The Fox TV network debuts its shows earlier than the others, in an evident effort to get them off to a good start before the real competition begins. However, if a show doesn’t click early, it’s likely to be on a short lead once the other nets begin running new episodes of their top programs. Hence, Fox is reshuffling its lineup a bit, which probably presages some imminent cancellations. Broadcasting and Cable reports that Fox’s ratings have declined rather more than the net’s management and stockholders would probably like:

Fox’s new shows have been far from electrifying. They debuted in August, while rival broadcasters have been in reruns. Credit Suisee media analyst William Drewry says that since NBC, ABC, CBS and The CW have put on fresh shows, the ratings for Fox shows have fallen 20-35%.