The End
The average viewership for The Las Vegas Show was 2.6 million. Despite the hype, initially good reviews and high-caliber guest stars, the network quickly started to bleed money; the transmission lines leased from the Bell System, which was the main carrier for television network transmissions at the time, proved to be too expensive. Both show and network disappeared after the June 1 (some sources say June 3 or June 5) broadcast.
A notice was sent to the network's 107 affiliate stations the first week of June. The notice stated:
"The executive committee of our board of directors, instructed me to inform you that with deep regret we are obliged to advise you that the United Network ceased its interconnected program operations as of May 31, 1967.
"Please be advised that the United Network staff has done everything possible in connection without efforts to plan and launch the Las Vegas program and other United Network endeavors.
"Station co-operation has been magnificent. We are indeed indebted to you for all your help. Regretfully, Oliver Treyz."At the time of the company's bankruptcy declaration, the United Network had accrued a nearly $700,000 debt.
Additional programming announced but never aired included Tales from the Great Book, an animated Bible series, plus regional coverage of the Continental Football League.
Read more about this topic: Overmyer Network
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