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Rogers cancels another CityTV Classic...
This will be the third show they have canceled in the couple weeks. Rogers is truly starting to piss me right off.
| quote: | Originally posted @ http://www.thestar.com/article/448697
Rogers to Ed: Put a sock in it
Citytv to drop Canada's longest running weekly comedy program
Jun 25, 2008 04:30 AM
Raju Mudhar
Entertainment Reporter
In another move that signals changes at Citytv, Ed and Red's Night Party is being cancelled as of Aug. 31, but according to the man behind the incorrigible sock puppet, Ed the Sock is far from dead.
"There's no ill will. Things change," said Steve Kerzner, Ed's voice and creator. "We just don't really fit, I guess, as presently constituted, with what they wanted to do with the channel."
Kerzner says he was told that Citytv's new corporate parent, Rogers, would like to attract more female viewers. He also says that he's been feeling restless and wants to branch out and do more than just the late night show.
Since debuting on cable access in 1992, and moving to City in 1994, the show has become Canada's longest running weekly comedy show and regularly beats American late-night competition in local ratings. Throughout the years, Ed the Sock was featured on MuchMusic in Fromage specials and as a correspondent, besides his own show, which started as Ed's Night Party.
Since Rogers took over Citytv last year, there have been a number of high-profile changes, including the departure of consumer advocate Peter Silverman and the decision not to bring back Speakers Corner.
"It was really kind of a mutual conclusion for Ed and City to move on," said James Haggerty, vice-president and general manager of Citytv Toronto.
"As we were devising our fall schedule, we both came to the conclusion that maybe it is time for Citytv to move on and explore other programs in that time slot."
Kerzner said he understands the need for Rogers to take control of their investment, although he admits there should be a fear of alienating old viewers.
Kerzner does completely own the Ed character and since news of his impending departure has spread, he's found himself surprised by other suitors, as well as overwhelming fan support for the character.
He says plans are in the works for a new series or movie featuring Ed, but he is also developing other shows without the character, including a geek culture show, featuring Liana K, his wife, Ed's co-host and the "Red" in his show's title. |
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