CBS Cancels 'The Reagans'

According to the CBS press release:

Although the mini-series features impressive production values and acting performances, and although the producers have sources to verify each scene in the script, we believe it does not present a balanced portrayal of the Reagans for CBS and its audience.

Matt Druge quotes CBS head, Les Moonves:

"It just doesn't work. Listen, we are not afraid of controversy, we'd go out there if it came in at 50-50, pro and con, but it simply isn't working. It's biased."

And this coming from a "self-described liberal democrat". The article goes on to tell that the rights to the Reagans were sold to Showtime, and Drudge further reports that a "source close to the production team" said, "We got a call from a midlevel flunky at CBS telling us to get it ready for SHOWTIME."

Think they're bitter and disappointed? Ya bet'cha, but I'm not shedding any tears over it. I wonder what is driving Moonves decision? A desire for a balanced story because it is truthful or realization that an unbalanced story won't sell advertising? For what it's worth, I'll also boycott Showtime's advertising as well. . .if they even do advertising. . .it's not like I watch it all that much anyways. Power to the consumer, baby!

Yahoo's version of the CBS press release is here.

(cap tip to Drudge)

UPDATE: As I reread the press release, the key phrase in my excerpt is (emphasis mine), "it does not present a balanced portrayal of the Reagans for CBS and its audience." So, in other words, Moonves realizes that the public will see the miniseries as a smear and that airing such a hachet job reflects poorly on CBS.