Future of 'Raymond' still up in the air

NEW YORK, March 2 (UPI) -- The executive producer of TV's "Everybody Loves Raymond" says he and star Ray Romano might be pursuaded to return next year for a shortened ninth season.

Speaking to an audience Monday night at New York's Museum of TV and Radio, Phil Rosenthal hinted he and series star and creator Romano may return next fall for a "Friends"-type shortened season, TV Guide Online reported Tuesday.

Rosenthal said the decision now rests in the hands CBS financial executives who are trying to determine whether doing a partial season of the top-rated sitcom would be economically feasible.