Brian Frons on Soaps: 'The Strongest Will Survive'

"It's like any other genre on TV, the strongest will survive," Brian Frons told TheWrap following today's cancellations of ALL MY CHILDREN and ONE LIFE TO LIVE. "Right now we're down to the last few that are still strong and viable and economically sound."

As for the replacement shows, Frons said they cost about 30 to 40 percent less to produce than the soaps. He did not say if he considered other scripted programming, including new soaps, at those same costs. Said Frons, "I don't want to get into the dollars and cents of it but I think that's a fair way to say it. Certainly to frame it up for any general readers to understand that these are a significantly cheaper way to schedule the day part."

What about the fate of GENERAL HOSPITAL, ABC's lone remaining soap? "As long as we have good ratings it will stay in the lineup," Frons said.