Ratings Race Claims Two More Casualties : Television: ‘WIOU’ on CBS and ABC’s ‘Eddie Dodd’ have been pulled from the networks’ schedules because of lackluster viewer numbers.

Embroiled in a tight battle for second place in the prime-time season that ends next month, CBS confirmed Friday that it has pulled the plug on “WIOU,” the low-rated drama about a local television newsroom.

ABC, meanwhile, which is barely ahead of CBS in the network race, gave the death penalty to the law series “Eddie Dodd” after only two broadcasts.

John Eisendrath, one of the creators and executive producers of “WIOU,” expressed disappointment that CBS seemed to be more concerned with the immediate ratings battle than with allowing his show to build an audience over time.

He blamed “WIOU’s” failure to draw large audiences in part on the fact that it disappeared from the schedule for seven weeks because of preemptions for Gulf War news and ratings-grabbing sweeps specials. When it returned--for only three episodes before getting the ax--the show received lower ratings than it had achieved for the 10 episodes aired before that break.

“I think that we feel that, over time, a show like this could attract an audience that would satisfy the needs of network,” Eisendrath said. “But, unfortunately, the network isn’t in a position now to give us that time. I don’t think it is a reflection on their lack of love or respect for the show. It has to do with ratings and the race to finish the season in second place.”

CBS has yet to announce a permanent replacement for “WIOU” and will fill the show’s Wednesday night time period with various specials. “WIOU” had been last in that time period for the past couple of weeks and one of the lowest rated shows on television.

The five remaining episodes of the series will air sometime later this year, but probably not before the end of the season and the completion of the May ratings sweeps.

Kathryn Pratt, “WIOU’s” other creator and executive producer, questioned whether network executives any longer have the patience for ensemble shows like “WIOU,” which, because of their multiple characters and ongoing story lines, require time to build a loyal following.

She pointed out that when “Hill Street Blues” and “St. Elsewhere” began, NBC was in last place and had the luxury of giving those shows the time they needed to flourish.

Now, with the networks closely bunched in the ratings race and consistently losing audience to cable and independent stations, the climate has changed. While “L.A. Law” continues to thrive, other ensemble series like “Cop Rock,” “Twin Peaks” and “Equal Justice” have struggled.

“Those shows that you have to actively view, that require people to think about the characters, to work a little, which by necessity requires consistent viewing, I think those shows will suffer,” Pratt said. “We may not be seeing more of them. And that would be a shame.”

“Eddie Dodd,” which had originally been scheduled to run for six consecutive Tuesdays on ABC, will now complete an abbreviated four-week stint on April 2. “thirtysomething,” which had been temporarily banished to the bullpen to make room for “Eddie Dodd,” will return April 9 with an episode that features the wedding of the characters Ellyn and Billy.