Standards and Practices

I was UPN’s only standards and practices executive from the network’s inception in 1994 through 1996 (“UPN Goes Without Standards Executive,” by T.L. Stanley, June 2). As it was a start-up, I was also the head of talent. With the guidance of the legal department and our two top entertainment executives (former ABC S&P; execs), we adhered to what we considered industrywide standards with an extra bit of edginess, targeting young male viewers.

When programming grew to four nights, talent, development and current programming duties forced me to give up S&P; oversight, and each current programming executive became responsible for the standards of their individual shows.

While it wasn’t a particularly creative endeavor, standards and practices taught me a lot about diplomacy, the fine art of debating and staying in touch with the people who count: the audience. However, I’m grateful I’m not there monitoring “WWF Smackdown” and “Chains of Love” every week.

JENNIFER PART

Valley Village