NBC is generally considered the most flush network, but analysts say its profits are going down, as they are for ABC and Fox. CBS, the WB and UPN are all forecast to lose money. It's hard to say whether bad programming choices cause money troubles or vice versa. They've sprouted like mushrooms and there's evidence this fall that viewers may be tiring of them. Industry experts like Wolf also concede that the explosion of television outlets with time to fill has stretched Hollywood's talent pool too thin.
Critics also complain about a dearth of new ideas.
But it lasted barely a month after some black activists protested and the ratings tanked. Television goes through periodic lulls, said Robert Thompson, director of the Center for the Study of Popular Television at Syracuse University. There is erosion' Creativity is usually found now on cable or smaller networks willing to take a chance, Thompson said. The key to future success is capturing a niche and holding on tight. Not everyone is willing to give up the mass audience.