In the long run, they hope they can turn a big profit by selling syndicated reruns of the show domestically.

Spelling sells reruns of the series it owns to TV stations.

The rule would also permit networks to obtain rights to sell reruns in foreign markets.

They maintain that if they can't offer exclusive rights when they sell reruns of shows like "Cheers," they make less money on the sale.

Recently, PBS's rights to the show ended, so Children's Television Workshop decided to try to sell reruns to local stations.

The F.C.C delayed a vote on a proposal that would continue to restrict television networks' ability to sell reruns.

Studios produce television series for networks at a loss and then expect to make their profits selling reruns in syndication and to foreign broadcasters.

When he died in 1972, he was on the road trying to sell reruns of "Little Rascals."

The three networks are currently prohibited by the Federal Communications Commission from selling reruns in syndication.

The networks are still restricted from selling reruns of the programs they own to local stations or cable channels, but only for another two years.