Fox Focuses on Stability in UpFronts

[Only admins are allowed to see this link]

Fox, which is finishing its fifth season as the top-rated network among adults 18-49, is taking over NBC’s traditional Monday kickoff slot this year at the advertising market in New York. That means Fox won’t have the luxury of knowing all of its rivals’ plans before it makes its moves.

Doesn’t matter, said Fox scheduling chief Preston Beckman. The network prefers to play its own game, and in any case, it laid out the tentpoles of its fall strategy months ago.

“We made some scheduling moves in January which more than likely will stay set in place in the fall,” Mr. Beckman said. “It should allow us to have a stronger fourth quarter and maybe not have to blow up our schedule in January.”

Mr. Beckman is referring to the shift of “House” to Mondays at 8 p.m. and of “Bones” to Thursdays at 8. Both moves have paid off, and with fall series “Fringe” and “Lie to Me” both on deck to return, Fox has islands of stability within its schedule.

(Follow the link to read more.)

i knew bones was staying. just a matter of if its going to move or not. but guess not for now. good news though.

thanks for posting!

I still didn't read anything definite that Bones was staying. Reading between the lines about how they are so happy, finally, with Thursdays, and that they don't want to go for a bunch of new shows, it only stands to reason that Bones is safe. I can't imagine them not renewing it!!