From NYTimes.com

Claiming WB Network chief executive Jamie Kellner had insulted his show, creator Joss Whedon said he's ready to move "Buffy, the Vampire Slayer" to another network.

"It makes me angry to see this show belittled," Whedon told the Daily News. "For Jamie Kellner to call it a teen show and dismiss his own product angers me. It doesn't breed love."

Tension erupted earlier this year when Whedon and "Buffy" producers at 20th Century Fox asked The WB to pay $2 million per episode for the show, effectively doubling the current cost of carrying it.

WB execs said they would up their ante to $1.6 million per episode, but no higher, claiming that's all they could pay without losing money. The resulting impasse sent producers hunting out other homes for "Buffy" and star Sarah Michelle Gellar — including Fox Broadcasting, a corporate sibling of 20th Century.

"If we end up somewhere other than on The WB, we'll be the exact same show, and producers at 20th Century Fox have supported us on everything," Whedon said. "I think the fans will find it."

Still, Whedon said, he's hoping to keep "Buffy" on familiar ground.

"I keep thinking it will be best for everyone if the show stays where it is, but ultimately, I don't know if that will happen," he added.

Whedon directed his comments at Kellner, who has argued against paying more money for "Buffy," telling Entertainment Weekly that it's not the network's top-rated series and appeals mainly to teens.

"It's not our No. 1 show," Kellner is quoted as saying. "It's not a show like 'ER' that stands above the pack."

During its five years, "Buffy" has earned a loyal fan base, appealing mainly to viewers in their 20s, Whedon said. It also spawned a spin-off series "Angel."

WB spokesman Brad Turrell defended Kellner's comments, saying they weren't meant as insults.

"We have tremendous respect for Joss Whedon, Sarah Michelle Gellar, and everyone associated with the show," said Turrell. "They have delivered a consistently excellent program for five seasons."