From: meye0002@gold.tc.umn.edu (Jeffrey E Meyers)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.tv.mst3k.misc
Subject: "'MST3K' Says Ratings Dodge Was a Surprise"
Date: 12 Dec 1995 10:14:48 -0600
Organization: University of Minnesota

This article was in Minnesota's St. Paul Pioneer Press on Monday, 
December 11th.  It is credited to Brian Lambert, the Pioneer Press' staff 
broadcast columnist.

"'MST3K' Says Ratings Dodge Was a Surprise"

	The Eden Prarie - based "Mystery Science Theater 3000" ("MST3K") 
gang claims to be surprised and somewhat baffled by Comedy Central's 
decision to drop the show because of poor ratings performance.

	"They've never talked to us about ratings in the six or seven 
years we've been with them," says MST3K spokeswoman Julie Walker.  "They 
haven't ever shared ratings information with us.  So it's a little 
surprising they're using ratings as a reason.  You'll have to talk to 
them, I guess, to find out what they're really thinking."

	We tried, and we're still waiting to hear back.

	As it stands, the show Best Brains (MST3K's corporate name) 
produces Dec. 21 and 22 and delivers to Comedy Central in January for 
airing in April will be the last new episode any of us will see on that 
particular cable channel.

	What's puzzling to fans of the goof-ball satire is that the first 
"Mystery Science" feature film is scheduled for release April 19.  If you 
were the show's host cable network, you'd think you'd buy a few more new 
episodes to capitalize on the interest the movie creates.

	As Walker explains it, Comedy Central has rights to the show 
through 1996, and, as proof that you always have to watch the fine print, 
Best Brains is not allowed to produce a single new episode until the 
Comedy Central contract expires.  In other words, if the USA network or, 
I don't know, say, PB, in a brush with a sense of humor, were to cut a 
deal, Best Brains couldn't begin shooting until 1997.

	As you might expect, the show's fans are not taking this well.  
An internet campaign already has begun.  The computer illiterate can take 
pleasure in annoying a faceless media executive by writing or faxing 
snide/nasty/contemptuous letters to:
	Doug Herzog
	President, Comedy Central
	1775 Broadway
	New York, N.Y. 10019
	or fax (212) 767-4071
	
	Feel free to use such phrases as "Dear Rancid Jell-O for Brains" 
and "If you had any taste, you might pass for a jelly doughnut."  Use 
your imagination.

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