Fall 2001 Syndicated Program Overviews

INTRODUCTION

This SPECIAL EDITION #1 of the KTVG PROGRAMMING NEWSLETTER is sent along to provide you with more detailed information on the 2001-2002 syndicated programming season.

This newsletter includes commentary on key returning shows, as well as the first group of syndicated programs that have premiered over the past four weeks. In addition, we have provided, through WRAP, MARKET TRACKS for all of the new strips for the past two weeks from Monday, September 17^th through Friday, September 28^th. With the number of pre-emptions and programming shifts during the week of September 10^th, we felt that a truer picture of the debuting shows’ performance would be achieved by that two-week average. These printouts include:

q weighted historical averages (where they existed) for programming in the time periods in September 2000,

q the current (target) program’s daily performance with its lead-in from Monday 9/24-Friday 9/28 as well as the averages for the prior weeks,

q the program’s competition in the time period ranked by ratings for the most recent week (9/24-9/28) which can be found at the bottom of each market specific column, and

q the weighted average of all the targeted programs’ schedulings which is shown on the first column of each page. That column reflects the daily and weekly averages for the full metered-market grouping.

We have also included a copy of the Multi-Day Grids for the week of September 24-28, 2001. These metered market grids show weekly averages by quarter hour and all programs within a 24-hour period (5AM-5AM) allowing you to analyze the full schedules and their competition.

We believe that the above-mentioned grids, tracks and rankings, as well as the following review, will provide stations with detailed information on all of the new and key returning shows for 2001. At the beginning of each section, for the charts only, we will be introducing the more precise share performance comparisons taking each measurement to a single decimal point. With all of these materials, we hope that you will once again have the informational arsenal to put into some perspective the ratings that have been part of the FLASH reports e-mailed to stations. We will be following up with SPECIAL EDITION #2, as we have in the past, which will cover the October 2001 survey. It is scheduled for a November 2^nd publication date and will include the premieres of the remaining series FIFTH WHEEL, the official start of KING OF THE HILL and a national ranking of both M-F strips and weekly programming.

TALK

	Weeks of 9/17-9/28/01		LEAD-IN		VS. LEAD-IN		SEPTEMBER 2000 T.P.		9/17-9/28/01 VS. SEPT ‘00
PROGRAM	RTG	SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR
Oprah Winfrey	5.2	13.7	4.0	11.4	+30%	+20%	4.8	13.2	+8%	+4%
Live! With Regis	4.4	15.2	4.7	15.5	-6%	-2%	3.8	15.2	+16%	-
Rosie O'Donnell	3.2	9.2	2.9	9.2	+10%	-	3.1	9.7	+3%	-5%
Maury Povich	2.3	7.4	2.3	7.6	-	-3%	2.6	9.5	-12%	-22%
Martha Stewart	2.0	7.0	2.2	7.4	-9%	-5%	1.9	7.4	-5%	-5%
Montel Williams	1.9	6.0	2.5	7.9	-24%	-24%	2.1	7.2	-10%	-17%
Jerry Springer	1.8	6.0	1.7	5.2	-6%	+15%	2.1	7.6	-14%	-21%
Sally Jessy Raphael	1.6	5.8	2.3	7.9	-30%	-27%	2.1	8.2	-24%	-29%
The Other Half	1.4	5.4	2.3	8.5	-39%	-36%	1.5	6.2	-7%	-13%
Iyanla	1.4	5.2	2.5	8.5	-44%	-39%	1.6	6.6	-13%	-21%
Jenny Jones	1.4	5.0	1.7	6.1	-18%	-18%	1.6	6.5	-13%	-23%
Ananda Lewis	1.4	4.3	2.1	6.7	-33%	-36%	2.2	7.3	-36%	-41%
Ricki Lake	1.4	4.1	1.4	4.5	-	-9%	1.7	5.3	-18%	-23%
Crossing Over	1.4	3.9	1.6	4.8	-39%	-36%	1.7	5.1	-18%	-24%
Talk or Walk	0.9	3.0	1.3	4.4	-31%	-32%	1.5	5.2	-40%	-73%
TALK SHOW AVERAGES	2.1	6.7	2.4	7.7	-13%	-13%	2.3	8.0	-9%	-16%

Source: NSI WRAP Overnights, metered market program tracks as dated, weighted averages, excluding Ft. Myers.

PREMIERING TALK

Ananda Lewis

Ananda Lewis comes to syndication after several years on both MTV and BET cable. King World has been able to launch the program on a solid line-up, consisting of the TRIBUNE stations in the top three markets and a mix of traditional and non-traditional affiliates in both daytime and early fringe slots. Ananda Lewis has been given the task of both maintaining her younger audience while at the same time expanding to embrace the core older female viewers. In essence, the Ananda Lewis show must find topics that attract both mother and daughter. Across the available metered sample, 46 markets have scheduled the program. Ananda Lewis is predominantly scheduled in daytime (32 markets), with only 10 markets placing the show in early fringe. Using the past two weeks’ data for comparison, the program has not been able to build on its lead-in base, nor at this early stage in the season, provide any growth over year ago time period levels. For the clearances in daytime, the program is off by -35% in share from its average lead-in program, while also under achieving the time periods from last September by -43%. Among the better market stories to report are BL (WBAL/11AM) 2.5/8, SA (KMOL/2PM) 2.5/7, WP (WPTV/11AM) 2.5/8, MS (WREG/10AM) 3.8/10 and AU (KVUE/9AM) 2.5/10. Ananda is currently bunched together with the premiering talk shows at less than a two rating.

Crossing Over with John Edward

Coming to syndication after successful primetime and late night runs on the SCI-FI cable channel is John Edward, the psychic who is well known for his ability to speak with the deceased. With concurrent plays on both broadcast and cable, the series is most often scheduled as back-to-back half hours. The most visible of its clearances, New York’s WCBS in early fringe, has not been airing because of the station’s ongoing coverage of the WTC tragedy. Other clearances in the top ten markets included early fringe plays in San Francisco (KTVU/4PM), Boston (WSBK/3PM), Dallas (KTVT/3PM), Detroit (WWJ/5:30PM) and Atlanta (WGCL/4PM). Across the metered market sample, there were 18 afternoon clearances; Crossing Over delivered an average 1.5/4 in early fringe that was down by -30% from its lead-in and -30% from the September 2000 time period levels. Scheduled in 27 daytime markets, the program posted a 1.3/4, off lead-in programming levels by -11%. So far, Crossing Over has not been able to improve on year-ago time period, dipping -16% from September 2000 time period shares. Despite some positives in the early demographic stories, Crossing Over with John Edward has not been able to increase the household sampling this September. Our look at the pre and post September 11^th levels shows that while CROSSING OVER was not negatively impacted, neither did it achieve any additional momentum from its August start.

Iyanla

Iyanla was the first syndicated series to premiere this season. The August 13^th start date allowed for stations to provide an additional promotional thrust to the program’s launch. Prior to this show, author Iyanla Van Zant was a frequent guest on the Oprah Winfrey Show dealing with relationships and personal growth. Produced by Barbara Walters and The View’s (ABC daytime) Bill Gedde, Iyanla has been cleared by many of the ABC O & O’s and key affiliates in late fringe including top markets New York, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Detroit, Houston and Raleigh. The program achieved a late fringe average of 1.6/8, which was up from the September 2000 time period shares by 13%. There were a limited number of afternoon stories (7 markets) including WBBM/Chicago, KING/Seattle, KNXV/Phoenix, WMAR/Baltimore, WTVM/Birmingham and KRQE/Albuquerque. In that key daypart, Iyanla delivered an average 1.1/3 which was down -46% from its lead-ins and below September 2000 time period by -48%. In its predominant daytime daypart (31 markets), Iyanla delivered a 1.4/5 and was -45% off its average lead-ins and down –28% from year ago time period. Iyanla, still trying to find a balance between regular talk show fare and her personal relationship specialty, has not been able to attract significant sampling. Like Crossing Over, the other early launch, this program did not gain or lose momentum following the September 11^th WTC tragedy.

The Other Half

The Other Half, which uses the phrase “the world of women through the eyes of men” as its mantra, premiered just prior to the WTC tragedy. This has caused the program to be extensively pre-empted during the premiere week and even later in the New York market. Hosted by Dick Clark, Danny Bonaduce, Mario Lopez and Dr. Jan Adams, the talk show deals with a variety of issues in a multi-segmented format similar to The View. Cleared on the NBC O & O’s, The Other Half is most often scheduled following the third hour of the Today Show. The program has been able to get some sampling because of the increased interest in the news and news developments which has translated to viewership for that last hour of the Today Show. Cleared in 45 markets in our metered market sample, 32 of those markets have scheduled The Other Half in daytime. In that key area, the program was down significantly from its average lead-in by -38% and off by only -10% from September 2000 time period. The best stories were registered in CL (WKYC/10AM) 3.1/12, DV (KUSA/10AM) 2.9/11, CO (WCMH/10AM) 2.8/11, PV (WJAR/11AM) 2.9/12 and LK (WLKY/10AM) 2.5/9. There are only 3 markets airing the program in early fringe with another 10 in late fringe. Neither of the dayparts was able to improve on the daytime or overall numbers for the program.

Talk or Walk

Talk or Walk, with host Michael Baisden, attempts to provide stations with a more advertiser friendly version of the interpersonal conflicts that have become the staple of daytime talk. The program presents a number of controversies each hour, asking the studio audience to provide advice and then vote on whether the show’s participants continue to “talk” or “walk” away from the circumstances. Developed by the folks at TRIBUNE, the major market clearances for the program are on their station group. Talk or Walk is scheduled across 47 markets in our metered sample. With 35 clearances in daytime, it is the most important daypart to track its performance. Talk or Walk is down from its lead-ins in daytime by -31%. The program is also off the September 2000 daytime averages by -46%. The significant stories that we observed were in NY (WPIX/12N) 1.5/5, CH (WGN/10AM) 2.0/6 and BL (WNUV/10AM) 1.6/6. There were an equal number of schedulings (5 markets each) in both early and late fringe. Talk or Walk’s performance in those dayparts was not markedly improved over the daytime numbers. This talker was the last of the new offerings to premiere starting on September 17^th. The lack of promotion may account for some of the performance declines, but there must be some concerns about Talk or Walk even in the context of this season and its sluggish start.

RETURNING TALK

Jenny Jones

Jenny Jones returns for a key season as the program maintains its more edgy approach to the talk show format. Currently Jenny Jones is only scheduled in Los Angeles, Detroit and Oklahoma City in early fringe. The remainder and the predominant number of situations are in the 45 markets airing Jenny in daytime slots. In that daypart the program is at a 1.5/6 and is off both its lead-ins by -8% and September 2000 time period by –12%. When we look more closely, we find that in 55% of the cases we are comparing Jenny Jones to her own performance. The best stories were registered by MS (WMC/10AM) 4.2/11, CH (WGN/2PM) 3.3/10, TP (WTVT/1PM) 2.8/8 AQ (KOB/11AM) 2.6/9, KC (KDAF/11AM) 2.6/10 and RD (WTVD/9AM) 2.5/9.

Jerry Springer

Jerry Springer with its SPRINGER CAM, battling couples and their families and friends still at the ready, has started a new season of mayhem. The program is scheduled in 49 markets with 37 of them slotting double runs for 75% of the stations with two plays per day. There were 36 markets airing JERRY SPRINGER in daytime. In that important daypart, the program was able to deliver an average 1.9/6 which is off -20% from September 2000 time period levels, but up 20% from its lead-in share. The best of the those stories were in AT (WAGA/1PM) 3.7/11, AU (KTBC/9AM) 3.6/13, DE (WDIV/10AM) 3.4/11, CO (WTTE/9AM) 3.1/11, LK (WDRB/9AM) 3.1/11, WP (WPBF/10AM) 3.0/10, CL (WJW/2PM) 2.9/10 and CH (WFLD/11AM) 2.8/9. There are 27 markets that are airing Jerry Springer in late fringe. Those airings yielded an average 1.2/5 for these mostly second runs. They were not surprisingly off their late fringe lead-ins by -14%, but more importantly down -29% from the same time periods last September. It is a mixed bag for Springer with some good market stories, but overall declines.

Live with Regis & Kelly

Live with Regis & Kelly, which experienced the WTC tragedy live on the air, was able to go forward transitioning its audience to a sense of normalcy. Following Kathie Lee Gifford’s departure last spring, the fall 2000 program paired Regis Philbin with guest co-hosts before Kelly Ripa was anointed as his new co-host. The program, which has become a staple of morning line-ups, has made the best transition from one co-host to another in the history of television. Live with Regis & Kelly has not only maintained its positive momentum, but has also grown its audience. Taking on the third hour of the TODAY SHOW in many, if not all markets, LIVE has been able to win many of the head-to-head battles. There were 23 markets of the 48 daytime stories where the programs were directly competitive and Live was the #1 program in that time period most days. Some of the best stories are, of course, in the home base of New York while 26 markets or 55% of all daytime schedulings delivered a 4.4 or better rating equaling or surpassing the overall average rating in daytime. Among that group a solid 65% delivered a 5 or better rating for the past two weeks. In these uncertain times Live has become a rock solid franchise program in daytime.

Martha Stewart Living

Martha Stewart Living remains a consistent performer in predominantly daytime time periods across 37 markets. The program is also slotted in early fringe in only 5 markets including two PAX stations in Milwaukee and Oklahoma City. The most visible afternoon stories are in San Francisco, Seattle and Kansas City. With over 80% of the ratings situations in daytime, the show’s average 1.8/6 is up by over 60% from its lead-ins, while in another important comparison; the program is off by 25% from September 2000 time period. Martha Stewart Living did have some solid stories to report including NO (WWL/9AM) 6.4/19, DE (WXYZ/10AM) 4.6/15, OR (WESH/11AM) 4.3/15 and PT (KDKA/10AM) 4.1/13. There were 7 additional markets delivering a 3 or better rating for the program. It would seem that we would have to read these results in the context of the improved performance for the Early Show (in light of heightened news interest), given that Martha often follows that program. But, to be fair, all of these stories cannot be exclusively attributed to that factor alone. Martha Stewart has shown her solid following and in these troubled times viewers may be returning to the tried and true. We will be keeping a close eye on the developing story as the season progresses.

Maury (Povich)

Maury continues airing in 49 markets in our metered sample with over 20 double runs and the majority of clearances in the key daytime (35 markets) daypart. The program is slotted in early fringe in nearly 20 markets in the metered sample. Maury was down by 20% from its September 2000 time period levels overall. In daytime, the talk show was off by less than 5% in share from its average lead-in, but down from its September 2000 levels by nearly 25% in that daypart. The best stories in daytime included time periods with a 4 or better rating for stations in JX (WJXT/10AM) 5.3/17, WP (WPTV/10AM) 5.2/17, BL (WJZ/10AM) 4.5/16, BH (WBRC/2PM) 4.5/11 and LK (WHAS/10AM) 4.3/15. There were another half dozen markets averaging a 3.5 or better rating in daytime. In the afternoon, an area that STUDIOS USA has tried to expand Maury as a potential lead-in to early newscasts, Maury was basically flat with its lead-in shares while dropping -15% from September 2000 time period in the afternoons. The program did however have some good stories to report with double-digit shares including AQ (KOAT/3PM) 4.4/12, SM (KOVR/4PM) 4.4/10, DE (WDIV/4PM) 4.2/10, NV (WSMV/3PM) 3.8/10 and CO (WCMH/3PM) 3.6/11. Like many of the other returning talk shows, Maury was down from year-ago levels while encouragingly able to maintaining lead-in performance shares.

Montel Williams

Montel Williams has been concentrating on the disaster at the WTC in many of his recent shows. The program is scheduled across all 50 of the available metered sample that we review. There are 17 markets that double run the program. With 35 markets airing Montel Williams in daytime and 21 markets with early fringe plays, we will concentrate on both dayparts. In daytime, Montel is off from its average lead-ins by -31% and down from September 2000 programming by -14%. There are some solid stories to report for the program in NV (WTVF/9AM) 4.8/14, CO (WBNS/10AM) 4.3/16, SL (KDKA/10AM) 3.8/15 and BH (WBMA/9AM) 3.5/10. When we shift our focus to the afternoon, Montel delivers an average 2.2/6, which is down from its lead-ins by -12% and off September 2000 time period by -23%. The best early fringe stories were registered in CT (WBTV/4PM) 4.4/10, TP (WFLA/3PM) 4.1/11, IN (WTHR/3PM) 4.1/11, BF (WGRZ/4PM) 4.1/9, NF (WAVY/4PM) 3.9/9 and ML (WISN/3PM) 3.5/11.

Oprah Winfrey

Oprah Winfrey continues as the leading talker with airings in 49 early fringe markets and one morning clearance in her home base, Chicago. Oprah was at 5.8/14 in that key afternoon daypart. Though the program is still at the head of the talk show list, and is garnering increases from lead-in shares of 28%, Oprah is off from September 2000 time period by -20%. The program was traditionally the time period leader in all of its markets, and though Oprah still remains solidly competitive, on many days against stiffer competition, we find as many as a third of the show’s metered sample is not in first place for its time slot. That said, among that same market sample delivering a 7 or better rating were stations in Philadelphia, Atlanta, Detroit, St. Louis, Baltimore, Indianapolis, Jacksonville, Milwaukee, Columbus, West Palm Beach, New Orleans and Greensboro/Winston-Salem. Oprah continues with second runs in late fringe in 10 markets. In late night the program’s rebroadcasts delivered an average 2.7/12 which is understandably down from lead-ins by -8%, but above year ago time period by near 40%. In this final year for the constant Tuesday presence, Dr. Phil, we will be keeping an eye on the Oprah numbers with and without the good doctor.

Ricki Lake

Ricki Lake, with extensive clearances on non-traditional affiliates in early fringe and often in the key 5PM slot, continues to be used as counter programming to local newscasts. Ricki‘s focus remains on the talker’s younger and urban viewers. The program has 49 market stories with 31 stations airing the program in daytime and another 17 in early fringe. Our review begins in the afternoon with the most visible clearances residing in that daypart. Ricki delivered an average 1.1/2 which was up from its lead-in share levels by about 50%, but like many of the other talkers, the program was also off September 2000 time period levels by -54%. Ricki Lake continues to deliver solid numbers in afternoon slottings in NF (WGNT/5PM) 4.0/8, SM (KOVR/3PM) 3.6/11, MI (WBZL/5PM) 2.4/5, BN (WSBK/4PM) 2.3/5, AT (WATL/5PM) 2.3/5 and LA (KCOP/5PM) 2.1/5. With over 60% of the stories in daytime, it is important to review that daypart also. On average, Ricki Lake was off her morning lead-ins by -15% and off year-ago time periods by -16%. The better stories were in MS (WHBQ/9AM) 4.9/12, AU (KTBC/2PM) 4.5/15, DE (WJBK/1PM) 2.3/7, WP (WFLX/11AM) 2.2/7, DV (KDVR/1PM) 2.1/8, LK (WDRB/12N) 2.1/7, RD (WRAZ/10AM) 2.0/7 and BF (WNYO/1PM) 2.0/6.

Rosie O’Donnell

Rosie O’Donnell begins her final year as host of this daily live variety effort with the majority of overall clearances still in afternoon slots. Rosie appears in 48 markets with 15 in daytime and the majority (33 markets) near 70% in the afternoon. Some of the best and most visible stories do however continue to be registered in daytime. In that key daypart, the program was down from its lead-in shares by -15%. As importantly, Rosie was down by –13% from the September 2000 time periods. Rosie, in key afternoon slots, was averaging a 3.2/9, up from lead-in shares by 20% and flat with time period share history. Even with those potentially early positives, the successor to Rosie, Caroline Rhea is being positioned in daytime rather than early fringe slots. The best stories in daytime were with a 3 or better rating at 10AM in New York, Philadelphia, Tampa, St. Louis, Indianapolis, Charlotte and Norfolk. Among the afternoon clearances, the talk show delivered a 4 or better rating in WP (WPTV/3PM) 6.0/15, BF (WKBW/4PM) 5.8/13, LV (KVBC/3PM) 5.3/12, PT (KDKA/4PM) 4.8/11, LK (WAVE/4PM) 4.6/10, CI (WLWT/3PM) 4.5/13, BL (WJZ/4PM) 4.5/11, PD (KATU/4PM) 4.1/11, and PX (KPNX/4PM) 4.1/9. These Rosie O’Donnell numbers will determine the fate of the genre and the potential for Caroline Rhea.

Sally Jessy Raphael

Sally Jessy Raphael returns this season with her fate in the hands of viewers. The program has been revamped to include a family of contributors as the Sally Jessy Raphael program attempts to evolve to a more compelling offering for 2001 sensibilities. The talk show is still scheduled in 49 markets with the majority in daytime. Sally has only 8 markets in the metered sample to review in early fringe. In that afternoon daypart the program remains down from its lead-in by -21% and down from historic (September 2000) time periods by -25% in share. The best of the afternoon stories were LK (WAVE/3PM) 4.9/13, OK (KOCO/3PM) 3.8/11 and PH (KYW/4PM) 3.5/8. With nearly 75% of the ratings stories in daytime, that is where the special focus continues. In those 37 markets, Sally Jessy Raphael (1.7/6) is off its 2.5/8 lead-ins by -28%. The talk show is down by nearly -30% from the year-ago September 2000 time period shares. The best stories in daytime with a 3.5 or better rating were in JX (WJXT/9AM) 4.5/15, MS (WHBQ/10AM) 3.9/10, SA (KSAT/9AM) 3.7/12 and AU (KTBC/1PM) 3.6/12. With the number of pre-emptions and the shift of focus to WTC related events, we cannot get a true reading of the program’s future from these first weeks of the season.

GAME SHOWS

	Weeks of 9/17-9/28/01		LEAD-IN		VS. LEAD-IN		SEPTEMBER2000 T.P.		9/17-9/28/01 VS. SEPT ’00
	RTG	SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR
PROGRAM
Wheel of Fortune	8.4	14.4	8.3	14.8	+1%	-3%	8.6	15.7	-2%	-8%
Jeopardy	7.2	13.6	6.9	13.8	+4%	-1%	8.2	16.0	-12%	-15%
Hollywood Squares	3.6	7.3	4.2	8.8	-14%	-7%	3.5	8.1	+3%	-10%
Family Feud	1.5	4.5	1.5	4.7	-	-4%	1.7	5.3	-12%	-15%
To Tell The Truth	1.1	3.4	1.2	3.8	-8%	-11%	1.4	4.2	-21%	-19%
Street Smarts	0.9	3.6	1.1	3.8	-18%	-5%	1.1	4.8	-18%	-25%
Card Sharks	0.9	2.9	1.1	3.7	-18%	-22%	1.1	3.5	-18%	-17%
GAME SHOW AVERAGE	3.4	7.1	3.5	7.6	-3%	-7%	3.7	8.2	-8%	-13%

Source: NSI WRAP Overnights, metered market program tracks as dated, weighted averages, excluding Ft. Myers.

The game show arena is evenly divided, at least by number of offerings, between King World and Fremantle (aka Pearson). King World leads with Wheel, Jeopardy and Hollywood Squares while Fremantle struggles to stay in the game with Family Feud, To Tell the Truth and this season’s Card Sharks. Universal’s Street Smarts looks like a game, but plays more like a late night relationship show since that’s where the majority of its clearances can be found.

PREMIERING GAME SHOWS

Card Sharks

This high/low card game is pulling more low numbers than high. The vast majority of its clearances are on non-traditional stations averaging a 0.8 rating/3 share versus the 1.4 rating/6 share the show earns with its eight traditional affiliate clearances. Six of this latter group runs the show in the wee hours. The exceptions are WWJ/Detroit, which airs the show at 12N (2.6/8) and KXAN/Austin with its 0.9/3 average for a 2PM scheduling. While Detroit is the exception to Card Shark’s overall performance, Fremantle hopes it reflects the show’s future potential elsewhere; holding a game lead-in and improving on time period history.

The bulk of the clearances are in daytime on non-traditional stations earning a 0.8/3 for the daypart and performing on par with its lead-in and September 2000 time period levels. If they are lucky this might qualify for a push in the short term, but a busted hand if it continues through the November and February sweep.

RETURNING GAME SHOWS

Family Feud

Now in its third season, Family Feud, with host Louie Anderson runs in 48 of the metered markets (excluding Richmond, Dayton and Ft. Myers) with an average 1.5/5. This is flat with lead-in and history. Twenty-six of those markets take at least two plays and it’s not surprising that in 41 markets Feud is part of a game block. Most of the FEUDing takes place in daytime where the ten traditional affiliates outperform the 24 non-traditional affiliates: 2.2/8 versus 1.2/4. The show holds its lead-in in both groups. Particularly strong stories among the traditional affiliates were: WRAL/Raleigh (5.0/18), WMC/Memphis (4.2/11) and WLKY/Louisville (4.1/12), but DC, CL and PT also helped the average. Strong news lead-ins on WLKY, WMC and WPXI/PT probably did their part in producing these strong stories, but Feud performed on WOIO/CL despite a weak Iyanla lead-in and complemented a Hollywood Squares lead-in in DC and RD.

In early fringe, eleven traditional affiliates run the game, averaging a 1.9/5 only differing slightly from the 15-market average (traditional & non-traditional stations). Again there is no significant difference between Feud and its lead-in or year ago history. WTSP/Tampa (2.5/6) and WPBF/ West Palm Beach (3.0/7) reflect the strongest traditional affiliate stories. The game is relatively flat with its own September 2000 history and finishes 3^rd in Tampa and 2^nd in West Palm Beach.

There are only five prime access clearances for Feud: four on non-traditional affiliates averaging a 1.3/2 and one on the NBC affiliate in Las Vegas (8.3/13). On KVBC/Las Vegas, FEUD holds 70% of its Wheel lead-in and is down 3 share points from year ago history.

Hollywood Squares

This is year four for King World’s version of tic tac dough and while Hollywood Squares is the 3^rd highest-ranking game show, it only reaches half of the audience that Jeopardy, the 2^nd highest-ranking game delivers. Squares continues to be primarily a traditional affiliate vehicle with 41 such clearances (3.8/8), consistent with lead-in and year ago history. Eight of these instances fall in early fringe (4.3/11), twenty-three in prime access (4.0/7) and five in daytime (3.0/10). Most held these slots from last season and, to date, held their share as well.

Jeopardy

While Jeopardy has experienced 5% household share erosion since last September it is still an extremely strong program. The show’s biggest challenge right now is in Boston where the game moved from the NBC affiliate, WHDN, where it averaged a 7/10 at 7:30PM to UPN affiliate WSBK at 6:30PM. So far, less than half the audience has followed the show (2.1/4). In New York (WABC), Jeopardy is down a dramatic 40% in household rating and share (6.7/12) -- apparently as viewers gravitated to WCBS’ expanded terrorist news coverage (5.3/9).

Across dayparts the fifty-market average of a 7/14 increases to an 8.1/13 in the twenty-eight prime access markets and settles in at a 5.7/15 in thirteen early fringe situations.

Street Smarts

Theoretically a game, we find 80% of Street Smarts’ clearances in late fringe on non-traditional affiliates paired with every genre and nearly every show, averaging a 1.0/5. Generally, it holds the lead-in as well as measures up to time period history. The strongest stories are found on WGN/Chicago at 11:30PM (2.5/7) holding a Drew Carey lead-in, KDAF/Dallas at 12:30AM (1.6/6) leading out of Blind Date, WDWB/Detroit at 11PM (2.1/3) leading out of a checkerboard of WB prime and KTVK/Phoenix at 11:30PM and 12M (3.0/10 & 2.5/10) with ET as the initial lead-in.

The smaller sample of traditional affiliates running Street Smarts in late fringe resulted in stronger numbers (1.9/7) with a similar cross section of lead-in programs. A few Street Smarts clearances can be found in other dayparts, but without significant results.

To Tell the Truth

Making it to a sophomore year is no mean feat for any show, but with that hurdle behind it the ratings game has not gotten any easier for To Tell The Truth (1.1/3). The gap between this 5^th ranked game show and top players Jeopardy and Wheel is several hundred fold. But the numbers are a product, or at least partially a product, of the disparity in clearances between one show and another. Twenty-four of host John Hurley’s clearances are on non-traditional affiliates in daytime -- a daypart which offers limited potential for any show to grow its ratings story. These clearances created a basis of a 0.6/2 delivery. Additionally, one early fringe and one prime access non-traditional clearance fare no better.

There are nineteen traditional affiliate stories: five each in daytime (2.5/9) and early fringe (1.8/5), one in prime access (4.8/9) and eight in late fringe (1.5/8). The prime access story on WUSA/DC at 7PM represents a dramatic decline from the CBS news lead-in as well as under-delivering year ago news levels in the slot.

Wheel of Fortune

It is the standard to which all the other games aspire and amazingly enough Wheel has come through this fall so far showing little wear and tear. The two tenths of a rating point erosion from last September is negligible. Pat and Vanna find themselves up against the similar scenarios in New York and Boston as Jeopardy. The New York situation is less strident as Wheel (7.3/12) is not up against WCBS’ expanded news, but against a strong ET (5.1/9), fueled by this news lead-in. The move from a traditional affiliate in Boston to a UPN affiliate has been as difficult for Wheel (2.5/5) as Jeopardy (2.1/4).

RELATIONSHIP SHOWS

	Weeks of 9/17-9/28/01		LEAD-IN		VS. LEAD-IN		SEPTEMBER 2000 T.P.		9/17-9/28/01 VS. SEPT ‘00
	RTG	SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR
PROGRAM
Blind Date	1.5	3.6	1.7	3.7	-12%	-3%	1.6	4.3	-6%	-16%
Elimidate	1.3	3.2	1.6	3.6	-29%	-11%	1.5	4.0	-13%	-20%
Rendez View	1.1	3.9	1.7	5.6	-35%	-30%	1.3	5.2	-15%	-25%
Change of Heart	1.0	3.2	1.5	4.0	-33%	-20%	1.4	4.6	-29%	-30%
Shipmates	0.9	2.9	1.0	2.9	-10%	-	1.4	4.3	-36%	-33%
RELATIONSHIP	1.2	3.4	1.5	3.9	-20%	-13%	1.4	4.5	-14%	-13%
SHOW AVERAGES

Source: NSI WRAP Overnights, metered market program tracks as dated, weighted averages, excluding Ft. Myers.

PREMIERING RELATIONSHIP SHOWS

Elimidate

With thoughts of continuing in the past traditions of Love Connection, Change of Heart and Blind Date, this new season brings us Elimidate where the contestant (male or female) can date four people at once and decide by the end who to chose.

Without a primary clearance in NY, Elimidate starts off with a minor handicap. However, the show is airing in 48-metered markets achieving a 1.2/3, down 25% from both lead-in (1.5/4) and year ago levels (1.4/4). When broken out by daypart, Elimidate has shown stronger numbers, especially in late fringe where most of these programs flourish. In this daypart the program airs in 11 markets and achieves a 1.4/4, 17% higher than its overall average, but still down 7% from year ago levels. Elimidate also airs in 7 markets in daytime and achieves a 1.3/4, up 33% compared to September ’00 time period.

The best stories are in ML (WVTV/11PM) 2.7/7, up 17% from lead-in, MS (WLMT/11PM) 2.7/5, flat from both lead-in and lead-out and SL (KPLR/12M) 2.6/9, flat from lead-in.

Rendez View

Using Blind Date as its base, Rendez View takes this strong performer to the next level. While Blind Date takes the viewer through the date, Rendez View takes the date and has it analyzed by a panel of experts. Well, I don’t know if you would call these guys experts: Greg Proops (Whose Line Is It Anyway?) and Ellen Ladowsky host with two celebrity panelists who “analyze” the entire date.

With no clearance in Los Angeles, Rendez View airs in 49-metered markets and delivers a 1.1/4, down 20% from lead-in and year ago time period levels. As with most of these relationship shows, their best daypart tends to be late fringe and Rendez View is no exception. In 24-metered markets the program averaged a 1.3/4 down 43% from lead-in and 20% from September ’00 time period. However, the best stories are in NO (WWL/11:30PM) 5.4/12, up 20% from year ago and ranking #1 in the time period, SA (KSAT/12:00M) 2.7/9, flat from year ago levels and OR (WKMG/12:30AM) 2.4/9, up 29% from September ’00.

Shipmates

We all remember the days of The Love Boat with Isaac the bartender, Gopher, Doc and Captain Stuebbing taking us on a cruise of love and romance. Well, Shipmates takes that idea and combines it with that of other relationship shows such as Blind Date and Change of Heart and takes us on a 3-day cruise of love, romance and possibly rejection. While Captain Stuebbing has retired, Shipmates is captained by Chris Hardwick of MTV’s Singled Out fame.

Since Shipmates began in August, we were able to analyze the show both before and after the events of September 11^th. In this case there was no major difference as Shipmates aired in 47-metered markets achieving a 0.9/3 flat from lead-in, but down 25% from year ago levels. While most relationship shows work better in late fringe, Shipmates posts better numbers in daytime (1.0/3) and early fringe (1.0/3). The best stories can be found in DV (KTVD/3:30PM) 2.9/9, flat from lead-in and up 50% from September ’00 time period and OR (WKCF/2:30PM) 2.1/6, also up 50% from year ago levels.

RETURNING RELATIONSHIP SHOWS

Blind Date

Now in its third season, Blind Date continues to be viewed by most as the standard by which all other relationship shows are measured. It is one of the very few relationships shows, if not the only one, to have double runs in every metered market. The numbers for Blind Date prove that no matter what daypart this show runs in it attracts the same audience. Overall it delivers a 1.5/4, flat from both lead-in and year ago levels. In daytime, the show achieves a 1.3/4, in early fringe a 1.4/4 and in late fringe a 1.6/4. All airings are flat from lead-in and September ’00 time period levels.

The best stories can be found in ML (WISN/11PM) 4.8/12 up 20% over September ’00, AU (KNVA/9:30PM) 3.1/5, MS (WLMT/10PM) 3.0/5, up 25% from lead-in and year ago and DV (KTVD/3PM) 2.7/9, up 13% from lead-in and up 29% from year ago levels.

Change of Heart

One of the original relationships shows spawned from Love Connection; Change of Heart now enters its 4^th season with some minor changes. The production has moved from Los Angeles to New York and is now hosted by stand-up comedian Lynne Koplitz. In 49-metered markets the show achieves a 1.0/3, down 25% from lead-in and down 40% from September ’00 time period. When broken out by daypart, Change of Heart delivers stronger numbers in late fringe with a 1.1/4, flat from lead-in, but down 20% from year ago levels.

The best stories are in CH (WPWR/9PM) 2.6/4, SA (KABB/12:30AM) 2.4/9, flat from September ’00 time period and NO (WVUE/12M) 2.4/6, flat from lead-in yet down 25% from year ago time period levels.

REALITY [Court / Magazine] SHOWS

	Weeks of 9/17-9/24/01		LEAD-IN		VS. LEAD-IN		SEPTEMBER2000 T.P.		9/17-9/28/01 VS. SEPT ‘00
	RTG	SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR
PROGRAM
E.T.	4.7	10.8	4.6	10.6	+2%	+2%	4.4	10.4	+7%	+4%
Judge Judy	4.0	9.3	3.0	7.4	+33%	+26%	4.5	10.8	-11%	-14%
Inside Edition	3.6	9.4	3.8	9.9	-5%	-5%	3.0	9.3	+20%	+1%
Extra	3.5	8.2	3.7	8.9	-5%	-8%	3.1	8.6	+13%	-5%
Access Hollywood	3.0	7.5	3.3	8.6	-10%	-13%	3.3	9.6	-10%	-22%
Judge Joe Brown	2.5	7.3	2.4	7.1	4%	+3%	2.6	8.0	-4%	-9%
Divorce Court	2.1	6.6	2.1	6.5	-	+2%	2.2	7.4	-5%	-11%
People’s Court	1.8	6.0	1.4	4.7	29%	+28%	1.5	5.7	+20%	+5%
Texas Justice	1.8	6.0	2.1	6.9	-14%	-13%	2.1	7.4	-14%	-19%
Judge Hatchett	1.7	5.1	1.7	5.2	-	-2%	1.6	5.4	+6%	-6%
Judge Mathis	1.6	5.1	1.6	5.4	+7%	+9%	1.6	5.4	-	-6%
Power of Attorney	1.5	5.3	1.7	6.1	-12%	-13%	1.9	7.3	-21%	-27%
Cops	1.3	5.2	1.3	4.7	-	+11%	1.2	5.2	+8%	-
REALITY AVERAGES	2.5	7.1	2.5	7.1	-	-	2.5	7.7	-	-8%

Source: NSI WRAP Overnights, metered market program tracks as dated, weighted averages, excluding Ft. Myers.

PREMIERING COURT SHOWS

Texas Justice

Unlike the slew of court shows that made their syndication debuts last year, this season sees only one new court show, Texas Justice. Texas Justice appeared on the scene on a limited “slow roll-out” basis earlier this year in selected time periods on a handful of FOX-owned stations. Having met with modest success on those few clearances, Twentieth Television officially launched the show this fall.

After two weeks, it appears that Texas Justice is the highest-rated new syndicated strip in the metered markets, earning a 1.8/6 HH rtg/shr. While it has distinguished itself as the strongest performer out of the gate, the folksy court strip isn’t doing much yet to improve time periods. It’s two week average delivery is -14%/-14% lower than the September ’00 time period (2.1/7) and it hasn’t been maintaining lead-in levels either as it falls –14%/-14% from its 2.1/7 lead-in. Although daytime (1.9/6) is where the large majority of its clearances fall, its strongest-performing daypart is actually early fringe (2.2/5). Early fringe is the only daypart in which Texas Justice manages to maintain the levels of its lead-in (2.2/5). In late fringe (1.4/6), as in every other daypart, Texas Justice is down from year-ago time period history.

It’s worth noting that most of this program’s strongest deliveries are found on the very stations that were selected to be part of the show’s initial test run earlier this year. Those FOX-owned stations are, for the most part, former New World VHF stations. Among them, DL (KDFW/3:30PM) 3.7/10; AT (WAGA/12:30PM) 3.1/10; HN (KRIV/8:30AM) 2.7/9; CL (WJW/9:30AM) 3.1/11; RD (WRAL/1PM) 5.6/17; KC (WDAF/1PM) 3.3/11; ML (WITI/2PM) 2.6/9; SA (KENS/9:30AM) 3.4/10; BH (WBRC/1PM) 4.7/12; MS (WHBQ/2:30PM) 5.0/11; GR (WGHP/1PM) 3.1/10) and AU (KTBC/12:30PM) 3.0/9.

RETURNING COURT SHOWS

Divorce Court

Entering its third season, Divorce Court finds itself the #3 ranked court show in syndication just behind the perennial leaders Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown. Having earned a 2.1/7 across all its metered market clearances in the first two weeks of this still young TV season, Divorce Court is often paired with other court shows and is double run in nearly every market. This scenario likely accounts for its continued modest success. Similar to its top tier stable mates Judge Judy and Judge Joe Brown, Divorce Court is among the few court strips to build on or maintain its lead-in levels (2.1/7).

While the majority of Divorce Court’s clearances fall in daytime (where it averaged a 1.8/6 versus last year’s 1.9/8), early fringe and access are clearly this program’s strong suits. The strip averages a considerable 3.0/7 across its early fringe clearances in 20 markets and this delivery represents a 7% increase in rating over the September ’00 time period (2.8/7) and a 15% increase in rating over its lead-in (2.6/7). There are a number of standout performances for Divorce Court in early fringe. Among them: DL (KDFW/3PM) 3.5/10; AT (WAGA/4:30PM) 6.8/15); DE (WJBK/3PM) 3.9/11; BL (WUTB/4:30PM) 3.8/9; BH (WBRC/4:30PM) 7.6/16; MS (WHBQ/3PM) 5.2/12 and AU (KTBC/3:30P) 4.3/13. Divorce Court may not have many access clearances, but where it airs it performs quite well. In DE (WJBK/7PM) 5.7/10, Divorce Court is up 21%/11% over its own September ’00 delivery (4.7/9). In OR (WRBW/7PM) 3.1/5 Divorce Court is improving the time period by 29%/25% over the September ’00 time period. Across the program’s 14 late fringe markets it averages a 1.5/7 which falls below September ’00 time period (1.7/8).

Judge Hatchett

As one of the only court strips to survive last season’s flood of new court shows, Judge Hatchett enters its second season as a mid-pack performer. With two weeks of the new season now past, the program is locked in a tie for 4^th place in the genre with People’s Court behind Divorce Court. Overall, Judge Hatchett is averaging a 1.7/5, which grows 6% in rating over September ’00 but falls 6% in share. In addition, the small claims strip maintains its lead-in levels (1.7/5). Unlike Judy, Joe, and to a lesser degree, Divorce Court, Judge Hatchett does not benefit as widely from being paired with other stronger-performing court shows. In many cases, Hatchett is paired with itself, a smattering of weaker court shows or non-court shows.

Averaging a 1.6/5 across 35 daytime markets, Judge Hatchett is modestly improving over the September ’00 time period average (1.4/5) by 14% in rating while also managing to maintain its daytime lead-in levels (1.6/5). Higher HUT levels in early fringe bring Judge Hatchett higher numbers as the strip posts a 2.1/5 across 11 markets. This delivery is on par with the September ’00 time period as well as its lead-in. Performances of note include: AT (WAGA/11AM) 3.1/11; AT (WAGA/7PM) 4.5/8; DE (WJBK/3:30PM) 4.1/10; DE (WJBK/6:30PM) 5.3/9; MI (WSVN/3:30PM) 3.6/9; BH (WBRC/10AM) 3.6/10; BH (WBRC/12:20PM) 5.3/14; BF (WIVB/9AM) 3.7/12; BF (WIVB/9:30AM) 3.7/12.

Judge Joe Brown

Judge Joe Brown maintains its status as the #2 court strip in the genre behind perennial leader Judge Judy. Overall, across 48 markets, Joe Brown delivers a 2.5/7 which is just below September ’00 time period levels (2.6/8) by -4%/-9% and slightly above its lead-in (2.4/7). Access, though home to only 5 market clearances, is Joe Brown’s strongest daypart, which isn’t altogether surprising considering the higher HUT levels. Still, the program notches a 3.9/7 in access which is down from September ’00 (4.3/8), but up over its lead-in by 22%/17%. Second among Joe Brown’s dayparts is early fringe. Across 20 markets, the program averages a 3.5/9 which, again, is slightly below September ’00 levels (3.8/10), but slightly above its lead-in in rating (3.1/9). While daytime is where Joe Brown has the most clearances (23), it is the program’s weakest performing daypart. Here the strip delivers a 1.8/6 which is actually slightly higher than September ’00 (1.8/6) in rating. Interestingly, Joe Brown’s metered market numbers get higher as the market gets smaller. The program barely touches a 2 HH rating in the top six markets, but its numbers really begin to spike upwards on a more consistent basis in market #14 (Tampa) and below. NF (WGNT/7PM) 6.7/11 and BF (WGRZ/5:30PM) 6.4/12 and BH (WBRC/3PM) 6.0/15 stand out as particularly strong performers.

Judge Judy

The veteran leader of the court pack continues as such, albeit a bit weaker than last year. With two weeks of new season data available, Judge Judy’s overall average stands at a 4.0/9 which is -11%/-14% below the September ’00 time period (4.5/11). While the program shoulders some losses versus last year, it was able to post some growth over its lead-in. In fact, Judge Judy grows 33%/29% over lead-in levels. As strong a program as it continues to be, Judge Judy is down overall and down in all key dayparts versus September ’00. As has been the case for the last few seasons, Judge Judy doesn’t have very many daytime clearances. With only five markets under its belt in daytime, the program averages a 2.4/8, -11%/-27% below September ’00 (2.7/11). Early fringe is clearly where this program draws its strength. Across 42 markets, Judge Judy averages a 4.1/10, -9%/-9% below September ’00 time period. In access, where Judy has seven market clearances, it delivers a 3.4/6 and this again, is down versus September ‘00’s 4.0/8. Ratings blue ribbons go to the following Judy markets: AT (WAGA/4PM) 6.5/15; TP (WTVT/4PM) 7.3/17; PT (WPXI/4PM) 6.5/15; SL (KTVI/4:30PM) 6.1/15; CI (WLWT/7PM) 6.2/11; BH (WBRC/4PM) 7.5/16 and LV (KLAS/4:30PM) 6.8/13.

Judge Mathis

As it begins its third season on the air, Judge Mathis earns an overall 1.6/5 after two weeks of the new season. This delivery is on par with September ’00 time period levels and earns it a 7^th place finish among all eight court strips season-to-date. The program’s performance in daytime is flat versus September ‘00 as well, delivering a 1.4/5. Mathis’ early fringe numbers are considerably more solid, averaging a 2.2/5 across 16 markets. These numbers are slightly lower (-4%/-17%) than year-ago time period (2.3/6), but slightly above (10%/0%) its lead-in (2.0/5). While Judge Mathis enjoys a smattering of positive individual market performances across the country, it seems that many of those stories are concentrated in southern markets: AT (WUPA/7:30PM) 3.2/5; HN (KTXH/1PM) 3.6/10; OR (WRBW/5:30PM) 3.6/7; CT (WJZY/4:30PM) 3.0/7; BH (WABM/11PM) 3.2/7; MS (WMC/3PM) 3.2/7 and NO (WVUE/3PM) 3.4/7.

People’s Court

People’s Court is clearly the court show with the most year-to-year momentum of all court strips and is up year-to-year in all key dayparts. It seems as though the shift of judges from Jerry Sheindlin to Marilyn Millian is paying modest dividends. Season-to-date, People’s Court is now the #4 court show just behind Divorce Court. Registering an overall 1.8/6 across the metered markets, it is up 20% in rating over the September ’00 time period (1.5/6). This is the largest percent increase of any court show two weeks into the new season. In addition, People’s Court is rising well above its lead-in average (1.4/5) by +29%/+20%. The program got a particularly fitful boost when New York’s WNBC shifted the program’s time period back to 3PM from a 10AM berth. The program’s daytime average (1.6/6) is a 7%/20% improvement over September ’00 (1.5/5) and a 33%/25% improvement over its lead-in (1.2/4). In early fringe, there’s also good news. The program’s 2.9/7 average is 21%/17% above the September ’00 time period (2.4/6) and is 32%/17% above its lead-in (2.2/6). GR (WGHP/4PM) 6.3/16; OR (WRBW/6PM) 3.9/7; IN (WRTV/3PM) 3.5/10 and SA (KABB/1PM) 3.2/9 are all some of the bright spots for People’s Court across the country.

Power of Attorney

Perhaps the grandest and broadest interpretation on the court strip genre, complete with a judge AND lawyers along with legal star power, Power of Attorney is facing an uncertain future. As it now stands, Power of Attorney ranks last among the stable of court shows, earning a paltry 1.5/5 in the metered markets overall. Despite the addition of a new female judge and the notable OJ prosecutor Marcia Clark to this strip’s legal all-star team, Power of Attorney’s anemic season-to-date delivery is down -21%/-29% from September ‘00’s 1.9/7 and falls 12%/-17% from its lead-in (1.7/6). As a matter of fact, Power of Attorney is down year-to-year in all key dayparts. The most dubious omen for Power of Attorney is that in the top eight metered markets, it barely reaches a 2 rating. The program can, however, point to some bright spots: AT (WAGA/9:30AM) 3.6/13; CL (WJW/12:30PM) 2.8/9; RD (WKFT/8PM) 2.8/4; ML (WITI/2:30PM) 3.0/10 and BH (WBRC/3:30PM) 6.3/14.

Cops

Cops continues to tow the line, earning a 1.3/5 across the metered markets, up only slightly (8%) from the September ’00 time period (1.2/5) in household rating and basically flat versus its lead-in. With only a handful of markets in daytime (7), Cops delivers a 1.5/6, which is a minute increase over September ’00 time period (1.4/6) and a slight improvement in share over its lead-in (1.5/5). There are even few occurrences of Cops in early fringe (6). In this daypart, the program averages a 1.5/4, which is flat versus the year-ago time period, but a considerable jump (36%/33%) versus its lead-in (1.4/3). The majority of the program’s clearances come from late fringe where it is a familiar and consistent utility player. Cleared in 36 late fringe markets, Cops delivers a 1.2/7 which is just a tenth of a rating point better than the year-ago time period’s 1.1/7.

RETURNING MAGAZINE SHOWS

Access Hollywood

The #2 entertainment magazine show Access Hollywood continues its wide clearance on the NBC-owned station group where it has historically performed best. Because last season many of these time periods were temporarily occupied by OLYMPIC-related programming, assessments of the program’s year-to-year time period performance must be kept in this context. With that said, the Access Hollywood averages an overall 3.0/8 two weeks into the new season. Down -10%/-20% versus the year-ago time period (3.3/10) and down versus its lead-in -10%/-11%, Access Hollywood is still playing second fiddle when it comes to entertainment news to Entertainment Tonight.

E.T.

After 20 years on the air, Entertainment Tonight is not only the top-rated entertainment magazine show, it is the top-rated magazine show and the top-rated strip in the entire magazine/reality genre, even outdrawing Judge Judy. Perhaps because of recent heightened interest in things news-related, it seems that nearly all the magazines are up in the first two weeks of the new season versus September ’00 and ET is no exception. Entertainment Tonight is averaging a 4.7/11 which is a 7%/10% improvement over the year-ago time period (4.4/10). ET’s primary runs air almost exclusively in access, but it now has a wide clearance of secondary runs that air in late fringe. After only two weeks, ET can boast of some very impressive double-digit ratings deliveries a number of markets: AT (WSB/7:30PM) 12.1/19; DE (WXYZ/7:30PM) 10.1/16; PT (WTAE/7:30PM) 10.2/17; BL (WJZ/7:30PM) 11.7/20; CT (WSOC/7:30PM) 11.2/18; ML (WISN/6:30PM) 10.7/20; SA (KSAT/6:30PM) 10.0/17 and MS (WREG/6:30PM) 10.0/16.

EXTRA

Also riding a wave of heightened interest in news-related programming, Extra is posting some stronger numbers this year, surpassing Access Hollywood among magazine shows. As it stands after two weeks, Extra is delivering a 3.5/8, a bit higher than the year-ago time period’s 3.1/9. Like Access Hollywood, Extra is widely cleared on the NBC-owned station group from which it draws a great deal of its foundational strength. In daytime, Extra’s 12 markets yield a 2.4/8 average which is an improvement of 20%/14% over the year-ago time period’s 2.0/7, but in (arguably) its most important access time periods, Extra’s average 5.9/10 is down from September ’00 (6.2/11), though its delivery is still decent. Late fringe, where Extra is most widely cleared (25 markets) the program delivers a 1.8/7, which improves slightly in rating over the year-ago time period (1.5/7).

INSIDE EDITION

Syndication’s longest-running general interest newsmagazine strip is, much like Extra and ET benefiting from heightened interest in the news. Inside Edition continues its reign as the second-highest-rated newsmagazine behind ET and comes in an overall #3 behind Judge Judy in the entire court/reality/magazine genre. The program posts a 3.6/9 overall and that’s a 20% improvement in rating over September ’00 (3.0/9), but it is a loss of -5%/-10% versus its lead-in (3.8/10). Inside Edition’s seven markets in daytime (1.8/7) are down year-to-year from a 1.9/8 so it’s safe to say that Inside Edition’s year-to-year momentum is driven by and large by its access markets. In access, Inside Edition averages a 5.8/10, which is an increase of 9% in rating over year-ago time period (5.3/10). Inside Edition’s late fringe clearances in 18 markets (1.9/8) are also on the rise over the September ’00 time period’s 1.4/7 by 36%/14%. Its late fringe delivery also maintains lead-in levels. Notable deliveries can be found in: CT (WSOC/7PM) 10.7/18; RD (WRAL/7PM) 9.7/17; SA (KSAT/10:30PM) 8.4/15; NO (WWL/4PM) 10.5/22; BF (WIVB/7PM) 9.2/16; LV (KLAS/7:30PM) 9.8/15 and JX (WJXT/7:30PM) 11.7/18.

OFF-NETWORK SHOWS

	Weeks of 9/17-9/28/01		LEAD-IN		VS. LEAD-IN		SEPTEMBER 2000 T.P.		9/17-9/28/01 VS. SEPT ‘00
PROGRAM	RTG	SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR	RTG	SHR	% RTG	% SHR
Friends	4.4	7.9	3.4	6.1	+29%	+30%	4.3	8.2	+2%	-4%
Seinfeld	3.8	7.0	3.7	6.4	+3%	+9%	3.4	6.8	+12%	+3%
The Simpsons	3.8	7.0	2.9	5.3	+31%	+32%	3.9	7.4	-3%	-5%
Frasier	3.4	6.3	3.4	6.3	-	-	4.1	8.0	-17%	-21%
Everybody... Raymond	3.2	5.7	3.3	5.7	-3%	-	3.7	7.1	-14%	-20%
King of the Hill	2.7	5.4	2.9	5.8	-7%	-7%	4.0	7.3	-33%	-26%
Drew Carey	2.4	4.8	3.0	5.7	-20%	-16%	2.9	6.0	-17%	-20%
Sabrina	2.1	4.7	1.7	4.2	+24%	+12%	2.3	5.4	-9%	-13%
Just Shoot Me	2.1	3.8	2.5	4.6	-16%	-17%	2.8	5.4	-25%	-30%
3^rd Rock from Sun	2.0	4.6	2.3	5.2	-13%	-12%	2.5	6.4	-20%	-28%
Malcolm & Eddie	1.9	4.4	2.0	4.5	-5%	-2%	2.2	5.4	-14%	-19%
Jamie Foxx	1.8	4.7	1.7	4.3	+6%	+9%	1.8	5.5	-	-15%
Home Improvement	1.8	4.1	1.6	3.7	+13%	+11%	2.1	5.0	-14%	-18%
Wayans Brothers	1.6	3.8	1.4	3.3	+14%	+15%	1.7	4.2	-6%	-10%
Spin City	1.5	4.2	1.8	4.4	-17%	-5%	1.9	5.6	-21%	-25%
7^th Heaven	1.5	4.2	1.3	3.8	+15%	+11%	1.4	4.3	+7%	-2%
Steve Harvey	1.4	3.1	1.3	3.0	+8%	+3%	1.6	3.8	-13%	-18%
Moesha	1.3	3.4	1.2	3.2	+8%	+6%