`DRAGNET' DIES; `MORGAN' VIES.(TV RADIO)

Byline: Associated Press

Bad guys no longer have to fear the "L.A. Dragnet" crimebusters. ABC on Thursday canceled the show starring Ed O'Neill as police Sgt. Joe Friday. The series, based on the classic Jack Webb ``Dragnet'' series, had low ratings despite a second-season makeover.

New characters, a new look and a new title -- the ``L.A.'' was added -- failed to lure viewers to the 10 p.m. Saturday series. It attracted 4.5 million in its final airing last week and ranked 103rd, compared to 27.3 million for CBS' top-rated ``CSI: Crime Scene Investigation.''

The cancellation represents a rare failure for producer Dick Wolf, whose TV empire includes …