How to Effectively Advocate for Quality Entertainment with CBS

There's a longstanding debate within the entertainment industry regarding the cancellation practices of major players such as CBS. While content producers often see the business decisions as necessary, it can be incredibly disheartening for fans when beloved series or films are canceled for seemingly unsatisfactory reasons. This article explores how consumers and fans can effectively advocate for their favorite shows and push back against unfair cancellation practices.

Understanding Why CBS Cancels Shows

It’s a well-known fact in the entertainment industry that network decisions are primarily driven by ratings, revenue, and market demands. CBS, like many networks, faces the constant pressure of maintaining high ratings and turning a profit, which often times leads to difficult decisions regarding the continuation of shows. These decisions can be influenced by factors such as the show's bottom line performance, the availability of similar programming, and strategic shifts in the network's lineup. While these considerations are legitimate from a business perspective, they can sometimes result in disappointing outcomes for avid fans.

What Actions Can Fans Take?

While it’s true that businesses operate with their own set of rules and decisions, there are several actions fans can take to advocate for quality entertainment and attempt to sway network decisions:

1. Social Media Campaigns

One of the most effective ways to get the attention of CBS executives and the public is through social media campaigns. Platforms like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram allow for widespread and rapid dissemination of information. Fans can join existing hashtag movements or start their own. Posting about the cancellation of a show, sharing personal stories about how it affected them, and calling out CBS for their decisions can generate significant public interest and scrutiny. This can potentially influence network executives to reconsider their cancellation policies.

2. Petitions and Online Petitioning Platforms

Creating an organized and powerful petition on platforms like or other popular online petitioning sites can be another key method. These petitions can gather signatures and amplify the message to CBS, demonstrating a significant level of support for the show and the desire to see it continue. Ensuring that the petition is well-organized, clear about the desired action, and provides context and reasons for the supporters can increase the likelihood of impact.

3. Contacting Your Representatives

In a more traditional but still impactful approach, contacting your local and state representatives can be beneficial. While they can’t directly order CBS to change its policies, they can encourage responsible and fair business practices and bring public attention to the matter. Providing written letters or emails explaining the importance of the show and the impact of cancellations can also help make a strong case.

Case Study: The Merchants of Cool Cancellation

A notable example where fan advocacy had an effect is the cancellation of the show "Merchants of Cool." The series, which delved into the rise of the sneaker culture in the United States, was seen as groundbreaking but was quickly canceled. Fans launched a social media campaign, which gained widespread traction and convinced CBS to reconsider. Although the series never returned, the effort made by fans highlighted the power of collective action.

Conclusion

While it’s true that businesses operate with their own set of guidelines, fans have powerful tools at their disposal to advocate for the shows and content they love. By leveraging social media, online petitions, and contact with public officials, fans can contribute to shaping the industry in a way that values quality and community. Even if we can't directly change CBS's decisions, our collective voice can make a significant difference.