Marketing rakes in the "D'oh!"

For 20th Century Fox Film Corp., a division of Rupert Murdoch's News Corp., "The Simpsons" generates billions of dollars for the Australian magnate, who has been lampooned in several episodes.

In addition to the broadcast and worldwide syndication income from about 70 countries, the show also sells well on DVD, now with twice-yearly releases, including "The Complete Seventh Season" (1995-1996).

HarperCollins, also a division of Fox, publishes the show's guidebooks, with the latest, "The Simpsons: One Step Beyond Forever," covering seasons 13 and 14.

There are also a half-dozen CDs featuring music from the show, as well as hundreds of licensed products, from boxer shorts to character figures to candy dispensers.

Electronic Arts is set to develop multiple "next generation" video games based on "The Simpsons." The games will be created at EA's studios in Redwood Shores, Calif.

Ratings for "The Simpsons" have softened in recent years, with the show rated 42nd this season and rarely in the top 10. It places 36th in the 18-49 age category coveted by advertisers.

The cast is under contract for two feature films based on the series.

— Mark I. Pinsky,

The Orlando Sentinel