SPENCER, MASS., OFFERING A SHOW OF SUPPORT FOR ‘SPENSER’

The town of Spencer planned to change the spelling of its name for 24 hours Monday in a show of support for the ABC series, “Spenser: For Hire,” considered an important asset to the state’s economy.

The private-eye series, based on novels by Massachusetts author Robert Parker, was ranked No. 55 out of 66 shows in Nielsen ratings last week and is currently under review by ABC officials.

Terry Morris of the Massachusetts Film Bureau said state officials are hoping the network will renew the program for a third season.

The Board of Selectmen proclaimed that at 4:30 p.m. Monday their town would become “Spenser” for a 24-hour period. Town officials planned to unveil a banner with the new name during a ceremony on the steps of Town Hall.

“This will help get ABC to understand that there is a lot of public support for the show,” Morris said.

“Spenser: For Hire” filmed nine months out of the year in Boston, brings in about $50 million in annual state revenues, Morris said. Fear of losing that income has already sparked a letter-writing campaign aimed at getting ABC to keep the show on the air.

Earlier, Boston City Council President Bruce Bolling sponsored a resolution showing the city’s support of the campaign.

Officials in Spencer--with a “C”--hope that if ABC renews “Spenser”--with an “S”--the network will reward the one-day name change by filming at least one episode in their community next season--that’s with a “$.”