For years whenever a soap character has been written into a corner and been killed off I would suggest everyone sing a chorus of the "story line-dictated blues." In this economy the song is now the "money-line-dictated blues." Last week this column announced that Sony Pictures and NBC gave "Days of Our Lives" an 18-month renewal. They also gave the show and its producer, Ken Corday, a slash and burn budget. Drake Hogestyn (John) and Deidre Hall (Marlena), the show's top stars, were axed. That is one way to bring down a budget. The characters are set to ride into a happy sunset in January. Of course, since they are alive, the characters could return.

Corday announced that letting go of the two fan favorites was an amazingly hard decision: "I have a business to run. The studio has tightened the budget. So I have very few choices."

Corday also plans on cutting some other stars. All the actors will be asked to take deep salary cuts. If they choose not to, Corday says the parts will be re-cast. In an announcement Corday explained, "The show is the wheel. The characters and the actors are spokes. While the spokes are important, no spoke can be more important than the wheel." Letting two top stars go is a clear signal to everyone on the show that no one is safe. Production cuts are also expected.

Last week Jay Kenneth Johnson, who plays Phillip on "Days," was so unhappy with his new contract offer that he cleared out his dressing room. One problem: The actor is still under contract and had to return to the show. "Days" must be one fun work place.

Corday says this is the lowest he has ever felt about the show, which was created by his parents more than 40 years ago. "NBC is suffering. In fact, television in general is suffering. The advertising dollars are drying up. I do not want to be all doom and gloom. We have some great story lines coming up. Many of our actors understand and are willing to accept the necessary pay cuts."

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In the good news department, Michael E. Knight (Tad, "All My Children") has signed a new contract. Now could he please have a story line? Since his brush with death earlier this year Tad has been used like a mannequin in a department store window — as a prop. The most irritating thing is that the character once known as "Tad the Cad" has sex appeal, a great sense of humor and compassion but is treated like a loser. First his wife, Krystal, was drawn to Adam. Chuck Pratt Jr., the new head writer, ended that. So now with David back in town, like Adam he is now calling Tad a loser. The only loser in the scenario is the group of fans who have long adored Tad and Knight.

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"Guiding Light" is bringing back two of its less than noble characters. Michelle Ray Smith (Ava), who left for maternity leave in July, is back on the show Dec. 18. Ava is the daughter of long-ago lovers Jeffrey and Olivia. In fact, Olivia claimed Ava was the product of rape but later recanted her story. David Andrew Macdonald (Edmund) is also set to return later this year. Edmund, whose list of crimes is bigger than the New York City phone book, has been out of town in a semi-coma. Now that he is awake he will discover the love of his life, Cassie, is gone.

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Last week it looked as if the Daytime Emmys was without a television home. NATAS, which produces the show, is presently talking to networks cable and regular. One thing for sure: The show will emanate from New York City. Yeah!! When beamed from Hollywood the show did not work. No word on which NYC venue will hold the show. For years it came from Radio City Music Hall. Other places up for consideration include Madison Square Garden.

To find out more about Lynda Hirsch, and read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate web page at www.creators.com.

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