Think You Can Outsmart Les Moonves? Now You Can Try.

It's time to put up or shut up.

If you' always thought that you could program a network better than the highly-paid suits, you're going to get a chance to prove it.

Beginning in September, Bravo, in concert with its new web site, www.TVBigshot.com, will let you create your own network, much the same way that fantasy sports players create their own teams. At the end of the season, the player whose network racks up the best ratings, gets the top prize of $100,000. Lesser prizes will be awarded as well.

Granted, $100,000 is only a fraction of what they pay real programmers who, over the years, have killed dozens of shows by putting them in the wrong place at the wrong time. Still, you have to start somewhere.

Here's how it works: You register at the Web site and get $300 million in virtual cold, hard cash. With this sum, you "buy" programs off the schedules of ABC, CBS, CW, Fox and NBC. ("American Idol" might cost a lot; "According to Jim" could be a freebie.)

If you pick a new show that becomes a hit, you score points. If you pick one that gets canceled, you lose points. During the TV season, you can sell shows that you have and buy others.

This season, there's a threat of a strike by the Writers Guild. I'm not sure what happens in that case but I'd award extra points to those who bulked up with cheap reality programs. Also, you probably won't lose points if your showrunner gets slapped with a sexual harrassment suit or your star goes into rehab, but I haven't seen all the rules.

Unlike sports fantasy leagues, you can sign up for this one anytime during the season. If you don't enter at the beginning of the season, though, you won't be eligible for the grand prize.

Will you be able to get more out of your schedule than Jeff Zucker of NBC? Will you be able to attract young viewers without alienating older ones? Will you even care?

The winner, in addition to the prize, will have bragging rights. The losers are free to hire publicists to spin the numbers in their favor.

Posted by Barry Garron