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Fans Unite in Attempt to Save Enterprise
Star Trek fans, discouraged by the recent decision to cancel Enterprise, have united to form a strong grass-roots campaign aimed at letting both Paramount and UPN know that they aren't going to give up the show quietly. The campaign's main thrust is that Star Trek does not need a "rest" and that it should have a place to air, somewhere, even if it isn't on UPN or CBS, the two most high profile Viacom-owned networks.
The strategy for getting the message across includes an ad in the Los Angeles Times that appeared on February 15 (and can be viewed via this link), protests outside the studio and UPN, letter writing, e-mailing, online petitions and even faxing their protests to Paramount. (The fax option, by the way, is the least effective. As a courtesy, please do not send Paramount any faxes. You can, however, e-mail us at community@startrek.com and we can pass your messages along.) We would also like to point out that there may be other campaigns underway to save show that request a monetary donation. We would urge caution before you part with your money as these groups have no connection to Paramount, nor are their activities condoned in any way by the studio.
The history of the campaign to save the show actually began before the end of the third season of Enterprise, as cancellation rumors then were rampant. Two main groups surfaced last year, SaveEnterprise.com and EnterpriseProject.org, both with one goal in mind ? to keep the show from going away. In the run-up to the announcement of getting a fourth season, these groups were very vocal and production personnel and the cast were very grateful for their support. (Not to mention the positive feedback from fans across the globe!)
After the powers that be reached a deal for a reduced licensing fee between UPN and Paramount Network Television, the show was given the go ahead for a fourth season. It survived to reach the requisite number of hours to go into syndication (around 100) but was then given the ax this year when lackluster viewing figures followed the show's move to Friday nights at 8:00 p.m. Although the ratings never improved significantly to ensure a fifth season, the show featured decidedly stronger storylines and increased interest amongst long-time Star Trek fans who were intrigued by the plots that sought to tie in elements of the Original Series or Star Trek: The Next Generation. Sadly, it wasn't enough. Other factors were also in play, as Scott Bakula said in a recent STARTREK.COM chat, "Unfortunately we don't fit into UPN's business plan and really haven't for the last two and a half years."
Times change and the entertainment industry has evolved over the years. Sure, we would all like to see the show continue in some form. But the reality of producing live-action TV now is far removed from the days of three networks and a handful of shows that were watched by several million people. Nowadays the many offerings from cable networks have fragmented the audience to such a degree that viewing figures once considered unexceptional are now looked upon as viable for a show to continue production. Enterprise, however, does not fit into this category right now and the future of Star Trek remains unknown. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as Star Trek has been on extended breaks before: Ten years elapsed between the Original Series and the first movie, plus another eight years before production on TNG commenced.
There is one thing that is certain ? Star Trek will never die. The fans posses the katra of Trek, they will never forget the show or let it slip away. They will always remember.
Star Trek fans, discouraged by the recent decision to cancel Enterprise, have united to form a strong grass-roots campaign aimed at letting both Paramount and UPN know that they aren't going to give up the show quietly. The campaign's main thrust is that Star Trek does not need a "rest" and that it should have a place to air, somewhere, even if it isn't on UPN or CBS, the two most high profile Viacom-owned networks.
The strategy for getting the message across includes an ad in the Los Angeles Times that appeared on February 15 (and can be viewed via this link), protests outside the studio and UPN, letter writing, e-mailing, online petitions and even faxing their protests to Paramount. (The fax option, by the way, is the least effective. As a courtesy, please do not send Paramount any faxes. You can, however, e-mail us at community@startrek.com and we can pass your messages along.) We would also like to point out that there may be other campaigns underway to save show that request a monetary donation. We would urge caution before you part with your money as these groups have no connection to Paramount, nor are their activities condoned in any way by the studio.
The history of the campaign to save the show actually began before the end of the third season of Enterprise, as cancellation rumors then were rampant. Two main groups surfaced last year, SaveEnterprise.com and EnterpriseProject.org, both with one goal in mind ? to keep the show from going away. In the run-up to the announcement of getting a fourth season, these groups were very vocal and production personnel and the cast were very grateful for their support. (Not to mention the positive feedback from fans across the globe!)
After the powers that be reached a deal for a reduced licensing fee between UPN and Paramount Network Television, the show was given the go ahead for a fourth season. It survived to reach the requisite number of hours to go into syndication (around 100) but was then given the ax this year when lackluster viewing figures followed the show's move to Friday nights at 8:00 p.m. Although the ratings never improved significantly to ensure a fifth season, the show featured decidedly stronger storylines and increased interest amongst long-time Star Trek fans who were intrigued by the plots that sought to tie in elements of the Original Series or Star Trek: The Next Generation. Sadly, it wasn't enough. Other factors were also in play, as Scott Bakula said in a recent STARTREK.COM chat, "Unfortunately we don't fit into UPN's business plan and really haven't for the last two and a half years."
Times change and the entertainment industry has evolved over the years. Sure, we would all like to see the show continue in some form. But the reality of producing live-action TV now is far removed from the days of three networks and a handful of shows that were watched by several million people. Nowadays the many offerings from cable networks have fragmented the audience to such a degree that viewing figures once considered unexceptional are now looked upon as viable for a show to continue production. Enterprise, however, does not fit into this category right now and the future of Star Trek remains unknown. Which isn't necessarily a bad thing, as Star Trek has been on extended breaks before: Ten years elapsed between the Original Series and the first movie, plus another eight years before production on TNG commenced.
There is one thing that is certain ? Star Trek will never die. The fans posses the katra of Trek, they will never forget the show or let it slip away. They will always remember.
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