And more drivel is on its way:

NEW YORK, Jan 19, 2004 (United Press International via COMTEX) -- A push is underway for lighter, family-oriented or reality syndicated shows, according to the opinion of several U.S. industry experts.

"Light, up-tempo entertainment and serious self-help have replaced tawdry talk as the top syndicated fare and, based on the development for fall, that trend will continue," said Garnett Losak of Petry Media, who is playing a large role in this week's 2004 NATPE Convention in New York, an annual event for television programmers and independent television stations.

Losak said the success of shows such as "Dr. Phil," "Oprah" and the Meredith Vieira-hosted "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" were examples of this trend.

The family entertainment trend, she said represents "a whole different place from where we were. That's what cable is doing and that's what stations are demanding."

Losak also said reality programming, defined as unscripted programming with real people interacting in real situations, is "the next frontier" on syndication.

"Prime time and cable are being overrun" with these reality shows, "and it is inevitable that it will spill to syndication." she said.