'Nightline' Going Beddy-Bye?

Insiders say that rumblings behind the scenes at ABC's "Nightline" are harbingers of possible dramatic news about the show's future. "Nightline" has suffered in the ratings, largely due to cable news programming. Jay Leno's "Tonight Show" average viewership of 6.3 million pummels the "Nightline" audience of 3.4 million. Naturally, advertising revenue is reflective of the audience, with Leno commanding over $70,000 per commercial versus about $30,000 for "Nightline."

Add the fact that Co-Executive Producer Leroy Sievers has been told his contract will not be renewed by Disney, ABC's parent, and the fact that Ted Koppel's contract expires next year, and the result is an atmosphere of apprehension. Fundamental, and possibly unworkable, changes in the program are anticipated.