Sorry, dawg, just not feelin' it

Even though it airs for just four months every year, "Idol" has redefined network TV. During an era of ebbing viewership, the show has proven that television, with the right program, can still regularly draw by far the biggest crowds in media. "Idol," in fact, is an industry unto itself. It's made Fox the No. 1 network in prime time, helped turn shows such as "24" and "House" into major hits and cast its thunderous marketing and merchandising power into nooks of the economy far beyond the long-suffering music business.

It also gives rival execs headaches and heartache. Since "Idol" became a regular-season fixture in 2003, other networks have found it virtually impossible to launch competing programs on Tuesdays or Wednesdays.

So, in theory at least, a descent for "Idol" would open up more opportunities for rival networks. They actually would be able to counter-program midweek again. Execs would be able to promote shows airing on other nights -- and people might actually see the promotions.

But don't carry such assumptions too far. Many viewers who show up to "Idol" are addicted to that particular show. If they tire of it, they won't necessarily watch something else. They may head over to YouTube or Facebook, or simply spend time with friends. Then, too, remember that rival networks found their ratings falling even before the strike last fall -- when "Idol" wasn't even on.

In any case, it was probably CBS boss Leslie Moonves who paid "Idol" the ultimate compliment at a media conference last month: "If someone would kill that show," the self-styled godfather of the TV industry said, "I'd really appreciate it."

Moonves' wish will ultimately be granted, of course, not by an anonymous hit man but rather by the viewing public. That seems especially clear given this season's results.

The only unknown, really, is how quickly the end will come.

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Channel Island runs every Monday in Calendar. Contact Scott Collins at scott.collins@latimes.com