The NYT has a long article today on the death of the sitcom, entitled The Laughter Is Fading in Sitcomland.

The article, in essence, blames the demise of the format on structural issues, namely: a) the changing tastes of "...a whole generation now that has been weaned on all kinds of different comedy," and b) the relative cost efficiencies of producing reality TV.

But it is not until the last paragraph of the article that a kernel of the truth is revealed:

"'If somebody comes up with a show that's as well written and smart as `Frasier' or `Raymond,' everything will be all right,' said Ms. Naegle of United Talent Agency."

Oh, right. It's quality content that matters, not all of the shifting demographics hooey.