Teen Scene

If it is true, as Brian Lowry states, that network television has given over the reins of creative input to teenagers, the death of network television is (hopefully) not far off (“A Dose of Teen Reality,” Aug. 29).

To solicit the opinions of the most self-centered and most lacking in life experience segment of the population is both foolhardy and dangerous as an attempt to reinvigorate network television. If ABC, NBC, CBS, Fox and the rest wish to destroy themselves, so be it. I for one will be glad to see cable and the local video store fill the void.

Given their output, the “Culture of Youth” is an oxymoron.

ED LENNON

Burbank

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Not long ago The Times interviewed executives from the big three networks, who mused about their continual drop in viewership, and their inability to stop this trend. Now I read how these same networks are gearing the vast majority of their prime-time shows toward the teenage audience, seemingly shunning those of us over 40 (or in my case, 50).

Let me remind these executives, we of accumulated years also have discretionary income to wield throughout the economy, and many of us grew up during the golden age of television, where there was a very valuable commodity on the airwaves: It was called variety. Yes, we had silly comedies, but we also had “Playhouse 90,” ’Omnibus” and Edward R. Murrow’s “You Are There.”’ Now, with VCRs, cable alternatives and the Internet, there is very little reason for us to watch the sophomoric programming that is repeated over and over on the networks during prime time, so we turn to alternatives that can stimulate our minds as well as entertain us.

Perhaps they should heed Groucho Marx, who said “I find TV very educational. As soon as someone turns it on, I immediately go to the library and read a good book.”

MATT GIORGI

Brea