ABC Head ‘More Bullish’ on Network TV Prospects

ABC Entertainment President Robert A. Iger was in a bit of a funk around this time last year.

Addressing a gathering of television critics, Iger blamed the popularity of the remote control for the death of several popular ABC dramas. He made a long-term prediction that at least one of the major networks would not survive if advertising dollars and audiences kept shrinking. He said networks might have to cut back on their hours.

But it was a relaxed and smiling Iger who faced this year’s convention of national television critics at the Century Plaza Hotel on Tuesday. He attributed his upbeat mood to the return of eight shows from last year and enthusiasm about new ABC shows premiering this fall.

Joking often during an hourlong press conference, Iger acknowledged his swing in mood.

“1991 for all the networks--and for the country, in fact--was kind of a tough year economically,” he said. “I think I was projecting the difficulties we were all incurring then on the future. And I think now we’re in slightly better shape.

“And maybe I’m in a better mood. I don’t know. I think perhaps I went a little too far. I was a little too pessimistic.”

Iger said he still feels somewhat cautious about the future: “I predicted that in 10 years one of the other networks might be out of business, and that networks might consider cutting back the amount of time. I think it’s still possible that one of the other networks will be programming in a completely new direction.”

He added, “But, you know, I guess I’m just feeling a little more bullish on our business than I was a year ago.”

Iger came under fire last year when he canceled several critically acclaimed shows such as “thirtysomething,” “China Beach” and “Equal Justice” as well as such quirky shows as “Twin Peaks.” But several less popular ABC dramas from last season--”Homefront,” “Civil Wars” and “Life Goes On”--were renewed for the fall.

He said critics felt that ABC was making a concerted effort to get rid of dramas last year. “Each decision--the ‘China Beach,’ the ‘thirtysomething,’ ‘Twin Peaks’ decisions--were all individual decisions, and not part of an overall effort on ABC’s behalf to cut down on dramas,” he said.

Referring to the crop of renewals, Iger said, “I think we’ve learned recently that, within the last year or so, that perhaps shows need a little more time to get sampled in this highly competitive environment, particularly the dramas. . . . I think we’re doing ourselves and our shows justice by giving them more time to gestate on the air.”