notice, and make them continually tune in.”

Kent turned to his fellow execs, “And I’m sure Mr. Justyn will be giving us lots of programs with lots of high quality explosions and sex.” He laughed and others joined in.

“Oh, I’m all for pushing the envelope, but only when necessary and my idea of quality goes back to the foundations of this network. At one time HRT set the standards for quality. We were the bar that every other network strived for. We gave the public the first realistic drama about African Americans, we pioneered the three camera production that every sitcom today uses, and at one time every television set in American tuned in at least once a night to HRT because they knew if they wanted to see the best, HRT was where to find it.”

The smirk disappeared from Kent’s face and several others leaned in to listen to Ian. “What you will find from my department is, what will hopefully be a successful attempt, to give America, and foreign markets, what they want to see with the best possible artistic and production values we can offer. We will not be presenting copycat programming and poor imitations of some one else’s hits. My team, as well as the rest of HRT, will only be seeking out and developing their own style and once again be making every one else turn to us when it comes to quality entertainment.” Ian took his seat.

The room applauded. Kent half heartedly clapped his hands and turned to Tolan who stood. “Well thank you, Ian. That’s exactly what we all needed to hear.”

“Yes, very pretty words, young man.” Kent not so subtly condescended.

“Now to the matters at hand….” For the next few minutes the group talked about the problems in the schedules and possibilities. Execs tossed back and forth ideas about how to fill holes and scheduling moves to fill gaps.

“And of course, we will be announcing shortly the cancellation of “Sebastian Manor” and adding that hour to “America Alive!” Tolan added as almost an after thought.

“Excuse me if I am speaking out of turn,” Ian timidly asked, having been silent or unable to get a word in edgewise previously, “is that a done deal?”

“Well, no, but I think we are pretty unanimously in agreement…”

“I understand that, but are we sure that that is the best move?”

Kent rolled his eyes and plopped his puffy hands on the table. “It makes perfect sense. “Sebastian Manor” is a huge disaster, despite a pedigree. Soaps are losing ratings, and we expect to let “The Best of Everything” go when its contract is up in three years, as well. Soaps are dead. Let the affiliates have the time.”

“Actually…” Ian stood, “if I may…?”

“Please, proceed…” Tolan took a seat, and Kent practically spit on Ian as he began handing out copies of data his staff compiled.

“If you will take a look at this, we may want to reconsider before any formal announcements are made. While “America Alive!” is our highest rated daytime show, it is also by far our most expensive and adding the 9 am hour will actually triple the cost, and have it competing with Regis, Ellen and a host of other that will clobber us in ratings. According to this research most of our affiliates wouldn’t even pick up