TV & VIDEO - April 8, 1988

Who says network executives don’t have a sense of humor? Consider CBS Entertainment President Kim LeMasters and the videotaped message that he sent out to the No. 3 network’s 200 affiliates last month. Borrowing liberally from Joe Isuzu’s infamous “liar” ads, LeMasters sought to amuse affiliates confused by the network’s wholesale slaughter of its 1987-88 lineup. The Wall Street Journal this week carried a partial transcript. LeMasters: “First an update on CBS prime time--and the news is terrific!” (“He’s lying” flashes at the bottom of the screen.) “Ratings couldn’t be better!” (“He reads them upside down.”) “We’re on a roll!” (“He needs a vacation.”)