From: grimlok@hubcap.clemson.edu (Mike Percy)
Subject: WSPA-TV (spartanburg, SC) and "Grapevine", As to Qs
Organization: Clemson University
Distribution: alt
Date: Tue, 28 Jul 1992 15:14:35 GMT

Background:  WSPA-TV (Spartanburg, SC) refused to air CBS's summer
comedy "Grapevine."  They showed no episodes, so it wasn't pulled
because of viewer complaints or anything like that.  I saw the show
when I was in a different part of the country, and thought it mildy
humorous as far as sit-coms go.  So I decided to check this out and
voice my opinion as well as get some facts.

I've spoken to WSPA-TV's programming director Jimmy Sanders.  He was
very cordial and seemed to answer my questions without much hedging.
I asked some specific questions and jotted down the answers.  I wish I
wrote or typed fast enough to quote in full, but I don't, so all
answers are paraphrasings.

1. What is the reasoning behind the decision to not carry "Grapevine"?

The show was a limited run, with only six shows.  It's run is over, so
it's not all that important now.   They looked at it carefully and
decided the show didn't fit in their programming.  They decided not to
show any episodes becuase it was a poorly produced, low budget show
that they felt would get low ratings and not be much of a draw.
[Asked if the show's themes had any bearing]  They felt that the show
had gratuitous sexual themes the were treated lightheartedly with a
lack of responsibility.  They try to carry only shows that serve the
community and felt this show didn't do that.  They are licensed by the
FCC after all, and failing in this respect could cost them their
license.

They decided that "Mama's Family" reruns, due to their good ratings
with it in the late afternoon slot, would be a good substitute.  Of
course, this is just a guess, they'll have to wait for their ratings
book for the week.

2. Who was responsible for this decision?  Can I write a letter?

The program manager, Jimmy Sanders, looked at the show, decided the
above stuff, and suggested to the stations general manager, Jack West,
that "he look carefully" at this show before deciding to air it.

The address is
WSPA-TV
Box 1717
Spartanburg, SC 29304

3. Why was this decision made without even airing any episodes, to get
viewer responses or complaints?

They were doing what they felt was in the viewer's best interest.

4. What is CBS's position on this?  What is the address I should send
comments to?

They claim that CBS is fine with this.  SInce the show was a limited
run, and not expected to draw large audiences, they didn't put much
money into it, so it is OK for the affiliates to chose not to air the
show.  They also claim that mail sent to them with comments for the
network are forwarded to the network.

I tried to hold my tongue at various points.  I wanted to say stuff
like "soap operas are decent TV? they treat sexual themes with
responsibility?"   and "I'm a viewer who is perfectly capable of
deciding what's in my own best interest!"

I'll save these things for letters.

Mike Percy             | grimlok@hubcap.clemson.edu  | I don't know about
Sr. Systems Analyst    | mspercy@clemson.clemson.edu | your brain, but mine
Info. Sys. Development | mspercy@clemson.BITNET      | is really...bossy.
Clemson University     | (803) 656-3780              | (Laurie Anderson)
From: Mark.Sablow@iphase.UUCP (Mark Sablow)
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