NBC's lineup change scaring writers

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 7 (UPI) -- A decision by NBC executives to program an hour of unscripted programming in prime time has U.S. TV writers frightened of the reality trend.

"Clueless" writer Tim O'Donnell is one of several TV writers who have begun speaking out against NBC's decision to offer more reality programming in an effort to boost profits, the Los Angeles Times reported.

"It's absolutely more bad news for scripted television writers like me," said O'Donnell. "It just eliminates the shelf space available for networks to put on what I pitch."

NBC executives say the change will allow the network -- which finished fourth last year in ratings -- to improve its ratings yet still produce quality programming.

"Viewers are voicing a preference for unscripted choices in the 8 p.m. hour, but that doesn't lessen NBC's commitment throughout the rest of prime time to the most ambitious and accomplished scripted programming on television," said NBC Entertainment President Kevin Reilly.