Peter Chernin lit a fire under his people earlier this year saying that it was no longer acceptable that the Fox network (NWS-A) not compete during the fall season. An obvious allusion to "American Idol" and "24" continuing to carry the network in the key demo. This was especially a message sent to Fox Entertainment chairman Peter Liguori.
While they've been holding pretty strongly, it's only a matter of time before the viewership erodes in a way that will have a strong impact on the network if their schedule isn't stronger across the board.
One strategy the network is employing is the introduction of their fall schedule earlier than they have in the past, launching it in early September.
Another move for the long term was the hiring of Kevin Reilly to create some new shows that create the type of critical acclaim his shows have received in the past.
Fox will be offering five new series for the fall - reality shows "Kitchen Nightmares" and "Nashville," dramas "K-Ville" and "New Amsterdam," and a comedy "Back to You."
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