Chris Albrecht, the head of entertainment programming for HBO, knew the scheduling game had changed in a significant way for the big four broadcast networks when he got a phone call from a top network programmer, desperate for some information. "When are you guys bringing back `The Sopranos?'" the executive asked. "I need to plan around that." ... Worried they are -- and not just about "The Sopranos." All of the entries on Sunday night on HBO have increasingly eaten away at network audiences ... Of "The Sopranos," another senior entertainment executive said, "To be honest, it's a real serious concern." Its premiere on Sept. 15 is so highly anticipated, and will be so heavily promoted, that a record rating is almost assured. [It will be] among the top 10 shows in the 18-to-49 category most weeks even though HBO reaches only about a third as many homes as broadcast networks. ... "Just imagine an 18-to-49 cyclone, or giant vacuum cleaner sucking up those young viewers on Sunday night." Count me vacuumed! You have to wonder, is there any truth to entertainment industry claims about an intellectual property crisis, when so many Americans are choosing to pay for the top-notch programming they want, rather than accept the free crap being pushed by the major networks? Big Networks Show 'Sopranos' Respect |