Last Updated: 11/26/05 - 07:44PM ET
UPDATE:
* 11-26-2005 - Well, it is official. The Finley Family, will be on ABC's Wife Swap November 28th, 2005 @ 8PM ET. Pastor Jeff will be on my show November 27th @ 9PM ET to talk about why he believes in God. Go back to InfidelGuy.com.
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* 11-14-2005 - I just discovered today that ABCMediaNet.com has us on the Calendar for our episode airing the 28th of November. This is very confusing considering that I was just informed 3 days ago that it would be in January. :|
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* 11-10-2005 - Sigh... now WIFESWAP is telling me, "maybe" in January. I give up. I mentioned it in my blog.
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* 10-24-2005 - Well, here it is, Late October. I was just contacted by Patricia. She's apparently my new contact to inform me about the WifeSwap Show my Family is supposed to be on. Apparently, refilming isn't going to happen. Our episode is scheduled to air in November. They haven't an exact date yet.. but as soon as I do. I'll email my WifeSwap list. If you want to get on it. Email me: infidelguy@infidelguy.com .
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* 06/02/05 - I was just contacted by Glenn Davish today who informed me that ABC will NOT be airing any WifeSwap episodes in the Summer after all. History has proven significantly that Summer shows don't really get much viewership because people are on vacation, kids are in Summer Camp and parents are living it up happy to be free from the scourge that is children. :) (Just kidding). But seriously, Glenn said that the episode will not air until September now. The Next Fall season. Our show is looking good for the season premiere show at this time. The time slot will be moved to Mondays at 8PM ET. That's a great time!!!
To be honest, I'm not even excited about this anymore. I just want it to be over with. Whether they air it or not!
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* 05/13/05 - Last week I was contacted by someone with WifeSwap who informed me that due to some major re-editing of the footage that a little bit of re-filming needs to take place. I was not informed as of when, and even if I did I couldn't tell you. I'm a little upset because I was informed originally that re-editing wasn't necessary. Looks like it was. Hopefully, the footage and "story" will turn out great as a result of this re-edit. A little birdie at Disney contacted a friend of mine and stated that they may be considering airing our show in July as a summer season premiere. A few references online backup the idea that it is at least airing in July. http://www.thefutoncritic.com/cgi/pr.cgi?id=20050426abc01 and http://www.tvtome.com/tvtome/servlet/ShowMainServlet/showid-27180.
The next update to this page should only tell you when it is airing. If you would like to be placed on a mailing list to announce to you when it will air, please email: wifeswap@infidelguy.com. Thanks
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* On the 23rd of March, ABC was supposed to have a PrimeTime special on in place of WifeSwap. Looks like they changed their minds. So now, a new show, Vacation Swap is airing on the 23rd. I have no idea what's going on! Looks like they decided to pilot a similar show instead. I have no idea at this time what's happening with our episode, apparently, they don't either. As you can tell, around this time of year, things can change weekly.
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Glenn Davish, liaison between ABC and my family, called my home today. This is the deal. The episode will air. He gives it no more than a few weeks.
I will attempt to explain what's going on to the best of what my memory allows. Glenn has promised to send me an email as well that I can copy and paste that has more details and accurate information. As Glenn finds out, you'll find out.
Here's the deal:
* During this particular time of year, networks will frequently stick in pilot shows to see how their viewers take them. Especially in slots where shows are very popular. "WifeSwap is a very popular show, it's not going anywhere" so it makes sense for ABC to stick in pilots when a fair amount of viewership is expected. Viewership around this time, is a little less than usual however because "people begin vacationing and tend to stay out of the house more." I experience similar effects with my talk program April and May are the months in which my show is of least interest to my listeners. The current family, that is airing March 16th instead of us, was actually bumped out of their slot. They were scheduled to appear 2 weeks prior but was also moved back. RDF Media is still taping episodes for distribution on ABC's Network as I write this. Glenn did mention that certain holidays could delay an airing. :) Well, we know what "holy day" is coming eh?
* Shooting Date: Moving the slot to a future date may actually help increase viewership of the atheist vs christian episode. At this time, we do not know when the episode will air. Glenn said, "no more than a few weeks." That could place it on the 23rd or the 30th. However, Glenn doesn't promise either of these dates. ABC management calls the shots. A pilot for a program called, 'The Eye' is supposed to debut on the 30th, as seen on abcmedianet.com's program calendar. It says 30th here but possibly on the 23rd instead. If it does well, it will more than likely air in a new time slot or maybe perhaps WifeSwap could get moved into a better time slot: which has been a rumor on the net for a few months now. Some critics think WifeSwap is out of the door. Glenn has assured that this will not happen as interest in WifeSwap has increased. Glenn will keep me informed.
* The Editing: The contradictions in editing has been revealed to be a misunderstanding. The actual episode goes through many layers of editing processes. Two of which are of concern. RDF Media finishes it, and then ABC reviews it. They have lawyers that review the footage to make sure logos and products etc are not shown that could cause problems for the network. More than likely, my url: http://www.infidelguy.com will not be shown because quite a number of it's content, may NOT be suitable for all audiences. Glenn didn't say this, it just makes sense. Yes. I know. The program is at 10PM ET, but who knows. ABC is owned by Disney, so I guess they have to be careful. RDF Media has sent their edited copy to ABC. ABC execs still have to review for final editing. To his knowledge, there is nothing wrong with it so far to cause any major red flags. This may be a strategic move to air the episode when they think it will get the most viewship. This cannot be confirmed. I personally think they should make it a two hour special. Like an 'End of the season special' or a 'season opener' myself. :)
* The Press Release: It was explained to me that the very negative Press Release of the Finley family was actually released by ABC before even they viewed the episode. Normally, Mozelle Miley would view it herself and fashion a press release based on what she has seen. This was given to her by the people at RDF Media, so she published what they sent her. Which is pretty darned scary to be honest. Glenn also hinted that the press release may have been fashioned in such a way to draw interest. That more than likely, my family may not come off looking like what the release has portrayed us to be. "It's marketing."
* Atheist Activism: Thanks to all of you that have inundated ABC with inquiries into this matter. However, I think we should give things more time. Especially after what Glenn has informed me of. Alot of this is poor communication and I think Glen is trying to fix this. I'm sure ABC didn't expect to get so much attention over this episode, but at least they know that many people are very interested in seeing this episode. Not just non-theists, but also people of various religions and faiths. Hopefully, I'll be able to give you all a new airing date soon. I still haven't seen the actual episode myself. Generally, a week before the actual episode airs, Glenn will come down and show me the footage.
So basically guys, please, no more letters and phone calls demanding them to air it. I think they will. As you see, rescheduling happens quite often. Wait until I get back with you on that. If you wish to continue to file your complaints about the original press release, well, I can't stop you.
I hope this helps somewhat. That's all for now.
Reginald V. Finley, Sr.
The Infidel Guy Show
http://www.infidelguy.com