I am writing to protest the decision by CBS to cancel the television series "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman" and the network spin which your television writers have apparently bought into. The CBS decision has angered many people with its excuses that the show's audience was TOO female, TOO old and TOO rural. First CBS takes away Westinghouse, then insults the viewers of a quality television show.

The Save Dr. Quinn List has been busy trying to convince the network to reverse its decision. Part of what we have done is to begin a list of celebrities who support the slogan "Look Who Likes 'Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman'." Mr. Fred Rogers of "Mr. Rogers Neighborhood" has added his name to this slogan.

I would like to present some counter spin to the network's comments. CBS executives say "Dr. Quinn's" ratings were too low. The reality is that the show won its time slot 17 of the 22 episodes this year. In fact, Saturday night was only one of two nights which the "Welcome Home" network consistently won in the Nielsen ratings.

The network says that the audience was too old. The reality is that the median age of "Dr. Quinn" viewers is lower than most CBS programs. The network says it was pressured by advertisers to cancel and that they don't make a nickel by advertising to folks over age 55. The fact is that folks over age 55 have a higher disposable income than the YUMS (Young Urban Males) which CBS wants to target. By the way, in response to our inquiries to sponsors, they deny any responsibility for the show's cancellation.

CBS claimed that it was pressured by its affiliates. In our inquiries to the affiliates, they deny any responsibility for the network's decision. The network says that it was losing money on "Dr. Quinn." The reality is that if the show is losing money, then they should RELEASE it, but they will NOT agree to release the show to its producers so that another network can pick it up. "Dr. Quinn" is syndicated in well over 90 countries around the world, and in many instances is the number 1 show in those nations.

It is interesting to note that CBS just announced the revival of "The Magnificent Seven," in large part due to the Internet campaign launched by its fans. Yet to the fans of "Dr. Quinn," the network has said we are part of an "Internet conspiracy" and we shall lose in our efforts. CBS does acknowledge that the number of letters protesting "Dr. Quinn's" cancellation is the most they have received in recent history. The CBS spin of a two-hour movie finale is just that, spin. There is no deal, no script and no likelihood for it.

I challenge the media and talk shows to not blindly accept the statements of a network that has such a low regard for its viewers and its stars. "Dr. Quinn" is a quality program in the vast wasteland of television. In an era of violence and immorality, "Dr. Quinn" offered role models for married fidelity, family and love. In its fall lineup, CBS will be giving us "Martial Law," another kick-boxing show. So much for marriage, love and family. If you would like further information on the Save Dr. Quinn effort, check out this Web page: http://www.destiny.com/drquinn

If you are offended by the network's "TOO female, TOO old and TOO rural" remarks, let CBS hear from you. Write to Mr. Leslie Moonves, President of CBS Entertainment, 7800 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, CA 90036. Call CBS at 1-213-852-2200. Email CBS at audsvcs@cbs.com. Call or write to the CBS affiliate in Pittsburgh, KDKA, to let them know what you think, as well.

Deb. K.