PREMIERING GAME SHOWS

This SPECIAL EDITION #2 of the KATZ PROGRAMMING NEWSLETTER is sent along to provide you with the most complete information on the October ‘99 sweep for the premiering syndicated programming season. This newsletter includes commentary on those new programs only. In addition, we have provided, through WRAP, MARKET TRACKS for all of the new strips for the October sweep, September 30 – October 27, 1999. These printouts include weighted historical average (where they existed) for programming in the time periods in the October 1998 and November 1998 sweeps. These breakouts also include the current program’s [target] daily performance with lead-in for the fourth week of the sweep as well as the averages for the prior three (3) weeks. The programs at the bottom of each market specific column are the program’s competition in the time period ranked by ratings for the most recent week (10/21-10/27). On each page the first column is not market specific, but is the average of all schedulings. In that column are the daily and weekly averages for the full-metered market grouping. We believe that this can provide stations with detailed information on all of the new shows for 1999.

For a look at the national picture, refer to the NSS (National Syndication Service) ranking for both the M-F stips and weekly programming (premiere-to-date through 10/17/99) at the back of this newsletter.

We will also be sending in a follow-up NEWSLETTER, a copy of the Multi-Day Grids, for the weeks of September 30 - October 27, 1999. This allows us to show monthly averages by quarter hour and all programs between 6:00AM - 2: 00AM. This allows you to analyze the full schedules and competition. We have decided on this approach to allow for the premiering programming information in detail to arrive on your desk in a timely fashion and in the manageable form of this NEWSLETTER SPECIAL EDITION.

At the time we thought that the weak premiere of last season’s new shows marked a low point from which syndication would have to build back. Last October the share range for DONNY & MARIE, HOWIE, ROSEANNE and FORGIVE OR FORGET was a less than stellar high of a 7 HH share and a low of a 5 share. As you’ll see in the following summary of 1999’s five new talk shows, a 5 and a 4 share are now the bookends of this season’s dismal debuts.

LEEZA’s performance has been consistent since she premiered in syndication the week of September 13^th with a 1.4 rating/ 5 share. She finished the October sweep with an average 1.5 rating/5 share across time periods in 41 metered markets. This is 17% below her lead-in as well as the time period history. For what its worth, this makes her #1 among the five new talk shows. As we all know, LEEZA may be new to syndication but she had a long run as part of the NBC daytime schedule where last May, in all markets, she averaged a 2.2/10. Most of LEEZA’s clearances this season are in daytime (36 metered markets) where she averaged a 1.6/6 in October, flat with her lead-in and the time period history. Her four early fringe plays only average 1.1/3, under performing her 5 share lead-in and her 4 share time period history. LEEZA’s best numbers are in CL/WKYC/10AM (2.6/10), PX/KTVK/12N (2.8/9), DV/KUSA/11AM (2.3/10), PT/WPXI/11AM (3.0/10), NV/WSMV/10AM (3.2/11), BH/WBMA/9AM (3.4/11) and NF/WAVY/11AM (2.2/8). Best does not equate to good since in none of these markets does she outperform the time period history. LEEZA is flat or slightly off in the markets where she competes against her own network history: RD/WNCN/1PM (1.3/4) and KC/KSHB/10AM (1.0/5) as well as the previously cited DV, PT and NV. Nationally, the latest NSS Pocketpiece (10/11-10/17) lists LEEZA with a 1.3 HH rating and 0.8 W25-54 rating.

QUEEN LATIFAH also airs in 41 of the metered markets and averages a 1.4/5 in October, making her #2 among the new talkers. She has consistently measured a 5 share since her premiere (w/o 9/13), on par with the October 1998 time period, but 17% below her lead-in. Her daytime performance in 29 markets mirrors this multi-daypart average. LATIFAH’s 1.8/4 average in nine early fringe markets makes her #1 in the daypart among the newcomers. Three of her best stories are found in early fringe: BH/WBRC/3PM (3.6/10) below RICKI’s 15 share last November, MS/WHBQ/4PM (4.1/9) beating an ethnic sitcom block last fall and NF/WAVY/3PM (3.1/9) beating JENNY JONES’ 6 share last November. QUEEN LATIFAH also has three daytime stories where she performs over a 2 rating, but JX/WJWB/12N (2.5/7) is the only one where she improves the time period. In HN/KRIV/1PM (2.5/7) and GR/WGHP/10AM (3.7/16) she under performs time period history. LATIFAH’s NSS comes in at 1.1 rating in HH and 0.7 W25-54 rating.

DR JOY BROWNE has 43 clearances in the metered markets that averaged a 1.3/5 this October, 29% below her 7 share lead-in and time period history. As in the case of all the new shows, there has been no growth since her premiere week (Sept. 13^th). Thirty two of the doctor’s clearances are in daytime where they average a 1.4/5, 38% below her 8 share lead-in and history. Seven stations carry her in early fringe averaging 1.5/4, 43% below lead-in and 20% below history. Only one of these early fringe stations breaks through that 2 HH rating point barrier: PX/KPHO/3PM (2.3/7), slightly above lead-in and time period history. Seven of her daytime slots exceed a 2 HH rating yet only two meet or exceed year ago levels: HN/KPRC/2PM (2.5/7) and BL/WJZ/10AM (2.3/11). Dr JOY’s NSS HH rating is a 1.1 and 0.7 with W25-54.

RICHARD SIMMONS’ DREAMMAKER runs in 30 metered markets and averaged a 1.2/5 during the October sweep, 29% below his lead-in and 17% under year ago time period history. His 26 market daytime average of 2.1/8 is 38% below his lead-in and 17% under year ago share levels. As one can’t help but notice, the range between the five new shows is only a high of a 6 share and a low of 5; DREAMMAKER is the low end of the range. In early fringe his four clearances average a 1.2/4, one share point below his lead-in and 43% below the Oct ’98 time period levels. In daytime he breaks a 2 HH rating, though just barely, in three markets: NY/WPIX/12N (2.1/8), CH/WGN/11AM (2.4/9) and NF/WVEC/10AM (2.0/7), below lead-in and history in all three. SIMMONS has 4 early fringe slots averaging a 1.2/4, 43% below history and 1 share point off his lead-in. In ST/KSL/4PM his 2.4/7 is 56% below his POVICH lead-in and 42% under last October share levels. The DREAMMAKER’s NSS is a 0.8 HH rating and 0.5 W25-54 rating.

MARTIN SHORT’s 1.4/4 multi daypart average across 40 metered markets gives him a distinction of sorts, or sordid distinction, of being the lowest ranking of all the new talkers. This is both 43% below his lead-in and time period history. Twenty of Marty’s stations carry him in daytime where he does slightly better with a 1.6/6, still 46% below the average lead-in and 40% below history. The good news is this makes him #1 among the debutantes in daytime. A 1.3/4 in seven early fringe markets still shows him 43% below history and one share point below his lead-in. We find four 2 or better HH rating stories in daytime, the best being NO/WWL/9AM (4.1/13), unfortunately nearly 25% below the REGIS’ 17 share lead-in and 19% below ROSEANNE’s year ago history. In the three other markets where MARTIN reaches a 2 HH rating, he fails to hold his lead-in or match year ago share levels: PT/WTAE/11AM (2.1/7), OR/WFTV/9AM (2.2/9) and OK/KOCO/9AM (2.1/6). MARTIN SHORT’s NSS HH rating is 1.0 and a 0.6 with W25-54.

The survey sez that Louie Anderson and company have been able to successfully make the transition of the Goodson classic game into the late ‘90s. Across all significant clearances for the October sweep, the program has achieved a steady 1.7/5 for three of the four weeks of the month. That 1.7/5 is above the 1.3/4 (October ’98) and 1.5/4 (November ‘98) time period levels, increasing by as much 24% in rating and 20% in share. The program also built on its average lead-in (1.6/5) including double runs by 6% in audience share.

With over half of the metered markets running the FEUD in daytime, ten of those with double runs, the game delivered an average 1.7/6, up from year ago (1.2/5) and last November (1.3/5) by 20% in share. Solid stories are found in New York (awaiting an upgrade), Philadelphia, Baltimore, West Palm Beach, Louisville and Las Vegas. The highlights in daytime include WJLA/DC 3.1/15, the back-to-back play on WOIO/CL 2.8/11 & 3.4/13, WTAE/PT 3.1/10, WRAL/RD 4.7/17, WTKR/NF 3.0/11 and WLKY/LK 4.3/13. There is a very competitive early fringe play on KTVX/ST 3.7/14; this 3PM airing in Salt Lake City is behind POVICH (4.2/16 for the week of 10/21) but up at least 2 share points from year-ago and November time period levels. Late fringe also yields good stories above last fall at an average 1.0/6 in time period before 2AM; time periods did not yield a one rating in late 1998.

The most critical benchmarks are always the access plays with stories to watch in Los Angeles and San Francisco and other metered clearances in Dallas and Birmingham. The 13 telecasts for KCAL/LA yielded an average 3.7/7, holding its lead-in share and improving on its October ’98 level (2.4/4) by over 40% in share and near 30% over the November ’98 (3.1/5 for HARD COPY). In the City by the Bay, KTVU/SF with 3.5/6 for a similar 13 telecasts is off its SEINFELD lead-in (4.9/9), but nearly equals the MAD ABOUT YOU shares (3.8/7) from last October and the (4.3/7) during the November sweep.

Overall upgrades on the horizon, new clearances and some hoped for growth could assure that the November FEUD survey says, "Hit!"

Where technology and chemistry (physical, between guys and gals) make themselves seen in late night, we ride along during each night’s BLIND DATE. The month long average across all metered markets for pre- 2AM slottings has yielded a 1.7/4, slightly off the October (1.8/5) and November (1.9/5) ‘98 time period levels. In time slots it was "designed for" in late night, the averages for October ’99 (1.7/4) and as compared to the ‘98 time periods respectively, were (1.8/5) and (1.9/5) - a similar pattern to the overall stories. The highlights in late night were WISN/ML 4.1/12 (11 PM), KABB/SA 2.0/10, WLMT/MS 3.3/5 and WNOL/NO 3.4/9. Among the limited daytime stories, KPRC/HN 2.4/7 at 12:30 PM was the only significant story. We also noticed KCOP/LA 2.0/4 (6PM), WPWR/CH 2.0/6 (3:30PM) and KTVD/DV 2.1/7 (3 PM).

As we observed before, like a BLIND DATE, the program appears to be a hit-or-miss proposition. When the attraction happens, viewers, like "daters" are drawn to the "eaves dropping", but when they are not, they look elsewhere for their amusements. The verdict is still out on BLIND DATE.

Judge Mablean has taken the court genre by storm. Unlike most new entries, on average it is gaining from lead-in and bettering year ago time period delivery in the metered markets. Compared to last October, the show is delivering 41% more in rating according to the WRAP Overnight average. It also looks to be working in a wide range of dayparts with the dominant time periods in daytime and early fringe.

The national ratings for the program (premiere-to-date based on the NSS Pocketpiece report for October 11-17, 1999) are a very respectable 2.8 in HH’s, 1.9 for W25-54. The W18-49 viewers per thousand viewing households figure is 402, making it the youngest skewing court show on the air.

The program still is strongest in Southern and ethnic markets. Metered market highlights include WAGA/AT 6.4/23, WJBK/DE 4.8/9, KRIV/HN 3.5/15, WSVN/MI 4.0/11, WDAF/KC 4.5/16, WBRC/BH 6.0/17, WHBQ/MS 4.3/12 (up 115% from lead-in), WVUE/NO 6.8/12 (up 58% from 10/98) and KTNV/LV 5.6/13. With numbers like these and a slow uptrend in most markets, Twentieth Television definitely has a hit with the new DIVORCE COURT.

	Cases	L.I. Rtg	Shr	Target Rtg	Shr	Oct-98 Rtg	Shr	Annual % Shr Change
	Cases	L.I. Rtg	Shr	Target Rtg	Shr	Oct-98 Rtg	Shr	Annual % Shr Change
Daytime	33	2.3	9	2.3	9	1.7	6	50%
E Fringe	15	2.1	5	2.6	6	1.8	4	50%
Access	2	3.1	6	4.4	8	2.7	5	60%
L Fringe	10	1.8	6	1.7	7	1.3	5	40%

All		2.2	7	2.4	8	1.7	5	60%

Detroit’s Judge Greg Mathis is off to a respectable start with his new court show. The slick production has contributed to generally good numbers in the daytime and early fringe dayparts. Among the metered markets, the show is holding or slightly bettering its lead-in and its delivery is on par with (or slightly better than) last October according to the metered market averages.

The national (NSS Pocketpiece dated October 11-17, 1999) numbers for the show also reflect a good start with a 1.7 in HH’s and a 1.1 among W25-54. Of course, most of JUDGE MATHIS’ clearances in markets ranked 100 or smaller are through the WB100+ (formerly known as WeB) cable service, which is not yet fully activated in many markets. This could hurt the show’s overall national performance. The W18-49 viewers per thousand viewing households figure is 388, thus skewing older than DIVORCE COURT, but younger than JUDGE JUDY(320), JUDGE JOE BROWN (323) and PEOPLE’S COURT (279).

Following the DIVORCE COURT pattern, the show plays best in Southern and ethnic markets, but also has some good stories in the Midwest. Some of the best local stories in the metered markets are WWJ/DE 3.9/11 (his hometown), KTXH/HN 3.5/16, WISH/IN 4.3/17, WCMH/CO 3.7/11, WMC/MS 4.2/11, WVUE/NO 5.7/14 and WJWB/JX 3.5/11 (up 133% from October 1998’s JENNY JONES rating). While not as strong as DIVORCE COURT, JUDGE MATHIS is performing well.

	Cases	L.I. Rtg	Shr	Target Rtg	Shr	Oct-98 Rtg	Shr	Annual % Shr Change
Daytime	33	1.6	6	1.6	6	1.4	5	20%
E Fringe	11	1.7	5	2.2	6	1.9	5	20%
Access	2	1.8	3	2.4	4	2.1	4	0%
L Fringe	7	2.4	6	2.0	6	2.0	6	0%

All		1.8	6	1.8	6	1.7	5	20%

The intense, confrontational style of Jerry Scheindlin has made a big difference in the content of PEOPLE’S COURT and it has also helped the ratings in some markets. The program is generally up from lead-in by a share point or two, but is flat from last October’s ratings. Nationally, the show is averaging a 2.6 household NSS rating (premiere-to-date, October 11-17, 1999 Pocketpiece).

Of the 47 metered markets only a few have kept PEOPLE’S COURT in the same time period since last year. These cases include; KCAL/LA 3.7/14 (down 1 share point from 10/98), WJBK/DE 3.4/12 (+3 share), WAGA/AT 6.1/21 (+2) KTRK 3.9/13 (-2), KSTW/SE 2.0/8 (+2), WBNX/CL 1.8/6 (+3), KPDX/PD 2.3/11 (+1), WTNH/HT 2.4/12 (-1), WDAF/KC 3.6/16 (+6), WWHO/CO 2.3/5 (+1) KUWB/ST 1.1/5 (+1), KABB/SA 3.3/10 (even), WREG/MS 5.0/16 (-1), WFLX/WP 1.5/6 (-1), WGHP 5.4/14 (even) and WJWB/JX 2.3/8 (-1). While not a major turnaround, PEOPLE’S COURT is on the right track.

	Cases	L.I. Rtg	Shr	Target Rtg	Shr	Oct-98 Rtg	Shr	Annual % Shr Change
Daytime	34	1.6	6	2.2	8	2.0	8	0%
E Fringe	17	1.7	5	2.7	7	2.5	7	0%
Access	None
L Fringe	5	1.8	5	2.0	8	1.9	7	14%

All		1.7	6	2.4	8	2.2	7	14%

Newcomer newsmagazine NATIONAL ENQUIRER is off to a fair start, but it is not, on average, showing growth from lead-in or achieving October 1998 time period ratings in the metered markets. The show is undergoing restructuring and personnel changes so there is some potential upside to this newsmagazine.

The NSS Pocketpiece average ratings (premiere-to-date, October 11-17, 1999 report) is a 1.6 in HHs and 0.9 in W25-54. The W18-49 viewers per thousand viewing HH’s figure is 326, indicating no special strength among the younger female viewers.

Among the stronger metered market stories for NATIONAL ENQUIRER are KSAZ/PX 3.4/11 and WHBQ/MS 3.0/11, which are the only markets to achieve a three rating or better.

	Cases	L.I. Rtg	Shr	Target Rtg	Shr	Oct-98 Rtg	Shr	Annual % Shr Change
Daytime	33	1.8	7	1.4	5	1.4	5	0%
E Fringe	4	2.4	8	1.9	6	3.0	9	-33%
Access	2	1.7	3	1.4	2	1.1	2	0%
L Fringe	14	1.9	6	1.5	6	1.9	7	-14%

All		1.9	6	1.5	5	1.8	6	-16%

Not much has changed over the last few weeks regarding the performance of the two "bigger" sitcoms to bow into syndication this season. At the conclusion of the October sweep, the close race continues between those pesky 3^rd ROCK FROM THE SUN (3.3/7) aliens and the gang from THE DREW CAREY SHOW (3.4/6). 3^RD ROCK still has a slight advantage in the metered markets (remember to keep in mind that the better part of 3^RD ROCK’s clearances are on FOX stations while DREW airs on primarily on a combination of WB and FOX affiliates). The same does not hold true, however, when looking at their national performance. Premiere-to-date, DREW CAREY achieves a 3.4 national HH rating while 3^RD ROCK earns a 3.1 (refer to the NSS ranking at the back of the newsletter). Neither sitcom has rocked its audience, with both comedies posting slight declines from year ago time period and remaining status quo overall through the four weeks of the October ’99 sweep. In the occurrences (CH, SM, SL, NV, ML) where the two sitcoms go head-to-head, there are now mixed results, while in the first couple of weeks 3^RD ROCK was the true victor in the majority of those instances. Also keep in mind that last season, while FRIENDS did premiere to "friendlier" numbers, it wasn’t the strong debut that stations had hoped for. However, FRIENDS has gone on to deliver top-notch ratings. With that said, and since neither air on traditional affiliates in the metered sample, we will not have a full evaluation of their performances until the November book.

Airing in all 47 of the metered markets, 3^RD ROCK delivers a 3.3/7 average, on par with its lead-in and down slightly from its 3.8/8 October ’98 history. Double run in about eleven markets (only two of which are back-to-back), 3^RD ROCK is spread across several dayparts. In 20 early fringe markets, 3^RD ROCK averages a 3.4/7, flat from its lead-in and down 13% from year ago time period (3.9/8). Its best early fringe story is in ST (KSTU/5:30PM) 6.3/16 where the sitcom is generally 1^st, 2^nd or 3^rd in the time period and is up 14% from its HOME IMPROVEMENT lead-in. Other solid performances, where 3^rd ROCK is up over October ’98 time period, can be found in CO (WTTE/6:30PM) 5.6/12 and as a double dose in SM (KQCA/5:30 & 6:30PM) 4.2/8 and 5.1/9, respectively.

3^rd ROCK averages a 3.5/6 across thirteen access markets, down from its 4.1/7 lead-in and flat from year ago time period. Its two highest numbers can be found in SA (KABB/6PM) 5.9/10 and JX (WAWS/7:30PM) 5.4/9 with competitive performances also in TP (WTVT/7PM) 4.4/8, CL (WJW/7PM) 4.2/8, PX (KSAZ/6PM) 4.3/8 and OK (KOKH/6PM) 4.3/8. In six access markets (TP, CL, PX, OR, HT, SA), 3^rd ROCK and DREW are situated in a comedy block with the former the lead-in in four. In all four instances DREW did not hold onto its 3^rd ROCK lead-in, dropping off anywhere from 2 to 5 shares. In the two occurrences where the order was reversed, 3^rd ROCK held onto its DREW lead-in.

In its late fringe airings, 3^rd ROCK posts a 3.2/7, down from its lead-in and off 22% from year ago time period (3.6/9). Airing at 11PM in all three instances, 3^rd ROCK’s best performances are in MS (WHBQ) 5.8/13, KC (WDAF) 4.6/13 and GR (WGHP) 4.6/9. MN (WFTC/10PM) 5.1/9 also turned in a competitive showing, up 50% from its NEWSRADIO lead-in and up 80% over what the SIMPSONS achieved in October ’98.

3^rd ROCK has experienced growth in a few markets from week one to week four of the October ’99 sweep. Those with the most steady increases include: SD (XETV/7:30PM) 3.8/6 to a 4.1/7, CT (WCCB/6:30PM) 2.7/5 to a 3.0/6, CI (WSTR/6:30PM) 3.0/7 to a 4.4/9, CO (WTTE/11:30PM) 3.1/8 to a 3.4/9 and ST (KSTU/5:30PM) 5.9/15 to a 6.7/17.

Averaging a 3.4/6 in the overall metered sample (where the sitcom is double run in slightly more than half of its markets), DREW posted a 14% HH drop-off from lead-in (3.8/7) and a 25% decline versus October ’98 history (4.2/8).

Airing predominantly in access, DREW delivers a 3.5/6 in the daypart, down 14% from its 3.8/7 lead-in and 25% from its 4.5/8 year ago history. DREW’s best story is in CO (WTTE/7PM) 6.4/12, on par with 3^RD ROCK lead-in, up 9% from October ‘98’s FRIENDS and a #2 or #3 position in the time period. Other solid performances exhibiting year ago time period and week to week growth can be found in CH (WGN/6:30PM) 5.2/10, CL (WJW/7:30PM) 5.4/10 and SL (KPLR/6:30PM) 4.4/8. Even though there has been an increase from its first few weeks, since "Cleveland Rocks" on DREW CAREY one would think the delivery for the sitcom’s hometown would be stronger. In the markets where the sitcom is double pumped in access, DREW is able to hold on to itself as a lead-in. The two markets exhibiting the most growth from week one to week four of the sweep are CI (WSTR/7PM) 3.4/7 to a 5.1/10 and WP (WFLX/7:30PM) 3.2/5 to a 5.0/8.

Early fringe scores a 3.2/6 for DREW (12 markets), flat from its lead-in and down 14% from year ago history (3.4/7). Week one to week four sweep growth stories can be found in DC (WTTG/6:30PM) 3.4/7 to a 4.2/8, SE (KSTW/6PM) 2.4/5 to a 3.6/7, MN (KMSP/5:30PM) 3.3/8 to a 4.4/10, MI (WBZL/6PM) 2.5/5 to a 2.8/6 and CI (WSTR/6PM) 2.7/6 to a 3.6/8.

In the eleven late fringe markets, DREW CAREY averages a 3.2/7, on par with October ’98 time period. Highest numbers occur in SL (KPLR/10:30PM) 7.3/14, CL (WJW/11PM) 4.6/9 and CH (WGN/10:30PM) 4.4/9.

After its first October sweep, CAROLINE IN THE CITY’s syndicated tour isn’t getting any rave reviews or setting any performance records. Airing predominantly on a combination of WB and UPN affiliates in the metered markets, CAROLINE has only averaged a 1.7/4, off October ’98 history (2.1/5) by 20% and its lead-in (2.4/6) by 33%. With the majority of CAROLINE’s clearances in late fringe, the sitcom posts a 2.1/6 in the daypart, on par with year ago HH share, but off its average lead-in (3.2/7) by 14%. The highest number in late fringe can be found on FOX affiliate KABB in SA (11:30PM) 4.2/12. Other solid drawings appear in HN (KHWB/11:30PM) 2.9/8 where CAROLINE is up 33% over CHEERS’ October ’98 delivery, in LA (KTLA/11:30PM) 3.4/10 where CAROLINE is also up over year ago CHEERS (+43%) and in CO (WBNS/12:30AM) 2.6/10 on its only traditional affiliate clearance.

In early fringe, CAROLINE only achieved a 1.5/3, down 50% from year ago’s 2.7/6 average and down 25% from its average lead-ins (1.8/4). The top score in the daypart is in OR (WKCF/6:30PM) 3.7/7, where the program is status quo from October ’98 time period (FRESH PRINCE). CAROLINE’s four access markets post a 2.3/4, off 33% from its various lead-ins and year ago levels. The sitcom’s nine daytime markets only deliver a 0.9/3, down 25% from lead-in (1.1/4) and flat with October ’98 history.

On a more positive note, some of CAROLINE’s markets did pop from the first week of the sweep to the fourth week. Included in this list are CH (WGN/11:30PM) 1.8/5 to a 2.4/7, PH (WPSG/1:30PM) 1.6/5 to a 2.0/6, DE (WWJ/6PM) 1.9/4 to a 2.4/5, HN (KHWB/11:30PM) 2.6/7 to a 3.2/9, PX (KTVK/8PM) 3.6/6 to a 4.9/7 and also in PX (KTVK/8:30PM) 2.7/4 to a 4.9/8.

Columbia’s blast to the past BEWITCHED/I DREAM OF JEANNIE comedy block, airing on mostly UPN stations with a few WB, Indies and FOX, blinks a 0.8/3 metered market sweep average, on par with the time periods of year ago October. Airing primarily in daytime, the retro SCREEN GEMS twitches a 0.8/3, flat from lead-in and year ago time period. The SCREEN GEMS’ best story in the daypart is in PX (KASW/1PM) 1.8/6 where the hour is up from its FAMILY MATTERS lead-in and increases 50% from October ’98’s LITTLE HOUSE (1.0/4). KASW also experienced a week one of the sweep to week four growth spurt, boosting the time period from a 1.4/5 to a 2.3/8. KQCA in Sacramento also posts a good growth story at 1PM (1.4/5), up 400% from year ago October (0.2/1). In the first week of the sweep KQCA delivered a 0.8/3 and was up to a 1.6/6 by the fourth week. Other solid performances can be found in MI (WBFS/9AM) 1.3/5, ST (KJZZ/9AM) 1.3/5, OK (KAUT/10AM) 1.1/5 and JX (WTEV/9AM) 1.3/5. The rest of SCREEN GEMS’ clearances are in early morning and overnight time periods.

Overall, THE WAYANS BROTHERS achieved a 2.2/5 - down 17% compared with last year’s available time period delivery of a 2.6/6. The best daypart is access where the Brothers achieved a 2.6/5 – up 25% over October’98 time periods (2.5/4). One of the more interesting points is that when paired together with THE PARENT ‘HOOD, which it was sold with, THE WAYANS BROTHERS retained 100% of its lead-in with both of them achieving a 2.3/5.

The best stories include NO (WNOL/10:30PM) 5.9/10, MI (WBFS/7:30PM) 5.3/9, JX (WTEV/7:30PM) 4.4/7 – up 17% over October ’98 time period, MS (WLM/6:00PM) 3.8/6 and AT (WATL/6:30PM) 3.7/7.

The second of the WB sitcom pair THE PARENT ‘HOOD did not fare as well achieving a 1.8/5 overall, flat from last year’s available time periods. Much like THE WAYANS BROTHERS, THE PARENT ‘HOOD’s best daypart was access (only on 2 stations) 2.8/5 – up 25% from last year’s available time periods. The two shows that led into THE PARENT ‘HOOD the most were – THE WAYANS BROTHERS (5) and BOY MEETS WORLD (6). THE PARENT ‘HOOD’s best companion is THE WAYANS BROTHERS where it increases on it’s lead-in by 25% (4 share to a 5 share). The best stories include MS (WLM/5:30PM) 4.2/7, NO (WNOL/6:00PM) 3.8/6 – up 20% from lead-in, and MI (WBFS/5:30pm) 3.5/7.

Overall, IN THE HOUSE achieved a 2.2/5 which is flat from October’98 available time periods. The best delivery in a daypart is in access where it achieved a 3.4/6 – down 14% from last year’s available time period. However, its largest increase came in late fringe (only 3 markets) where IN THE HOUSE grew 50% over last October’s delivery (1.8/9 vs. 1.1/6). Interestingly enough the two best lead-ins for IN THE HOUSE are SISTER, SISTER and THE WAYANS BROTHERS. In both cases, IN THE HOUSE retains 100% of the lead-in shares of both SISTER, SISTER (3.0/6 to a 2.8/6) and THE WAYANS BROTHERS (1.9/5 to a 2.0/5).

The best stories include HN (KTXH/6:00pm) 5.3/9, RD (WRDC/7:30PM) 4.7/8 flat from lead-in, MI (WBFS/6:30pm) 4.4/8 flat from October ’98 time period, and MS (WLM/6:30PM) 4.4/7 – up 17% from lead-in.

Overall, UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER has achieved a 1.5/5, flat from October 1998 time period deliveries. When broken down by daypart, UNHAPPILY is flat in daytime (0.8/3), flat in early fringe (1.7/4) and down 17% in late fringe – all over their respective October ’98 time period deliveries.

The best stories for UNHAPPILY EVER AFTER are SL (KPLR/ 12:00mid) 3.5/13 – up 30% in share over October ‘98 time period, ML (WVTV/12:00mid) 2.7/13 – up 44% over October ’98 time period and MS (WLM/ 12:30AM) 2.7/9 – up 80% over last year’s time period.

First there was STAR TREK, then THE NEXT GENERATION, then DEEP SPACE NINE and now VOYAGER continues the franchise tradition of being stripped in syndication. While the strip is only averaging a 2.2/4, flat from last October’s available time periods, the best daypart is prime where S.T: VOYAGER is delivering a 3.0/5, 25% better than the overall average.

The best stories are DL (KTXA.9:00PM) 4.3/6 – up 50% over October ’98 time periods, ST (KJZZ/9:00pm) 4.1/7 – up 75% over year ago time period and LV (KVWB/10:00pm) 4.1/7 – up 75% over November ’98 time period.

This season has seen an influx of new action-adventure hours, all of which have been pushing that attainable 2.0 HH rating. Based on the metered market overnight ratings, an old reliable has returned with a new name and forged its way to the top of the list. BAYWATCH HAWAII has continued its solid performances with a delivery of a 2.4/6, flat from its lead-in, but down 14% from last October’s time periods. The best stories are SL (KPLR/11:00AM/SUN) 5.9/15 – up 88% from lead-in, LK (WLKY/11:30PM/SAT) 5.8/13 and NO (WNOL/9:00PM/TUES) 5.7/8 – up 33% from year ago time period.

The only other new weekly to break "the barrier" is RELIC HUNTER with Tia Carrere, achieving a 2.0/5 overall, flat from October ‘98 time period. The best stories are CH (WLS/10:30PM/SAT) 4.6/10, ST (KTVX/10:30PM/SAT) 4.5/11, CI (WXIX/12:00MID/SAT) 4.1/12 – up 50% over year ago time period and PD (KPTV/9:00PM/SUN) 4.1/7 – up 40% from October ’98 time period and 75% over lead-in.

The rest of the hours fall into the "just fell short" of the 2.0 HH rating category and they are all bunched together within tenths of a rating point or one share point of each other. The list includes - PROFILER (1.9/6 – flat from October ’98 time period), AMAZON (1.9/5 – flat from year ago time period), THE LOST WORLD (1.8/6 – flat from year ago), BEASTMASTER (1.8/5 – down 17% from last October time period) and YOUR BIG BREAK (1.8/4 – down 20% from last October ’98 time period).

The final two weeklies drop below to the 1.5 and less HH ratings mark. BATTLEDOME achieved a 1.5/4 overall, down 20% over last October’s time periods and THE DREAM TEAM, which pulled in a 1.1/3.

While the numbers that we have used above represent the 47 metered market overnights, the NSS rankings can be found at the end of this newsletter.