ABC picks up 7 series

ZAP2IT.COM
As a possible shuffling of management hangs over it, ABC is firming up its schedule for next season.
The network announced this week that it has picked up seven series -- four comedies and three unscripted shows -- for 2004-05. ABC previously announced that "NYPD Blue" would return for a 12th and final season.
The sitcoms picked up for next year are freshman show "Hope & amp; Faith," a linchpin in the net's Friday comedy block, and veterans "My Wife and Kids," "George Lopez" and "According to Jim." "Extreme Makeover" and "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition" also got the nod, along with the long-running, plug-it-in-anywhere utility player "America's Funniest Home Videos."
Missing from the list are "Alias," which could be ABC's only other returning drama next season; "8 Simple Rules," its highest-rated comedy; and dependable unscripted franchise "The Bachelor." The network could make more announcements in advance of May's upfront presentation to advertisers.
ABC is also dealing with some internal turmoil. Its ratings are off by about 10 percent this season --15 percent in the key adults 18-49 demographic -- and several reports from the past week have network chairman Lloyd Braun stepping down by season's end.