• Ad Age, Monday, January 21, 2008 11:01 AM

While broadcast TV was the place to go for multi-course programming, often featuring 13 to 20 or more weeks of a drama or comedy show, Brian Steinberg writes that "thanks to the writers strike ... network TV is looking like a nibbler's delight: eight snackable episodes of "Lost," just a taste of "Terminator."

The walkout has forced shorter story arcs on networks and viewers -- and that may stay even after they go back to work. "A new model that has a continuous season with continuous new programming would benefit all," says Chuck Bachrach, executive vice president at independent agency RPA.

The nets have already moved to lower production costs, changing out expensive comedies and dramas for reality shows. Advertisers want more flexibility in the way they buy time, and viewers have taken to cable series, which often run only eight to 13 weeks and come and go at different times of the year.

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