[Xothas]

Yeah! Good idea uisceboo....time to go recruiting! This is certainly a chance to combine forces and see where this goes....I imagine that if we pulled this off successfully, we could make quite an impression on Viacom....

[SabaceanBabe]

Can you imagine a new science fiction network under Viacom, sporting not only Farscape and Invisible Man, but also a real, new Battlestar Galactica running opposite the "reimagined" BS (no pun intended) on Sci Fi?

Off to write a letter...

[jadeshand]

Now you have the idea, SebaceanBabe...

Invisible Man fans and Farscape fans have always been close, I'm sure they would join any campaign such as courting Viacom for a REAL science fiction network....

And many others too...

[jadeshand]

Maybe we should talk to DoA about sending Mr. Redstone an ice cream wedding cake! :D

[Dominar of Action]

:rofl:, jades ... but wouldn't want to jinx them or anything.

[Sparky]

I think other people are tired of losing their shows too.
Lots of sci fi fans and producers would welcome a new channel.
If we had a list of all the disgruntled fans, find their sites and post about writing Viacom, they might add their voices. I've seen some that totally stopped in their tracks after cancellation, and have no activity whatsoever, though. The Plan B from Outer Space took a 4-6 weeks to gather a list like that, lots of research involved.

However, it could be done on a random basis by anyone who knows of a fandom board.

[Delinquent]

This is totally a great idea. Don't forget about the Firefly fans, who I guess are going through the same trauma we are, and I don't know what's going on on the Lexx scene (Grapeshot or someone fill me in) but maybe some of them could join the ranks, too. Imagine, having good ol sci-fi friday back! God those were the days! *goes off the write letter muttering about good ol days.

[HynerianKhatru]

You know, maybe it is time to say the hell with Skiffy and start promoting the idea of a competitor channel. After reading the SFX article, there seems to be no chance that the "Drool Team" at SciFi is ever going to see the light.

Thanks for the addy's for Viacom, jadeshand.

HK
(Keeper of Bonnie Hammer's "Why can't you make Farscape more like South Park, and assorted other mind-numbingly dumb BH comments)

[Xothas]

I agree Hynerian. I think that it has been made perfectly clear that skiffy has no interest in continuing Farscape, especially with them burying it in timeslots of midnight and 5 am. I think that over the next few days I'll try to compile a list of boards, and post it here.....

[Chaym]

Here's my bit of help. I know a lot of Star Trek fans are dissappointed about the latest lacluster ST endevours. StarFleet is the largest and longest running fan-run ST club.

Their main site is www.sfi.org. It'll list all the chapters worldwide and their websites.

I'll try and remember to put in add in their newsletter's classifieds.

[itsrog2u]

Thanks Jadeshand,
I had not made the connection with CBS (*shakes head*) and now have another address to write to.

[jadeshand]

I would like to mention that Red and company have been working on a science fiction alliance among the fandoms for some time. You can read about it here:

http://www.wdsection.com/community/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45

[Javora]

I am really glad to see that people are starting to move away from Sci-Fi and towards UPN/Viacom. It's important that this campaign stays positive and I for one don't see anything positive about Sci-Fi anymore.

[jadeshand]

A mission statement and a 'form' letter to address to other fandoms who would like to join in a science fiction alliance and approach Viacom to either purchase the Sci-Fi Channel or start their own version has been placed on the Alliance boards.

I strongly urge everyone who is interested in pursuing this idea of a huge science fiction community working together to read the threads there and offer any and all suggestions.

http://www.wdsection.com/community/forumdisplay.php?s=&forumid=45

The Farscape fandom is of a good size and its members are intelligent and hard-working, but it's not the only fandom to share those characteristics.

Visualize this: Fandoms from Farscape, Firefly, Babylon5, Odyssey5, Invisible Man and many, many others working together to convince Viacom they would have a goldmine in a new science fiction channel dedicated completely to the genre.

Strength in numbers, people. It will work if we pull together.

[VBKatLou]

I'm definitely in on this one! I went to the link Jadeshand - exactly where did that take me? Should I post suggestions there or here?

I don't mind posting on I-Man boards, but I don't want to jump the gun - looks like that letter is still in the draft stage.

Once these letters are posted, then what should we/they do? Come over here? Is there anything else to this stratagy?

For now, I think I'll just keep posting Viacom's and their networks' addys on Farscape boards, but I'll keep checking this link for updates.

[jadeshand]

As soon as we get the letter fine tuned, we are going to ask for volunteers to approach the different fandoms, so please go to the other board and add any suggestions on how to make the letter better or any suggestions on how you believe the Alliance should proceed. Joining that board makes you a member of the Alliance and gives you an equal footing with anyone on that board. So don't be shy, jump in with both feet and let's get this going! :D

This board should concentrate on Farscape and getting the word to Viacom about Farscape, but everyone here should work as part of the Alliance too.

I see Scapers going out to all fandom boards and talking about the Alliance. The Sci-Fi Channel has created so many dissatisfied and disgruntled fans that if they all join together, they would be a formidable force to reckon with.

This board is Farscape's beloved home, but I envision the Alliance board as the home of ALL science fiction fans who are willing to work together for the good of the genre.

[uisceboo]

Sounds like a good idea. I would like togive some coverage of this project on saneTV as soon as The Alliance thinks it is prudent, as this kind of embraces the heart and sould of saneTV -- we want the shows we like to watch back on the air and treated with respect. Build it and we will watch!

I'll put my toe in The Alliance as soon as I get a chance. This all sounds good, and will be rain to the parched souls of Scapers who are restless for something tangible to do!

[waltersgirl]

VBKatLou,

the link took you to the original home of Frell Me Dead, www.wdsection.com/community. it's a small message board originally started for fans of USA's series La Femme Nikita, but it branched out to include other quality shows, film, music and literature. in www.savefarscape.com's first incarnation as www.wdsection.com/farscape, the already existing forum "Frell Me Dead" was the place we directed folks to. it soon eclipsed that forum and we created this board.

wdsection.com is a few years old and the idea of bringing genre and speculative fiction fans together is something that has been in the works since that board's inception.

oops, forgot to add....yes please post there. we're not really sure what will result from this, or how it will take shape, but the alliance idea needs everyone's input, especially from other fandoms. the point of the alliance is to be any "one fandom" neutral and "allied fandoms" specific. we want to create an environment where genre and speculative fiction thrives on television and is treated with the respect it deserves and to reinforce the idea that, just as there is a legitimate market for the works on film, there is a legitimate market for the works on television. if you make quality, we will watch.


wow. cold meds are bad.

[VBKatLou]

Thanks, waltersgirl. I remember the Hippodrome :) . OK. I'll get started and direct people to that board and also this thread.

[witchdoctor]

I too was depressed when I first found out Farscape had been cancelled. It hit me hard, on a gut emotional level, like I had lost an old friend. I had heard of Farscape from some people before, but only started watching it when the science fiction channel became available from my cable provider at the beginning of the third season. I was hooked quickly and started collecting the DVD's. It was interesting watching both the first and third seasons concurrently. The only good thing is I now have all the season Two DVD's so have a whole bunch of new (to me) Farscape episodes to watch. I wish they would release the entire third season at once, instead of piecemeal every two months. The third season box set has been out in the UK, according to advertisements in Farscape magazine. If only those DVD's were zone one, I would buy the set.

I have read some of the to do lists and will start writing letters. Hard copy instead of e-mail, since I think those are always given more weight. Does anyone knoe if handwritten vs laser printed makes a difference? Hopefully my demographics will also give my letters some more weight. I'm a physician, make decent money, have 4 daughters, 3 of them teenagers and other things I think advertisers like to see in a target audience. I don't generally like physicians that take on too much self importance from the job, but if it makes the media companies more attentive, I'll drop names. I want Farscape back! By the way, I made my e-mail hidden not because I'm unsociable, but because know spammers use such boards/profiles as a source of valid e-mails and I already get deluged with spam, about 50-75 spams to honest e-mails. I wouldn't mind talking with other scapers, I just won't put my e-mail in a publically accessable place

People have mentioned supporting the Farscape franchise by buying merchandise, but I have not seen much available. I buy the DVD's. Is there any place that sells Farscape stuff. Mugs, figurines, posters, tee-shirts, anything? I haven't seen much around at all, either in morter & brick stores or online.

Here is an idea for fund raising for the site. How about a link to Amazon.com for the Farscape DVD's, videos and books for people interested in buying them. I have seen such links at other sites for books related to what ever subjects the website is about. I think there is a small referral fee paid to the site by amazon if an actual sale is made as a result of someone coming to Amazon.com from the site. If it does indeed work that way, then SaveFarscape.com could both provide an easy way for people to get Farscape stuff and earn a little cash to defray site costs.

I like the idea of getting the other science fiction series fans involved. Delinquent mentioned the LEXX fans earlier in this thread. LEXX got to finish its series though. I don't know that there were plans for further episodes that got cancelled. Not that I wouldn't mind more LEXX episodes; I'm a fan of that series too, though I haven't seen all of it yet. While I like and follow a variety of science fiction shows, Farscape is definitely the best of them. I'm still a big fan of the various Star Trek series, particularly Voyager, but they lack the emotional depth, impact and continuity from one episode to another that I have come to expect after watching Farscape. I also enjoy the pop culture referrences and humor in Farscape. I just have to believe there will be more Farscape, either a mini-series or a feature film, or best of all, one or more seasons.

[akimbo]

Welcome welcome witchdoctor. Have you come to the right place!

Handwritten is better than typed/printed. Although I don't put cramps in my hands for SciFi much anymore, I save my handwritten letters for Viacom/UPN/etc.

You're already in the thread on Viacom and jsut above your post is the link to another board where they're trying to start an alliance of fandoms to work together on SciFi programs.

And there are a few stores for SaveFarscape merchandise around here as well as licensed merchandise on the web (collectable action figures and such). I'll post some of the links in this reply momentarily (gotta go find'em).

Welcome!

[jadeshand]

Welcome witchdoctor! It's good to have you here with us.

You can find Farscape merchandise at creationent.com, but a better place might be ebay. Just do a search on 'Farscape' and you get an enormous amount of pages.

Also, there are numerous cafepress sites where you can buy t-shirt, etc.

check out the sanetv.com site and it also has links to other sites that sell Farscape stuff.

[Chaym]

Welcome to our world witchdoctor :hi: Love the nick, BTW!

I liked the amazon link idea, but as this isn't my site, it's not my call. And yes, not having access to all the DVDs here in the states bites dren.

There's lots of things to do to help out with the campaign and save our favourite show. Lots of people work on collective things as well as their own. I do greeting cards because I'm a desktop publisher with no current creative outlet and because I think it helps get attention. Just like handwritten letters - somebody put effort into it. At the least, a few might be passed around the water cooler and once in a while, one might actually land on the exec's desk.

And there's savefarscape/watch farscape bumper stickers, T-shirts, sticking bookmarks/business cards, flyers, etc. Lots of things to do, collect and share with your friends :-D

Again, welcome to the board. Hope you enjoy your stay, and please, leave your sanity at the door.

[Crichton04330]

I know it isn't much, but when I get my check this month, I'm going to http://www.allposters.com/gallery.asp?aid=46862&item=337724 and buying one of their posters. I love the show and I want anyone who comes to my house to see it and ask me about it.. I have a nice wood frame with a plexi-glass to protect it for years to come.

[Chaym]

Talked to the husband about the Alliance. He's going to see what he can do since he runs the local Starfleet chapter. (I haven't been an active member in years and he's better "connected.")

He's totally on board with the Alliance and admitted that too few Starfleet chapters have our site listed on their own sites. I know in our local group, we've got some members who watch, and I've sent flyers with the hub to the meetings, but still not a lot of interest. The Alliance would *get* their interest though. Afterall, it's not a show, it's saving a whole genre that's the focus. What's not to love?

[jadeshand]

I've put up a revised campaign letter on the

http://www.wdsection.com/community/showthread.php?s=&threadid=4607

Would everyone go over and check it out. It's near the end of the thread and Ships and I would appreciate all comments and suggestions.

[samati75]

done and done!

[VBKatLou]

Done and BTW from now on when discussing the Alliance I'm going to post over there instead of posting over there and then posting over here to tell you I've posted over there. :P

[friday_at_8pm]

I have just managed to read this thread (sooooo many posts to read when you can only get online 2-3x a week) and I am whole-heartedly behind the idea of approaching Viacom....Not just to buy Skiffy, but to give Farscape the dignified ending it deserves.
One thing though, I am also an Odyssey5 fan and was quite disappointed in Showtime's (Viacom) cancelation of this show as well. Has anyone here had a chance to see the show?? And if so, what did you think of it? I WANT Farscape back as bad as everyone else, because the show and the staff and the cast DESERVE it. But, I'd also love to see people get behind trying to get Odyssey 5 back too.

Tell me what you think....

[friday_at_8pm]

Also, if any SoCal fans know of anything going on, or have anything a SoCal guy can do to help (besides writing and calling networks), let me know.....

[Chaym]

Sorry friday_8_pm, I don't get Showtime. I did survey on Odyssey 5 though and it seemed like a cool show. We just couldn't afford to get Showtime. (By survey, I mean we were sent a CD with clips of it and had to fill out an online survey. My husband and I do *lots* of surveys and product testing for major research/marketing companies.)

[VodalianMage]

Hello all!

I definitely like the idea of getting Viacom online. Just a thought - what about all the other show of various genres that we have all loved - whether they ran for 5 years (like Babylon 5) or shorter runs - like The Sentinel, Hawkeye, Manimal. Roar (which I see the SciFi channel is re-running) or how 'bout Covington Cross ("How many times do I have to tell you, NOT in the castle!" - the father says to his sons who are jousting & sword fighting inside!) or Space Rangers?

What about seeing if we could gat a network (perhaps Viacom) to bring some of these shows back into the viewing arena. Not necessarily to film new episodes, but to re-run these series which we loved but haven't seen in a long while.

What do you think?

Just a couple of cents worth from me. Dying to see the 5th season of Farscape.:rollin:
:aok:

[Stargate2077]

Chaym: How did you get yourself on the list for those surveys?

[akimbo]

Welcome VodalianMage.

Personally I like the idea of someone buying SciFi and making a real SciFi channel out of it (including some of the fine programming you've mentioned).

[kymom5613]

Well, I'm sending off ltrs to: Redstone, Karmazin, Moonves, Tarnofsky-Ostroff, Levy, Blank, & Pintauro. I wanted to let you know another Kentuckian is still fighting the good fight. BTW, Friday_at_8PM, I didn't ever get into Odyssey5, but love the lead (due to RoboCop), but I DID watch Jeremiah, and have had trouble finding it on their lineup lately! Not technically science fiction, more post-apocolalyptic, but pretty good show nonetheless. Luke Perry was actually a decent actor in this! And it was good to see Malcolm back at work!
Also, welcome WitchDoctor, I too, love the nick!
As always, Keep on 'scapin!
Ginnie

[itsrog2u]

Thanks again Jadeshand,

Sent a HW letter to Viacom, UPN and Showtime this morning. Felt damn good to send them too. Thanks for the direction as far as Viacom goes!

I am finding it more and more difficult to be polite to SciLie. It is... satisfying to be more than polite to Viacom.

Ever letter counts. Hopefully three help that much more : )

[RojAvon]

On the subject of Oddessy 5 I frankly just wasn't grabbed by the concept after catching the premier during a "Showtime Free Weekend Preview" on Dish TV. The premise seemed interesting but it got "earth based" so quickly that I just didn't enjoy the last 3/4 of the premier...certainly not enough to pay for Showtime.

[Chaym]

I found them online. I was working for a newspaper research/marketing firm at the time and looking for a better job (ie. not run by the Psycho Couple.) We only go with "big names" and you have to be careful as some survey sites are scams. After my errands, I can PM you with the list if you'd like. For some reason, most of the names escape me right now. I know e-poll is one and we get most of our commercial and TV show surveys from them. (Special ones that you don't see on the site.) Frell, I can't remember the names! I can tell you that the more surveys you do, and the longer you're with them, the more you get sent.

Right now we're testing garbage bags, the 2nd kind this year. Recently we've tested a nose spray that fights colds from the beginning (and it works beautifully) and that toothpaste and mouthwash in one stuff. For a local company, a few years ago, I tested this "pot scrubbing gel" that was supposed to work wonders - not! Oh, we tested the commercials for Pizza Hut's Chicago Style pizza! That was cool as we saw the suggestions we made get put into the ad.

Sorry for the ramble. "I don't get out much, so I do surveys..."

Originally posted by Stargate2077
Chaym: How did you get yourself on the list for those surveys?

[Chaym]

I had another "courting Viacom" idea today. It's probably lame, but here goes anyway.

Maybe a month or so from now, we could send chocolate bars (or a gift basket of nice chocolates - and I know of a wonderful handmade place from back home in WV) with a note saying, "They don't have chocolate in the Uncharted Territories. They don't have a network either." Not sure how to end the saying. Right now all I can come up with is "Viacaom and Fascape - a wonderful combination." O.K. frelling up with relating it to chocolate as "delectable" and "delicious" just don't sound right, and I couldn't get "chocolate and smiles" to work either.

Again, just a suggestion. I'm off to buy embossed papers to make my "formal invitation to produce quality science fiction programming" card.

[Darkness Ascending]

hand written too :-)

cause otherwise they may think the same people are sending lots.

Its not against copyright permission to say UPN on a tv advert is it?

could have ones saying, if you would watch farscape on UPN visit this site.

[CaptinRon]

I can't believe they would replace FarScape with a
lame made for TV series "Tremors ? "........
I would put Farscape up against Enterprise any
time any place, And I am a die hard trekie...lol

I was hoping Kryton would get back home... bummer....
............................ CaptinRon.... Texas

[kymom5613]

Welcome, Cpt. Ron!
Chaym, Good Lord, I wish I were as creative as you! You never cease to amaze me! Love the idea of sending chocolates...Maybe Reese's (like the "you've got your peanut butter on my chocolate" type of thing?) may be one way to look at it, "two great things put together...etc, do you remember that O-L-D campaign, or am I just that old!?
LOL
Ginnie

[VodalianMage]

Hey all, :hi:

Just compiling some show names for a list I'm doing. Lemme know what tv shows - from ones that only lasted 6 episodes, to 4-5 years (like Babylon 5 or Farscape) that you would like to see again - it doesn't have to be a sci-fi type of show (ie: "Nearly Departed" - starring Eric Idle, or "A Fine Romance" starring Margaret Whitton & Christopher Cazanove - a couple of showa I'D LOVE to see again). Just curious to see what you all come up with. Maybe we can get these shows a new viewing on Viacom or the new SciFi. What say?
:beer:

[Stargate2077]

And now...the Letterman List:

Farscape
Odessey 5
Firefly
Dr. Who
Farscape
A better Star Trek spinoff

[Chaym]

CaptRon - are you a part of Starfleet? If so, were you at the International Conference held in Lubbuck, TX about 4 years ago? If yes, then :hi: and I'm the wife of the captain of the Avenger in NJ. We'd brought our 4 1/2 month old with us. And if not then, :hi: anyway. :-D

Kymom - Thank you :-D I like your idea about the peanut butter and chocolate goes together. And no, your not that old, WE are! :rollin:

Voldalian Mage - here's my list: Farscape, Firefly, Babylon 5, Starman (gods I LOVED that show!), Time Trax (almost named my son Darian because of it), Sea Quest (1 rst Season the draddest!), Dark Angel. There's probably more. I'm a "raised by tv" woman and still am. But I like *quality* tv (which is why we also tend to watch a lot of Discovery, History, and TLC.)

[Chaym]

I'm really proud of these. :D

I went to the craft store and bought the following:
embossed (floral design) shiny purple, blue, and bronze paper
tone on tone, large semi-floral design paper in light purple, light green, and cream paper
black card weight paper
black ribbon (about 1/4" wide)
from Walmart, I bought a packet of 6 white brochure envelopes 6" x9" for $0.97 (I mention this because it was far cheaper than anything else anyone had, worked wonderfully, and I suggest these to anyone wanting to do something similar.)
already had on hand - white card stock paper and a caligraphy marker

What did I make? A card. But not just any card!

The front looks like a tuxedo. The shiny purple was the cumberbund, the black paper a double breasted tuxedo jacket, and the ribbon I made into a bowtie. (The base of the card is the white card stock.) Underneath the bow, in Wessley 20pt bold dark purple, are the words, "You are cordially invited".

Open up the card. On the inside right, on the cream floral paper is printed (again in Wessley, different pt., dark purple and black ink) are these words, all nicely centered:

To create a quality
science fiction network for science fiction fans.

Menu
intelligent, sexy, fast-paced dramas with outstanding direction, acting, screenwriting, and cinematography.

Suggested Entrées’
Farscape
Firefly
Babylon 5

The inside left of the card are our demographics printed on the purple floral paper. The back of the card has a simple line of "Handmade by Heidi." I hand calligraphied the envelopes with the addresses of the Viacom execs (each got their own) and the back of the envelope has our name and address.

I would've scanned the cards, but was afraid it would ruin the folds of the tuxedo jacket (they come up from the page.) I did take pictures though.

Sorry for rambling on, but I was so proud of those cards! :bounce: I didn't even want to mail them they turned out so nice. But they'll go to the post office soon :cry2:

Was thinking of doing something similar for the other networks. Not the same exact wording though - more along the lines of "You are cordially invited... to save Farscape. What you'll recieve: quality, etc etc. programming, and dedicated fans with a desirable demographic who will support your advertisers, flood you with thank you gift baskets and take the time to make handmade cards." O.K., maybe not the last 2 bits...

[Dominar of Action]

They sound wonderful, Chaym! Please post the pictures when you get them. I can't believe how much talent is in this fandom :)

[jadeshand]

Let's remember to add Roswell and Invisible Man to that list, because their fandoms are active still in trying to get their shows back. And the I-Man group is just great people.

[Chaym]

Here's what the inside reads, please remember the cover/tuxedo part says, "You are cordially invited":

To save Farscape.


Main Course
An intelligent, sexy, fast-paced drama with outstanding direction, acting, screenwriting, and cinematography. It’s served with numerous awards and critical acclaim by the national media including TV Guide.

Dessert
A large demographically desired fan base including women age 18-36.

A viewership that will support your advertisers and network.

----
I would've put more, but it was all I could fit with that font.

[kymom5613]

Re: Demographics
I'm 37, do I still count (sniffle)?

[samati75]

What I got back from tech support at Showtime via email:

Subject
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An Excellent Choice for Your Network!


Discussion Thread
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Response (Tony) - 03/28/2003 09:32 AM
While we would very much like to help you, we are currently not at liberty to
supply you with the information that you requested at this time.

Hmmmm, not at liberty, eh?

[kymom5613]

That is tres cool Samati!!! Y'all are so doggone creative, I'm pea green with envy!

[RobinC]

Extremely cool cards, Chaym! Now I feel challenged to come up with something clever of my own.

.....<come on, clever neurons, engage, doggone it!>.

Robin

[RobinC]

Originally posted by VodalianMage
Just compiling some show names for a list I'm doing. Lemme know what tv shows - from ones that only lasted 6 episodes, to 4-5 years (like Babylon 5 or Farscape) that you would like to see again - it doesn't have to be a sci-fi type of show

Farscape:aok:
Firefly
Babylon 5
Crusade
American Gothic
Brimstone
Night Stalker (Kolchak)
Earth 2
Quark
Alien Nation
Good vs. Evil
Brisco County Jr.
Wild Wild West

I'm sure there are more...

Robin

[Chaym]

I'd forgotten about Crusade, Earth 2, and Alien Nation and Sea Quest! (And bonus, FS people - DK and Rockne) worked on the last 2. Let's have a Kemper and O'Bannon Channel!)

[evilnos_unholy]

I think it is an splendid idea, viacom could place farscape any where and it would be a hit, mainly because of the giant viewer base of channels like TNN, after all they have wrestling (yucka!) and star trek TNG, so if they did nab FS, it would put farscape into an already huge audience, and umm jade, I love your sig...
*hurries up and right click/save as** :D

[MediaSavant]

Originally posted by evilnos_unholy
viacom could place farscape any where and it would be a hit, mainly because of the giant viewer base of channels like TNN, after all they have wrestling (yucka!) and star trek TNG, so if they did nab FS, it would put farscape into an already huge audience,

SciFi does beat TNN in the ratings. Here's last week's Primetime ranking for Adults 18-49: (Medialifemagazine.com) TNN wasn't even in the top ten.

TOP 10 AD-SUPPORTED CABLE NETWORKS
Adults 18-49
Week Ending March 16, 2003
Rank PRIME TIME

Net (000)
1 FOXN 2234
2 CNN 1770
3 MSNB 1119
4 TNT 946
5 TBS 875
6 SCIF 857
7 USA 837
8 TLC 732
9 NICK 688
10 LIF 568

This was a strong week for SciFi between Children of Dune, Riverworld, and--yes--the Farscape finale. On other weeks SciFi has been the 8-10th place positions over the last 3 months.

TNN is in the process of re-doing its programming because what they were doing wasn't working.

[Stargate2077]

Though Viacom also owns NICK.

[jadeshand]

My guess...hope...prayer...is that now Farscape is ended and Stargate on hiatus, Sci-Fi will drop right out of the top ten

[waltersgirl]

I'm 37, do I still count (sniffle)?

you better believe you do, girlfriend. i'm 38. ;)

[jadeshand]

<jackie walks about grumbling in a Jonathan Hardy voice>

Youngsters!!! I'm surrounded by youngsters! :D

[waltersgirl]

we aim to irritate. :spin:

[PrairieScaper]

While I totally agree that we need to show Viacom plenty of Scaper love, we may not want to neglect SFC in the process (though I would personally like nothing better at the moment than to ignore BH and Co. :ewink: ).

This from a 3/30/03 Fortune article about Viacom, its Chair/CEO Sumner Redstone, and its Prez/COO Mel Karmazin:
How can the company be doing so well despite the Sumner-and-Mel soap opera? One explanation is that many of us--the business press, Wall Street analysts, investors, and boards of directors--overestimate the importance of the people at the very top of large companies. Redstone and Karmazin matter, of course: They set strategy, shape the corporate culture, and choose the senior staff. But Viacom has performed well lately because it has good assets and good people who are well paid and given freedom to do their jobs. As Karmazin puts it: "Viacom has 137,000 employees, and it's usually, 'Mel Karmazin did this or that.' We get far more credit than we deserve when things go right and too much blame when they don't." Media companies in particular rely on dozens of creative executives to find the hits that drive their businesses. "What sets Viacom apart from its peers," says Jill Krutick, an entertainment industry analyst with Salomon Smith Barney, "is that they have a management team that's incredibly seasoned. Each of the operating heads has a tremendous following." Hits like CBS's CSI, MTV's The Osbournes, and Paramount's How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days bubble up from the ranks.

The article is at:
http://www.fortune.com/fortune/fortune500/articles/0,15114,438805-1,00.html

If Viacom does acquire SFC, it may very well clean house and place new executives in BH & Co.'s offices. But even so, chances are that at least a few would survive. We want those few possible survivors to remember FS -- and its loyal fans -- fondly. For that reason, I will continue to make nice to TPTB at SFC. It might hurt a little, and I will certainly grimace as I write polite words in my notes to them, but nevertheless I will do it for the greater good. (Close your eyes and think of England, in other words.) :grr:

[jadeshand]

Loved your post, prairiescaper. :D

I agree - I think we still need to write a polite letter to Sci-Fi, although to be honest, I haven't since 422 because I can't bring myself to be polite just yet. But I will in a little more time. I think I'll concentrate on Tom Vitale, though. He was always supportive of Farscape. Bonnie too, for that matter, but she's having to change her tune because of her bosses.

Close your eyes and think of England! :D Wonder what Chiana would make of the Victorian Age?

[Roland]

Could anyone tell me if Viacom has daughter companies in europe? And if so which companies.

I saw in a nother thread that Canal+ was owned by Vivendi. Dren!!!! I were thinking of mailing Canal+. But I guess it's no idea now!?.

[TaraK]

...you may want to congratulate the guy on his recent wedding. According to the NY Times Style Section, he and the lucky bride (an NYC schoolteacher no less) were married yesterday (4/6).

Couldn't hurt, and it would be a nice gesture towards the man who could save our show! Hell, maybe we ought to send flowers or something. My budget's shot, but I could chip in.

[Pale Horse]

I was just curious...without going through all the early messages...Has anyone considered that with the changes that come from title of ownership transfering from company to company...What if the new company has some weird regulatory agenda that they impose through their programming...(Like certain music television stations that brainwash viewers, ahem) What I'm trying to say, is: What if there were new corporate guidelines that would alter the chemistry of Farscape? I have begun adding a small clause in my letters to prospective future Farscape owners about ensuring that the "original chemistry" must remain intact for the show to flourish. I think it might be important to mention it, not that we have any real control over it or that it is even a danger. But, I know that corporations do strange things in the name of their own personal agenda or for tax cuts.

Anyone have any thoughts on this?

[Stargate2077]

Pale Horse: I am not that worried since The Jim Henson Co. will make sure that the show remains as much the same as is possible with actors, witers, and crew being available. It is not very likely that the new owner of Sci-Fi would want to bring Farscape back only to change the premise of the show. However, this is only my opinion.

[friday_at_8pm]

I AM FARSCAPE
I am back after a 3 week abscence due to withdrawls from Farscape. I am still in "mourning" , if you will, from my show being "killed" by the intelligencia at SciLie.
I know I sound bitter and somewhat defeatist, but let's face it, THEY KILLED THE BEST SHOW ON TV. I know...I know...and I believe it...that Farscape WILL be back.
Anyway, the real reason I am posting to this thread.....I am tallying my "books" to see just how much I can give....and as soon as I know what the amount will be, so will you. Give 'til it hurts...or at least until it feels right...no need to hurt....
What I ask of all 'scapers out there is to give what you can to the fund. $1, $10, $100 or even more is a good amount....Every $$$ counts.....
I have finally realized why those idiots at SciLie cancelled Farscape - they just didn't "get" it. They claim that we scifi fans are just too stupid to comprehend a show with a deep, underlying story arc.
In reality, the real "reason" is that they just couldn't comprehend the depth of the show. THEY didn't "get" it...and they never would/will.....
We Science Fiction fans (I loathe using "scifi" anymore, thanks to "Bonnie") not only "get" shows with depth and intelligence, WE CRAVE THEM....Like First Wave, DS9, Babylon 5, and of course, Farscape.
So, screw the "Hammer"....let's put our money where our hearts are and bring about OUR Season 5. Let's get Farscape the "Finale" it deserves.

That's it....That's all I have to say for now...I am going back to my "reruns" of Farscape knowing that it will "BE CONTINUED".....

[Zimtsternchen]

besides Farscape (of course) and Iman for the wonderful fans, a show I would have liked to see more of is Dangerous Minds, a way too short spinoff of the movie. There are only 16 eps. =(

[Chaym]

This is a scan of the tuxedo cards (one of them) that I sent to the networks. I got one of them back in the mail for a bad address (don't worry, it's doesn't affect the site's master list.)

The cumberbund is actually metallic blue, the wording on the cover is dark purple, and the tux lapel got torn in the scanning.

[Chaym]

This scan is the inside right. The headers are in dark purple, main body text in black.

The unseen left side had our demographics on a blue tone on tone floral paper. The back (also unseen) has a simple, "Handmade by Heidi."

[Davesnothome]

Another name has popped up in the further financial adventures of Vivende Universal. The latest word is Apple Computer might be interested in buying VU's music division in the price range of $5 to $6 billion! Nothing firm yet, but with the board of directors of VU meeting later this month, anythings possible!

Computer nerds and rappers meet!!

Dave

(edited, I got my mllions and billions mixed up!)

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

:aok: Ab Fab card Chaym! Love the way your creative mind works! :aok:

[Stargate2077]

Davesnothome: Do you have an article that contains that information? I'd like to put it on my ongoing thread about Vivendi Universal.

[Davesnothome]

Here's a link to the story posted elsewhere on the website

http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=9333

Dave

[gurnemanz]

May the Ghods of the Follywood Deal be with us on this one - if any (corporate) one understands Keeping Intelligent Users while making a profit, it's Apple!!

And we all know they don't follow the path of least resistance.

Guess I'll name my new/old PowerBook 170 for our favorite DRD . . .

g.

[RobinC]

Cool card, Chaym!

[guyricardo]

Let's no go off the deep end on the Apple news. :)
They are only bidding on Universal's music companies. They will have absolutely no impact on Farscape being made or not. The only thing this does signify, IMO, is that Vivendi may be more willing to sell parts of piece-meal, rather thatn as a whole. And I believe that to be a good thing, seeing that Viacom is only interested in the cable companies.

[uisceboo]

More news. What intrigues me most is the last paragraph...I have read a few articles hinting that some action *may* take place in the next quarter. Should we be stepping up our actions?

http://www.nypost.com/business/73327.htm

April 14, 2003 --
Liberty Media's John Malone has zeroed in on Vivendi Universal's valuable cable channels as his next big acquisition, say sources close to Malone.

This could set up a bidding war between Malone and Viacom's Sumner Redstone, who is also said to have a strong interest in the two cable networks, USA and Sci-Fi.

One source close to both men said Redstone's interest in Vivendi's assets had waned in recent months, but became more serious after Malone's emergence as a serious bidder for the cable networks.

Malone may need the acquisition more, given that his company is close to running afoul of federal investment regulations, which would require that Liberty Media be regulated as a mutual fund if it doesn't soon purchase an operating stake in a large business.

A spokesman for Viacom said, "We've expressed interest, in general, in cable networks, and those channels have been mentioned as potential acquisitions."

A spokesperson for Liberty Media did not return a call seeking comment.

Liberty has passive stakes in a host of media companies, including AOL Time Warner and News Corp. It also owns half of Court TV, the Starz! premium movie channel and 42 percent of the home-shopping channel QVC, among other assets.

But to comply with the 1940 Investment Act - which requires that no more than 40 percent of a company's assets be shares in publicly traded companies - Malone must purchase a company he can operate. He considered bidding for DirecTV, but bowed out and instead backed News Corp.'s recent acquisition of the satellite TV company.

News Corp. also owns The Post.

Malone may yet bid for the rest of QVC that he doesn't already own, but one source close to him said his interest in operating the channel is lukewarm.

That leaves Vivendi Universal, which for months has been weighing a strategy to exit its U.S. entertainment assets, which include a movie studio, theme parks, a music division and TV properties. Vivendi is considering a variety of proposals, including selling the entire unit or breaking it up to sell pieces to various media companies.

Together, the two channels are valued at $5.5 billion to $6 billion, far less than the $11 billion Vivendi paid Barry Diller for the networks in 2001.

Both Viacom and Liberty Media have plenty of cash to do a deal, sources contend, but both are loath to be stuck with Vivendi's movie studio, which the company will likely insist on packaging with any deal for the cable channels.

"You'd think they'd want to sell the whole thing," said Michael Nathanson, an analyst at Bernstein who covers Vivendi, "because the studio is tough to sell on its own. Once you sell the cable channels, it gives you fewer options for selling the studio."

Sources say Viacom is likely to have more interest than Malone in operating the movie studio. "John has no interest in running a movie studio," a source close to Malone said.

Vivendi CEO Jean-Rene Fourtou recently told executives he hopes to make a decision on the future of the entertainment assets by the summer.

[Chaym]

I've got a really stupid question to ask. I'm doing a little "pop-up" book and the last 2 pages have the words, "Once upon a time there was this _____ who had the opportunity to save a show loved by critics and millions of fans worldwide."

Now obviously, for UPN, TNN, etc, the ____ is "network." But what exactly is Viacom? A "corporation"? A "company"?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

~Chaym

[Dominar of Action]

corporation or conglomerate

[Davesnothome]

Viacom originated back in the 1960's when CBS was forced by the federal government to divest itself of television series it owned, that it broadcast on its CBS television network. That's were the Viacom name on the end of "Twilight Zone" comes about.

Later, they developed or purchased various cable channels, including MTV, VH-1, Nickelodeon, TV Land, TNN, Showtime and the Movie Channel among others. At one time they owned Blockbuster Video.. After a difficult bidding war, Viacom purchased control of Paramount Studios, which included control of the Star Trek franchise. Then they merged with CBS and now control that network and the UPN network. When they purchased Blockbuster Video, which they later spun-off, they gained control of Spelling Entertainment, which among other shows, produces the WB series "Charmed".

From the looks of things, it apears buying just the USA network and the Scifi channel would be a good fit for Viacom. Adding another movie studio seems a lot to handle for one corporation to handle. But VU wants to know it can produce programming that will have a place to be shown on networks like USA and the Scifi channel.

For those wondering how I know about all this, I owned Blockbuster common stock, when Viacom bought them out. Made a good profit on Blockbuster. Should have held onto my Viacom shares. Who knew!

Dave

[vhsiv]

You know, everyboy's backing Viacom because it's a known entity, with the Star Trek franchise and all, but Libery Media is precisely where Viacom and Time-Warner were 10 or 15 years ago - mostly cable distribution and ownership of a few parcels here and there, but not nec. associated with any major studio.

For the brief time that my cable package carried the Starz/Encore package, I was happier than I am now, with 12 channels of Showtime and HBO - Starz/Encore typically played films that the 'big guys' didn't - slightly more obsure British films, and stuff that had always/already been overlooked by Turner Classic Movies. If Liberty wants to make a splash with the SciFi Channel, why not let them? They already run a clutch of genre specific channels - the Starz/Encore SuperPak of The Mystery Channel, The Action! Channel, True Stories, etc. Who's to say that they couldn't do well with SciFi?

I mean they couldn't do any worse than the present Skify regime...

Letter of support shouldn't squandered on ly one potential VUE buyer --- we need to share the scaper luv, and have a foot in both camps - John Malone needs some ice cream!

[uisceboo]

BTW...how many of you here remember the over-conglomerated conglomerate Beatrice? I remember seeing the ads for the summer olympics, and according to their ads, they owned everyone and everything including my eema!

Viacom hasn't hit that point yet, but they are heavily entrenched in TV, including syndication.

What Viacom has that Liberty does not is a specific interest in creating their own Science fiction Channel, if not taking over Skiffy outright. They already share a goal with us, which is why we are specifically targeting them first.

What do you think Liberty is likely to do with the rights to Farscape if they buy SciFi? I don't know, so this is an honest question.

[Stargate2077]

vhsiv, I think the main reason I am concerned about Liberty Media is the connection it has with Barry Diller. Now based on my research on the events prior and after Farscape's cancellation...it was caused by 2 things: 1) A money crunch at Vivendi Universal causes all assets to make as many cuts as possible 2) Someone decided high up (not Bonnie Hammer), someone like Barry Diller or Michael Jackson to specifically cancel Farscape because there were many other areas of programming that they could had removed in order to cut costs.


Note: The following is an assumption based on your statement about Liberty Media.

Liberty Media, a small company that only has a stake in a few assets wouldn't be of any help to the Sci-Fi Channel or the campaign, since they will not have the necessary capitol to create and maintain excellent scripted shows.

However, it never hurts to ask.

[waltersgirl]

Michael Jackson cancelled Farscape because he didn't like the show, plain and simple.

[Stargate2077]

waltersgirl, I was trying to be a little more tactful.

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

WG....I love a person who tells it like it is! :love2: Scaper jirls rule! :rollin:

[uisceboo]

So, connecting the dots...Liberty is connected to Diller who is connected to the flying monkeys who canceled Farscape because DK could p|$$ farther than they could.

My money is solidly on Viacom. :finger:

(no need to be tactful...MJ doesn't post here!:rollin: )

[waltersgirl]

Stargate,

why? Michael Jackson cancelled Farscape because he doesn't like it specifically, and space based shows in general. it's not a secret, it's a fact. why couch it? it was never about ratings or money as a primary cause.

[uisceboo]

That is pretty much what DK said in tha SFX interview.

[Stargate2077]

waltersgirl: I don't want to assume that since I have no objective articles to prove that. Even though I believe he caused Farscape's cancellation, I think it is best that we don't name names unless we are absolutely sure of who cancelled the show. (Unless you have information I don't have.)

Barry Diller was in the position to kill Farscape and he was the one who hired Michael Jackson to "help" Universal Television in the first place.

[uisceboo]

http://reuters.com (http://reuters.com/financeNewsArticle.jhtml?type=mergersNews&storyID=2584033)

Vivendi hits back at Diller's USAi suit
Thu April 17, 2003 09:05 AM ET
(adds details, background, shares)
PARIS, April 17 (Reuters) - French-American media group Vivendi Universal EAUG.PA hit back at shareholder and former executive Barry Diller on Thursday, saying a suit filed by his USA Interactive (USAi) company USAI.O was "without merit".

In what has become a heated public row, Diller's Internet business USAi filed suit against Vivendi this week, demanding some $620 million it claims it is owed. But Vivendi insisted the suit would not interfere with the company's disposal programme.

Diller recently resigned as head of Vivendi's U.S. entertainment arm which the media giant is considering selling. Diller's USAi is a shareholder in the business and rumours have suggested Diller may be interested in buying some of the assets.

Diller has also been trying to unwind a complex partnership with Vivendi. But both sides disagree over the size of a tax liability that would be owed to USAi in the event of a change of control of the U.S. entertainment assets.

In a SEC filing, USAi said it was the victim of a "hold up" as Vivendi had not paid an initial tax-related payment as part of $620 million it is claiming.

USAi, which owns 5.4 percent of Vivendi Universal Entertainment, also said it could block the media group from selling its theme parks and U.S. media assets if it did not get a letter of credit to protect the value of its investment.

"Vivendi Universal is confident that USAi's position is without merit," Vivendi said in a statement.

"As with the Liberty Media lawsuit filed two weeks ago, the USAi lawsuit was filed to gain leverage in the negotiations regarding our asset disposal programme which has generated significant interest," it added.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
You know, Diller really is starting to cheese me off. :grr:

[AnnieBW]

Diller and Michael Jackson both. :mad: The best thing for all concerned would be for Liberty TV to buy USA Networks, and Viacom to buy Sci-Fi. (And fire MJ...) That way, everybody would be happy. The problem is that the longer this thing drags on, the more likely Ben, Claudia, or one of the other principals will get a series, and our chances of getting Farscape back would be frelled.

- Annie

[waltersgirl]

i have all kinds of information you don't, but that's neither here nor there. as to the veracity of information in articles, i think we've proven multiple times over that comments made by executives of the SciFi Channel have been less than truthful at best, completely manipulative at worst. i make a habit of not taking as 100% truth everything i read, especially when it comes to the spin-filled world of the entertainment industry.

[Stargate2077]

i make a habit of not taking as 100% truth everything i read, especially when it comes to the spin-filled world of the entertainment industry.


Please do not misunderstand me. I am not naive about the entertianment industry. I know spin is put on many articles. My thread about each company: Vivendi Universal and EM.TV dealt with the financial statements and when people were hired and fired. I don't put anything doing with people's motivations like who probably cancelled Farscape because it is detrimental to the campaign. Do I believe that Michael Jackson was the person who ordered the cancellation of Farscape? Yes! However, focusing on that would cause people to miss the point of this campaign and instead the new people who read these posts might try to send letters to Michael Jackson in their initial frustration.

If you want to continue this conversation, I think it should be done by PM.

I hope...I hope that the Sci-Fi Channel will be bought soon by Viacom and all of this becomes moot and we have our show back. Here's to Viacom!

[uisceboo]

My 2 cents -- Discussion about who any person think canned the show should not have any effect on the campaign if the discussion is not used as part of the campaign, and it is not. This campaign has always leaned away from attacking SciFi, and will probably continue to do so...there is nothing to be gained in that direction.

Anyone expressing their opinion on what they think happened in relation to printed articles should be able to do so -- maybe it's somewhat off topic, but in relation to why we do not want to target Liberty, I think people's opinions are welcome.

You are going to find a lot of people that are still incredibly angry at SciFi and don't want to focus positive energies on any company that can be thought of as an affiliate or business compainion of theirs. Right or wrong, that is how people feel and we have to respect that.

My two cents.

[ShaneVG]

Originally posted by vhsiv
Letter of support shouldn't squandered only one potential VUE buyer --- we need to share the scaper luv, and have a foot in both camps - John Malone needs some ice cream!

Sorry I'm looking at this a little late...

If nothing else, Denver (home of John Malone and Liberty Media) should probably be moved up on the list of cities for the various plans.

Just a thought,
Shane

[vhsiv]

{putting on flame retardant suit}

I mentioned Liberty a week or so ago, and people expressed some apprehension about it because of John Malone's affiliation with Barry Diller. However, Malone probably isn't consulting Diller on the day-to-day operations of the Starz/Encore group. And Starz/Encore seems to be doing quite well with the panopoly of genre-specific channels that they operate.

IMHO, all the stuff that they program is a cut above the stuff that HBO and Showtime program on a week-to-week basis - and they really don't have any original programming - just good taste. (Again, Liberty is doing what all the big biys were doing a decade ago - licensing and broadcasting the libraries of many of the major studios - and not limiting themselves to last week's 'blockbuster'. If they're going to get into the pay-tv business, they're going to want to make a splash, and do a good job of it.)

So with ShaneVG's prompting, let's take this to round 2 - has anybody here tried correspondence with Liberty/Starz/Encore?

Now's the time: Ice Cream for John Malone!

(And it'll probably be easier than getting ice cream into either Viacom or UPN...)

[space rider]

Hello all,
Does anyone have direct "email addresses" for the people we need to talk to at Viacom? It would make it alot easier for scapers to let Viacom know that we want the show to go on. If the right people at Viacom see enough email from scapers, we will be hard to ignore. If we get that information, we need to put it were all scapers can see it. Let all scapers know how important one email from each of us could be to the life of Farscape. As it seems sci fi will not help us.

[waltersgirl]

hi. the address information we have for Viacom is up at the website and also on the very first post of this thread.

website info...http://www.watchfarscape.com/news/article.php?newsid=305

[GayleSaver]

As you write your letters, always remember the Dale Carnegie rule: you must write in the interest of the recipient; your own wishes are of no concern to him.

[akimbo]

Welcome to GayleSaver (love that name) and space rider!

Excellent point GayleSaver! We're not writing to vent - we're writing to persuade them from a business perspective that we're worth it!

[GayleSaver]

Very well met.

[uisceboo]

spacerider, and all newcomers: snail letters are always better than email. Large companies often count or even WEIGH snail mail as a way of measuring feedback. Email boxes that are full often are emptied automatically or lock up -- not the best way to communicate. I know that some people really don't want to lick a stamp, but it's really no more effort than setting a VCR up to record Farscape :-)

Gayle: Welcome, and I am going to quote you on correspondence -- an excellent point that a lot of people have been missing. Go YOU!

To newcomers, welcome! There is no such thing as late. Since we posted a news item referring people here, many newcomers are expected! Glad you showed up!

I feel this about who to write to:

If you are not sure, write to them ALL. No one will know you wrote to more than one party, you have covered all the bases, and you are contributinging to industry-wide water-cooler buzz (that's a good thing!).

The main thrust of the "find a new home" leg of the campiagn has been focusing on Viacom becuase the have expressed interest for a long time in forming a new science-fiction oriented network, and so are already somewhat receptive to our desire to find Farscape a new home. Don't take this to mean that everyone is required to only work with them, but odds are they are most likely to do something we like.

Just tell the world what you want -- a new home for Farscape, Farscape back on the air. If no one knows, no one can make it happen.

Go, Scapers, GO!

[Chaym]

Here's a blury pic of the handmade tuxedo cards that I sent to Viacom and the networks. I think I posted the wording before and maybe a picture. This one though shows the insides and outsides, as well as the variation in cumberbunds and papers. (I wanted them to be different for each person in each company.)

[space rider]

Chaym, nice work on the tux letters, very classy


I don't know if is the place to post this but I was wondering if this letter I wrote went over all the angles we wanted to cover when writing Viacom. Please read letter and tell me what you think.


As an avid viewer of the Sci Fi channel, I have heard that your company is interested in acquiring the Sci Fi channel. I and many other viewers would be behind your bid to buy the Sci Fi channel, if you were to fix its programming flaws. They have decided to cancel good science fiction shows and replace them with shows that have little interest to the bulk of its viewers or put the good shows at very late times. It seems the people in charge of the Sci Fi channel currently are losing the ability to keep good science fiction programming on the channel. A science fiction channel should stay true to it genre. Some of the shows in this genre are Farscape, Stargate SG-1, Lexx, Babylon 5, Sliders, Odyssey5, and Invisible Man to name just a few.

If you are unable to buy the Sci Fi Channel we, the viewers, would like you to start your own science fiction channel. There are a lot of viewers that would tune into a channel that showed their favorite science fiction shows and movies. They will abandon a channel that does not listen to its viewer’s preference of programs. I expect this to start happening to the Sci Fi channel.

One of the great series that was cancelled by the Sci Fi channel is Farscape. Farscape was probably only second, in ratings, to Stargate SG-1. They canceled it abruptly near the end of its 4th season. Farscape has a wide viewer base and is a solid show. It could be a good addition to your lineup if you carried on the series with a new season on one of your networks. If Farscape were to move to another network, its loyal audience would most definitely follow. Sci Fi is currently showing reruns of the Farscape at 11pm central time Sunday through Thursday. Just check out a couple of episodes. I think you will like what you see. If you want to know more about Farscape you can go to its web page.
http://www.scifi.com/farscape/
There you can read about characters and previous story line.
You will also see the message boards are alive with new posts
and new members join daily.

As shown by the enclosed online demographic survey, Farscape viewers are highly educated and have the discretionary purchasing power advertisers seek. We are also very religious in our television viewing habits and are extremely loyal to the shows we choose to watch.

In closing, I thank you for your time and I hope you consider all these suggestions.
The series Farscape was cancelled before its time. As one of its many devoted viewers, I hope the outstanding series will be continued in the future.

[I-am-so-Johns-girl]

Great cards Chaym! :aok: :aok: :aok: Thanks for sharing the pics!

[Stargate2077]

space rider, the letter sounds perfect. I don't know what you could add to it to make it better.

[Chaym]

Space rider - lovely letter! :)

And thank you I-am-so-Johns-Girl :)

[vhsiv]

from 1999:

http://www.sfcommand.com/captains_log/number_53/trekbytes.html

"Viacom, the Star Trek parent company, has announced that consideration is underway for the possible launch of a cable network which will compete against the Sci-Fi Channel. "Our sci-fi channel will consist of *real, true sci-fi, not horror*," said Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone, referring to the Sci-Fi Channel's airing of fantasy and horror content, along with science fiction. While exclusive rerun rights for classic Star Trek have been sold to the Sci-Fi Channel, rights for the three 24th-century spinoff series remain in Viacom's hands, and may be used to help fill out such a channel's programming. Viacom used to own half of USA Networks, the Sci-Fi Channel parent company, but that interest was sold 18 months ago. A non-compete clause prevents Viacom from launching such a network until 2001. Viacom spokesman Carl Folta noted that there were no definite plans to create such a network, and that it is merely a point of discussion."

[space rider]

Hello vhsiv,

The Viacom report is good news, but its is old. Two years for them to make a decision on their sci fi is too long. Who knows what they are thinking about now. All you can do is hope that they still want to do it and soon.

[qtemp]

Hello fellow scapers,

Another Saturn Award huh? What the Frell is going on at the Sci-Fi channel? I contacted Showtime as per the thread on this BB. If you want to try to get some airtime on the radio in Chicago, email Mancow at Q101 at mancow@mancow.com. or www.q101.com. He's a big Sci-Fi nut.The more pressure on the media and emails to the powers that be, the better chance of picking up a new network. Make sense to me.

Good Luck
T.P.:aok:

[uisceboo]

spacerider: more likely they will just BUY skiffy now and be done with it.

[uisceboo]

just so people are keeping up with things:
Another bidder rears his head:

http://www.watchfarscape.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=10796

[uisceboo]

An update...and boy does this guy sound scarey:

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A42210-2003May26.html

I have to love this writer. He has attitude steaming out of his ears. He'd make a good Scaper!

[AnnieBW]

Ya know, I'm wondering if Bonnie Grayza's comments about Skiffy being "the plum" and how great they're doing isn't some kind of PR maneuver to get more money out of a potential buyer? They follow the same business deals that we do, and they probably have more insider information. They know that Viacom wants Skiffy but not USA. So, her corporate masters tell her to put out some spin saying how great Skiffy is doing, even though they're getting their eemas kicked in the ratings since Farscape went OTA. I'm really interested in how the ratings for the same timeslot do without Farscape come June, and whether that will affect the upcoming sale.

- Annie

[Digger]

Ya know, I'm wondering if Bonnie Grayza's comments about Skiffy being "the plum" and how great they're doing isn't some kind of PR maneuver to get more money out of a potential buyer? They follow the same business deals that we do, and they probably have more insider information. They know that Viacom wants Skiffy but not USA. So, her corporate masters tell her to put out some spin saying how great Skiffy is doing, even though they're getting their eemas kicked in the ratings since Farscape went OTA. I'm really interested in how the ratings for the same timeslot do without Farscape come June, and whether that will affect the upcoming sale.

I get the feeling that what Bonnie is doing is standard practice. Accentuate the positive. Eliminate the negative. Make things look as rosy as possible to bring in the advertising money. As for how it will effect any potential buyers I don't really think it will have any. They've all pretty much made up their mind what the channel is worth. And as for it being the "plum" of the VUE assets, I think that may be true. Under the right management it could be a very good channel. It's just that the current management doesn't seem to have a clue where to go with it. They've done well with the mini-series, but I don't think they can sustain growth without a couple of strong weekly shows. I agree that it will be extremely interesting to see how they do in the ratings this summer. They used to have FS on then, but now they'll only have SG1 (with less RDA) and Tremors (which seems to be on life-support anyway). I think the sale will be done by early to mid July (just my opinion) so the ratings for June won't have any bearing either.

[MediaSavant]

The potential buyers have more resources to check out than Bonnie Hammer comments.

They can look at the books.

They have research departments which can give them ratings reports up the wazoo and--for the record--SciFi's ratings are still above "year ago" levels in 2nd quarter.

They subscribe to competitive track services which can estimate how much the network makes from advertising.

They subscribe to Paul Kagan, which can provide subscriber revenue projections.

They have feelers out regarding the upfront advertising market* and know that the network has sold very well in that market. That's revenue that will be theirs if they buy the network.

Since SciFi beats some Viacom networks in the ratings and their salespeople currently compete with them, they may have a different view of the channel than you do.

Look at TNN. It is still looking for an image that works since they got rid of the country music thing. By comparison, SciFi is a plum.

[MediaSavant]

Originally posted by AnnieBW
her corporate masters tell her to put out some spin saying how great Skiffy is doing, even though they're getting their eemas kicked in the ratings since Farscape went OTA.
- Annie

Annie, can you share the ratings analysis you've done. I'm not sure what decline in ratings is defined by "eemas kicked".

Maybe if I see your numbers, I'd understand what you mean.

[jadeshand]

Obviously, the whole basket is full of rotten fruit then.

[evilnos_unholy]

I have a burning question for anyone who knows...

isn't viacom in a pretty bad financial shape with all those "reality shows" airing on the crappy MTV?? I mean I don't even know which is which anymore, every time I click on that channel there is some kind of stupid drama unfolding (gee I truly hate reality shows)

[jadeshand]

Viacom is doing very well financially. MTV is only a small part of what they own.

[AnnieBW]

MS, what I meant was the ratings for Tremors are garnering a 0.6, and Scare Tactics isn't much higher. I don't have numbers, if that's what you want. Just my observation. You're the one that knows this business, not me. Sorry if I offended you.
\

[RescueFarscape]

AnnieBW, Skiffy's ratings may be low for their original shows:rolleyes:, but they ranked 10th in basic cable networks for the month of May in the 18-49 demographic (if I read that right).

As much as it irks us all, Skiffy does seem to be doing rather well overall. Maybe take it as a good sign that more people watching sci-fi?

[AnnieBW]

I WAS MISTAKEN!!! All right? Is everyone satisfied, or shall I flagellate myself publicly a little more for my hasty comment about Skiffy's ratings?

[RescueFarscape]

Annie!:eek: It's all right! I didn't know how well Skiffy was doing (oh, brother!) til today. Just thought maybe you hadn't seen that thread, that's all.:)

And their ratings ARE low, I can't believe that (scary thought) other channels are even lower.

[jadeshand]

Overall, Skiffy did not rank in the top ten - only in that demographic, yet they published today that they ranked in all demographics in the top ten - so if they did that, why weren't they listed in the over-all top ten?

[gurnemanz]

. . . from a slightly different angle, it seems to me from the analyses you've given us that the research tools themselves (or maybe it's just the jargon attached to their use?) are predisposed to predict and describe lowest common denominators a whole lot better than they describe peak experiences.

In other words, does it seem to you that audience demographical analysis is in the same family with "The Dismal Science," economics?

I have no background in prob/stats, so I ask in sincere ignorance - what measurable and quantifiable factors would differentiate "60 Minutes" from "Jerry Springer"?

What design elements could be built into a series to exploit the performance characteristics of the statistical process, other than giving all the female characters modified superstructures and all the male characters abundant ribbons on their codpieces?

g.

[MediaSavant]

Back to the topic of Viacom. My man Mel gets an interview:

Multichannel News
June 02, 2003
SECTION: Top Stories; Pg. 1

LENGTH: 3006 words

HEADLINE: Viacom's Karmazin Glad He Stuck Around;
Q&A with Mel Karmazin

BYLINE: By Mike Farrell and Linda Moss

BODY:
It's been about three years since CBS Corp. merged with Viacom Inc., creating a programming powerhouse with some of the most attractive broadcast and cable properties in the media universe and nearly $25 billion in 2002 revenue. Since then, Viacom has proved critics of big media mergers wrong -- it has strong, consistent free cash flow and is actively looking for more media properties to acquire. But the cable landscape has also changed: Consolidation has honed the number of major cable operators to a handful and several have openly criticized networks of price gouging, with Washington even considering a federal mandate to tier cable networks. Viacom president and COO Mel Karmazin recently sat down to talk about those and other issues with Multichannel News senior finance editor Mike Farrell and editor-at-large Linda Moss. An edited transcript follows.

MCN: Let's talk about acquisitions. There's been a lot of talk about Vivendi Universal Entertainment. What do you think about those assets and the recent news that Cablevision Systems Corp. would possibly be involved in a bid?

Mel Karmazin: We had our shareholders meeting yesterday [May 21], and one of the things that we put up was a slide which basically showed how well we're doing in our cable segment -- and it basically aggregates MTV Networks, BET [Black Entertainment Television] and Showtime [Networks Inc.] -- and it shows that by a very large margin, we are the No. 1 company in the United States in the cable-network business.

Not only were we No. 1 in size, but we had the best margins. So, that leads us to like that industry and like that sector a lot. So, whenever an acquisition opportunity comes up in that area, we tend to be very interested.

We have great management throughout the organization. We have digested everything that they own to date, so we feel very comfortable with our ability to expand in that area. My guess is that sometime today [May 22], we're going to close on Comedy Central. So, that deal will be completed and again, that's a perfect fit for us. It shows how aggressive we are in that area.

But, in order for us to do it, it would have to make sense from two points of view -- one would be the price and the other one would be the growth rate. Because, again, our company is a growth company and we like to buy assets that are growing.

So it's not just buying an asset in the cable business. It's buying an asset that we feel really good that once we take it over, we can grow.

MCN: Does Court TV fit that?

Karmazin: Sure, Court TV is a great cable asset. Again, I can't speak for the price, can't speak for whether or not either of the partners want to sell it. But, again, Court TV would be a cable asset that has the potential of growing, and, again, would have to be determined about the price.

So, the same thing would exist if, in fact, Vivendi were interested in selling just their cable assets. I have no information to that effect.

But, if, in fact, they were, we would certainly be interested in looking at it. I can't tell you we'd be the buyer, because of the price, but we would certainly be interested.

MCN: How would USA Network fit into your portfolio?

Karmazin: I think the question on USA would be, we like niche cable networks a lot. So, a general-entertainment network is something that we have not gravitated toward. But, again, it's a great brand and they do great things. So, the question would be, what the growth rate going forward, would be for USA Network, and what price would you pay?

MCN: And how about Sci Fi Channel? How does that fit?

Karmazin: Sci Fi probably fits better, conceptually, for what we're looking for, because it's in a targeted niche and has an awful lot of growth ahead of it, probably. You can buy a cable network, which we've done, or you can start a cable network, which we have also done.

TV Land, obviously, is a great example of a cable network that the company started. If, in fact, we were unable to acquire something like the Sci Fi Channel -- and if we thought that that was a good segment of the business to be in, between the Paramount library and all of the content that's there -- we would have the ability to start, potentially, a new cable network.

MCN: You've talked about that in the past. Is that something that's still on the radar screen?

Karmazin: Sure. As digital cable is rolled out, and as you have the opportunity to get more distribution, and as opportunities present themselves -- sure, we would definitely be interested in expanding.

We love the business, it's well within our core of competency and we do well in it, so why wouldn't we want to expand, either through acquisition or creating new [networks]?

MCN: Viacom had talked about starting a gay network with Showtime and MTV. Where does that stand?

Karmazin: Still there, still of interest. Matt Blank and the team over at Showtime would like to do it. Some of the issues are timing and the economy, and whether or not you are ready, this year, to deal with the start-up losses of a new channel, or whether or not we wanted to wait. It's something that we believe we will do.

But again, the issue of the [Iraq] war, the issue of the uncertainty of the economy, were all things that currently have it on hold, but it doesn't necessarily mean that it will be hold for the rest of this year. But we would very much like to do it.

People within our organization believe that it's an important market -- a market that deserves to be served. We think we can do it, and nothing would make me happier than to be able to pull the trigger and to authorize it to go forward.

MCN: If Cablevision doesn't end up as part of a VUE deal, would Rainbow Media Holdings Inc. -- minus Bravo -- look good to you at all?

Karmazin: Let's assume [WE:] Women's Entertainment and AMC were available for sale -- and we have no reason to believe they are or are not. We would again, say, it's in our core competency -- cable network, we like that business, so we would certainly look at it.

Whether or not those assets would meet the price in growth rates we look at would have to be determined. If, in fact, they did, we'd be very interested. And, if, in fact they didn't, we would just not be a buyer.

MCN: As one of the biggest cable programmers out there --

Karmazin: Excuse me?

MCN: As the biggest cable programmer out there -- sorry -- what's your take on the whole debate that's going on now between programmers and operators and the possibility of tiering networks?

Karmazin: I have not been the long-term cable programming executive. We had a relatively small position in the CBS [Cable] area. But I can tell you that the consolidation that has taking place has, in my opinion, established closer relationships with the few people who are left in the business. We have very strong cable networks that are very dependent upon the people who are distributing -- the MSOs and the satellite operators.

We're constantly working with them. I believe that we have great relationships with them, collectively. I can tell you every time we sit down with one to negotiate, it's contentious. Nothing has changed in that regard.

We're both on opposite ends of the table, very often, on the issues. But, we've managed this long to keep growing our company, while they keep growing theirs, and it's been, in my opinion, a good partnership.

We have very widely distributed cable networks, plus we have some new cable networks that we're rolling out in the digital tier. We are not -- by most people we talk to -- egregious in our pricing. I've seen various numbers your publication has printed on what the fees are -- the affiliate fees that we get. It's sort of hard to look at what we're getting paid and for somebody to say we're not offering value at those prices.

We just concluded, what, I think, [Comcast Corp. CEO] Brian Roberts and [cable division president] Steve Burke described as a win-win new affiliation agreement with Showtime that was done post [Comcast-AT&T Broadband] merger. And I would characterize it the same way.

I think that we understand the new reality. The world has consolidated; our advertisers have consolidated; the advertising agencies have consolidated; the media companies have consolidated and the MSOs have consolidated as well.

MCN: There's been a lot of buzz from broadcasters about demanding cash for new retransmission consent. What's Viacom's position on that?

Karmazin: We think that an awful lot of the consumers are watching our television stations. We don't want to demand anything. Our sense is that we believe that we ought to be compensated for -- that our preference would be to not tie it into anything else. Our preference would be for somebody to sit down with CBS and to negotiate a retransmission-consent arrangement with CBS. And we're very comfortable with that.

And, again, when negotiating, we tend to not say we're demanding anything. The government required retransmission consent, and therefore, in order to get our consent for the retransmission, we need to talk and we're happy to deal any way the MSO or satellite operator wants to deal.

MCN: Obviously, you wear a bunch of hats: Broadcast, cable, and I'm sure in the past years, you could have talked about cable not getting its "fair share" of TV dollars in the upfront. Do you want them to get their fair share, because isn't that money out of the pocket of CBS?

Karmazin: No, the reason that NBC, ABC and Fox exist, is so that our cable network can take dollars from them.

MCN: Or try, anyway.

Karmazin: That is their role. So, when we are, as we are involved right now, involved in the upfront, we expect that CBS can take care of themselves, and we suspect that our cable networks can take care of itself, and at the end of the day, I'm convinced that Viacom shareholders benefit from the jump ball.

But, I do think, that there is the opportunity for cable -- which is currently still only getting about 6% of the advertising pie overall -- where the CPMs of cable networks are dramatically lower than the CPMs of the broadcast networks, and I do believe that there are opportunities for growth there.

One of the reasons we like this business so much is that the pie is so small, it can get bigger; the CPM's are relatively low, they could get bigger. And, as more and more audience shifts to these cable networks, we think that the growth prospects are better than they've ever been before.

Now, having said that, when we sit and talk about CBS, we believe that CBS -- as compared to NBC, as an example -- is not getting its fair share and we expect that that business is going to grow.

We also are seeing, interestingly enough, that as fragmentation has occurred, advertisers seem to be more than ever gravitating toward network television, because it still has the biggest audience. So as cable has continued to fragment itself, still the biggest audience remains on a Thursday night on the broadcast networks, and the advertisers still feel the importance of reaching that large a number of people all at once.

So we're seeing, in 2003-2004, growth coming in cable networks, but it doesn't appear to be at the expense of the broadcast networks.

MCN: In the wake of the News Corp. deal with DirecTV Inc., does Viacom feel that there is any reason at all to own distribution?

Karmazin: The reason to own distribution is because you think it's a good business. In other words, it's not like we feel that there's a reason to own it because if we didn't own it, we would not be able to get our television assets exposed.

Viacom, as you may know -- long before I came -- was in the cable distribution business, and they got out of the cable distribution business. So, we don't feel that News Corp. or Fox, actually, because that's where it's going to wind up -- acquiring [DirecTV] changes our viewpoint. We certainly wish [News Corp. chairman] Rupert [Murdoch] well. We certainly have no interest in even attempting to be against the merger.

If anything, we would support it. We tend to be very supportive of deregulatory things. So, you know, you can't go to Washington to complain about something when it serves your purpose. I can't be a hypocrite about it.

MCN: Aren't you nervous about the fact there will be all that firepower in one company?

Karmazin: Let's take another viewpoint for a second. Do we think that DirecTV is not going to want to carry MTV, or not going to want to carry CBS, or not going to want to carry Nickelodeon? Or do we think that the negotiation will be difficult? The negotiation with DirecTV is difficult today.

I often get asked about what I think the AT&T-Comcast merger is going to do to the negotiation process. If you were to speak with anybody who negotiated with Comcast when Comcast was much smaller, nobody looked forward to going into the room with Brian [Roberts] to negotiate at any point. It was always a very difficult negotiation, as it is with everybody.

I think the fact that they've consolidated is good for them, from a point of view of giving them a bigger platform, and giving them cost advantages.

But, from our point of view, I don't anticipate that a meeting with Brian and his team will be any more difficult than it's always been.

MCN: Even when now they have 22 million subs and can basically make or break a network?

Karmazin: Absolutely. Let's go back to the day when all they had was Philadelphia. How could you not be in Philadelphia? Take every one of our channels, you need to be in Philadelphia.

So, whether Comcast has beyond Philadelphia, you're still negotiating for Philadelphia. One of the always-difficult negotiations is with Cablevision. Cablevision has 3 million subscribers. They don't have as big a footprint as others do, but it doesn't mean that when you're negotiating with Cablevision, it's any easier than it is in negotiating with DirecTV, which has more distribution, or Dish [EchoStar Communications Corp.] or Comcast -- they're all difficult, because you need to be a fully distributed -- or you want to be a fully distributed -- cable network.

MCN: And Cablevision has New York.

Karmazin: And Comcast had Philadelphia. But, I could say the same thing about -- what city don't you want to be in?

MCN: But without Comcast distribution, what's the use of having a network?

Karmazin: You want to have all of it. And, again, we've managed to do that. And, you know, it would be the same way -- and this isn't a fair equation -- how would [Roberts's] 22% be, if it didn't have all of our programming content? We would think that he would miss our content as much as we would miss his distribution.

There's an awful lot of people out there that like CBS programming and that like MTV programming or Nickelodeon. I think to deprive people of the combination of SpongeBob and Ozzy Osbourne is un-American.

MCN: A lot of people say you're not a real easy guy to work for.

Karmazin: I absolutely refuse -- I'll bet it's an anonymous person.

MCN: I mean that in a good way. You demand results from you executives, and you get them.

Karmazin: Sounds right to me. If you went up to my office, you'd see a 'No Excuses' sign -- you know those 'No Bozos' signs? -- in my office you'd see no excuses. Absolutely our investors expect excellence, and we have great executives and we expect them to perform. We want to go to the Super Bowl every year, and not just go, but win. Every year.

That's the culture. We think that we've demonstrated that it is possible to do things that are good for the long run and also, at the same time, deliver each quarter. I don't think that those two are in conflict.

And, I know a lot of people say, you can't invest in the future. I can tell you that we've never spent more money in development than we have this year, in particular our cable networks, as well as our broadcast network.

We're spending more money on programming development and it will financially be the best year in our history. So it doesn't mean that in order for us to hit our financial numbers that we can't be investing in the future. We are. In spite of me.

MCN: A year ago, there was a lot of talk about you leaving. While that was going on, there didn't seem to be a jockeying for position for your job ...

Karmazin: I wouldn't want my job. They have the best jobs.

I keep trying to jockey for [MTV Networks chairman] Tom Freston's job. You're asking me whether or not there's jockeying for position in Viacom, the answer is yes -- it's Mel jockeying for [CBS president] Les's [Moonves] job and Mel jockeying for Tom's job.

MCN: You managed to clear that all up by signing a new contract, which seemed to be good for both sides.

Karmazin: I'm happy. I think the sense was for me -- there was no place that I could think of, inside the industry or outside the industry, that I would rather be for the future prospects of the company. So, at one point --

MCN: Not even The Walt Disney Co.? Disney, apparently, really was very sad that you reupped your deal.

Karmazin: At one point, I sat down with the Fortune 500 issue with an eye toward making a list -- forget whether anybody would have me -- I mean, I'm not suggesting I could get a job. But, let's assume I had a choice of anything. So, I looked at Wal-Mart -- went down the list. Would I rather be -- my fantasy -- would I rather be at Wal-Mart? Would I rather be at Exxon? Would I rather be at GE? And, I legitimately, for me, could not come up with a better place to be than Viacom.

And, I knew the company would do well with me or without me. The company's extraordinary -- assets, extraordinary management -- and I was enjoying myself. I felt I was adding value, and I couldn't find a place that I would rather be.

Now, it didn't mean that if, in fact, things didn't work out, there aren't other good places. Obviously, there's a lot of great companies in America, but for me, this is where I wanted to be and I'm happy I'm here.

[Digger]

That's a great article MS. Thanks for posting it. I think my favorite part, aside from the fact that Viacom is still considering either buying SciFi or starting their own science fiction network, was this quote:

"There's an awful lot of people out there that like CBS programming and that like MTV programming or Nickelodeon. I think to deprive people of the combination of SpongeBob and Ozzy Osbourne is un-American." :rollin:

[Darth Buddha]

You know, I think long term that a new science fiction channel would be better than somebody buying Skiffy.

Competition is good. 'Specially for the "core audience". If a second channel popped up, then suddenly a no-respect-where-else-can-they-go block of viewers becomes the subject of competition. A new channel would have to shoot for that.

Would be interesting to see Skiffy and Bonnie getting nothing but table scraps and transient viewers for the next decade, don't ya think?

[Digger]

You know, I think long term that a new science fiction channel would be better than somebody buying Skiffy.

I don't think it would matter either way if Viacom was involved. There was a quote from Sumner Redstone a while ago saying in connection with the thought of starting a new channel that he would like to see one where it played actual real Science Fiction and not all the crappy horror flicks. I can't remember the exact quote or what thread it was in. Sorry. But it is very much in line with our complaints isn't it? So if he buys skiffy I think we'd definitely see some changes for the better.

I also think, that should Viacom NOT end up with SciFi then our first order of business would be to inundate him with letters begging for a REAL Science Fiction Network. We should reach out to all the disgruntled fans of shows that skiffy and others have screwed (I-MAN, Firefly, et al) and let him know just how many of us there are. In fact, maybe we should just start doing that now.

[Darth Buddha]

The Disgruntled Science Fiction Fan Alliance, or DISSFFA?

[vhsiv]

Originally posted by Darth Buddha
You know, I think long term that a new science fiction channel would be better than somebody buying Skiffy.

Competition is good. 'Specially for the "core audience". If a second channel popped up, then suddenly a no-respect-where-else-can-they-go block of viewers becomes the subject of competition. A new channel would have to shoot for that. But you know, I think Bonnie and Michael Jackson are probably at a point beyond caring. I don't think that they are very particular about what they air, as long as it gets high enough marks to guarantee income from their advertisers. I have nothing at all to back this up, but I somehow suspect that *used* scifi is likely cheap to come by - it's likely on the same fee schedule as all of those old Japanese Godzilla and Mothra pictures (and the sorts of things parodied by MST3K). For USA, I suppose it's a cheap (and cost-effective) programming strategy.

What IS expensive, is to commission new series, like Farscape, I-Man, or even Stargate SG-1. Only then, does genre programming start to become a risk, as re-purposing old content is much like browsing the aisles at the local Goodwill - lots of cast-off parts that the general public doesn't have a committed interest in.

Skiffy currently performs the function that thousands of independent UHF operators did, before the days of digital cable and satellite. Just as those operators did then, they sought to buy low (airing licenses) and sell high - to the broadest, or most available audience - it just so happened that 'The Omega Man' and 'Planet of the Apes','Fahrenheit 451' and 'ST:TOS' were inexpensive to screen on Saturday afternoons.

Likely too, that was the thought when Viacom and Universal partnered to create Skiffy 10 or 15 years ago - between the two of them, they had more than enough (library) content to fill their programming day, and toss an occaisional bone to 'boutique' items - films like the first 'Cube' - that weren't being shown in other venues. But the cable business has changed in the past 5-7 years, as has Skiffy's ownership.

The original Skiffy 'visionaries', Stephen Chao and [forget his name] who actually liked the genre, and could tell the good from the awful, have moved on to other things. Now, the people driving the ship are just MBAs, who are trying to capture market-share, by imitating other people's successes - 'reality tv', T&A, and the like. Theirs is an agnostic never-had-the-faith appoach that would go a long way to explain Skiffy's current churn-and-burn strategy. I think many of them would be happier, if they were just working at MTV - any incarnation thereof - as programming to them, is just cannon-fodder. Given the state of things, TMC (Turner Classic Movies), Starz/Encore and even AMC(!) are more than adequate competition for SciFi - sure, the latter don't run series, but the ratio of Good-to-Shite sf on these networks is a better average than that which Skiffy is currently running. In short, Skiffy is a handicapped player with no competitors, right now. If a serious competitor were to appear, they'd simply have to fold their hand and properly rename themselves as USA 2.

[vhsiv]

Originally posted by Darth Buddha
The Disgruntled Science Fiction Fan Alliance, or DISSFFA? Properly knowns as 'DISSFFAns' or 'dissed-fans'.

[Darth Buddha]

Your assesment seems to be very much on target and lean, a la Occam's razor.

I wonder how long it will take for bottom-of-the-barrel programming strategies to burn out. Sooner or later you've got to attract some new/serious sci-fi fan eyeballs to pump your other dren.

PS - Secretly, I love Godzilla movies - I thought the New Years Stomp-a-thon was unbearably cool/geeky. But I doubt there are many state-side fans of Mothra movies!

[Digger]

"Oh-Oh, there goes Tokyo. Go, Go Godzilla!"

Hee, hee. I loved those movies as a kid.

[BillFrugge]

The true value of Skiffy lies in their catalog. No other network can show ST TOS anymore due to the exclusive contracts. A new startup would have to be composed of mostly original works - an expensive proposition.

Maybe I go back too far, but I recall the SciFi network being pitched at conventions. (They openly courted fans) Viacom and Universal didn't 'create' SciFi -- They bought into it in order to get the network on the air.

The board of advisers on SciFi was to include people like Isaac Asimov. I wonder what he'd think now?

[Darth Buddha]

O.K., how long do they have ST TOS? How much of their catalog to they OWN and how much is RENTED and for HOW LONG.

What are the current states of ST TNG (that's on a Viacom network already), ST DS9 (don't see that much of anywhere) and ST Voyager (don't see that much around either).

Right there you have a freaking POWERHOUSE.

There's lots of other stuff I've not seen around for a while. Some of it classic (Avengers, The Prisoner, Space 1999), some of it more recent.

Moreover, if you really WANTED to do new programs to really bust things up, there's a long line of near misses, Frelled up stuff, etc., just like I-man, Firefly, and of course Farscape that might do well if ressurrected.

And to rebut their science smear stuff (like the attempt at a new In Search Of, etc.) you might try to get rights to or even make new low cost programming like Arthur C. Clarke's Mysterious World. I don't imagine it would be that much harder or expensive to produce low cost high quality programs like that than it is for Skiffy to produce dren.

(A.C. Clarke is still kicking, isn't he?)

[MediaSavant]

One should recognize that any new science fiction network would face an uphill climb in terms of:

1.) Acquiring programming.

While some of the obscure stuff you've mentioned would certainly be available, the more obscure it is, the lower the probable audience for it. The higher rated stuff would be locked up by other networks.

This problem is not limited to series, but movie titles as well. A small channel certainly might get the rights to "Pi", but not to some other key films.

2.) Growth to critical mass. SciFi began in 1994. By 1999 when Farscape debuted, it was still in only 55% of the households in the U.S. A certain amount of critica