Jazz Station Splits with UPN

Figures. This station is owned by the Jazz owner.

UPN exec gets nasty

By Scott Pierce Deseret News television critic


The nasty break-up between KJZZ and UPN has turned a great deal nastier, with a network executive making outrageous allegations of racism against Ch. 14 management.
I didn't have much respect for UPN Chief Operating Officer Adam Ware before. I have none now.
Ware gave the Washington Post a copy of a letter written to UPN executives by KJZZ general manager Randy Rigby and proceeded to distort its contents in a way that was, at the very least, unethical. Although "slanderous" might be a more accurate term.
In the course of the failed negotiations between Ch. 14 and UPN, KJZZ at one point asked to opt out of its network affiliation should UPN include more than the two-hours of "urban/ethnic programming" that airs on Monday nights. Ware called that move "outrageous and offensive" and proceeded to put words in Rigby's mouth.
"They mean African-Americans -- we don't want any more shows that feature African-American stars -- more than you do now," Ware told the Post.
What's outrageous and offensive is the way Ware is spinning this. He's basically accusing Rigby and KJZZ of racism.
First of all, "urban/ethnic" is UPN's term for its Monday lineup, which includes "Moesha," "The Parkers," "The Hughleys" and "Girlfriends." While "urban" is a buzz word in Hollywood for "African-American" -- and it was interpreted that way by the Post -- that was not Rigby's intention.
And this is absolutely nothing new. The KJZZ general manager and I have talked for years about how UPN's predominantly African-American comedies have performed poorly for Ch. 14, which created an economic drag. It wasn't because the shows have black casts -- syndicated shows like "Family Matters, "Cosby" and "Fresh Prince" have done decent or better on KJZZ -- it was UPN's particular brand of "urban" programming.
Not only that, the proposal was one of several made in the midst of those failed negotiations. When UPN refused to consider it, Rigby "took if off the table."
"This is simply an economics issue for us," Rigby said. "Monday night was the lowest-performing night for us."
I've known Rigby for years. To imply that he's racist is ridiculous.
"To be accused of this sort of thing is unbelievable," he said.
As is the insinuation that the Larry H. Miller-owned station harbors some sort of racist agenda. Not only is KJZZ affiliated with the United Negro College Fund and the African Heritage Network, it's also the home of the Utah Jazz, whose lineup is predominantly African-American.
What this comes down to is Ware attempting to divert attention from what KJZZ management believes is the network's underhanded dealings and a new affiliation agreement that's going to make many Utah viewers unhappy. The fact is that the two parties couldn't come to an agreement on a continued affiliation over issues like Ch. 14's demand for continued compensation from the network to carry its programming and UPN's unhappiness over KJZZ's pre-emption of its programming for Jazz and University of Utah sports programs.
One of the big questions is when UPN bailed out of the negotiations. KJZZ officials have reason to believe UPN signed with KAZG while still in negotiations with KJZZ. UPN denies that, but allegations of double-dealing wouldn't sit well with other network affiliates -- particularly given that Rigby currently serves as secretary of the UPN affiliates board.
In playing the race card, Ware is attempting to divert attention from that issue by raising one that doesn't exist. It's a blatant attempt at the sort of spin politicians have turned into an art.
To a lesser extent, it's a way to spin Utah viewers, many of whom won't be able to see UPN after the network switches to the relatively low-powered Ch. 24, which also has limited availability on cable and none on satellite systems.
While not happy about the way the six-year partnership is ending, Rigby has expressed relief at being out from under the deal with UPN.
Given Ware's reprehensible conduct, who could blame him?

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