NETWORKS SHARE RATINGS SPOTLIGHT

Each of the broadcast networks had something to boast about with the release of last week’s ratings (delayed because of the Fourth of July holiday). Although it aired more repeats than any other network, CBS nevertheless remained the top-rated network among total viewers. It also boasted that it carried eight of the top-ten scripted programs. Fox was able to boast that it was the winner among the key demographic group of adults 18-49 as Lie to Me, Hell’s Kitchen, Glee and So You Think You Can Dance scored strongly with younger viewers. ABC boasted that it was having its highest-rated summer in nine years. It noted that it carried five of the top fifteen shows. Finally, NBC could proclaim that it aired the top-rated show on the air, America’s Got Talent and that its Macy’s 4th of July Special was the top-rated show on Sunday night. The nightly newscasts all saw ratings erosion. NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams headed the list with 7.80 million viewers. ABC World News with Diane Sawyer was second with 6.74 million, while the CBS Evening News with Katie Couric trailed with 4.97 million viewers. Overall, CBS won the week with a 3.8 rating and a 10 share. Fox placed second with a 3.2/8. ABC was third with a 2.9/7, edging out NBC with a 2.7/7.

The top ten shows of the week according to Nielsen Research:
1. America’s Got Talent (Wednesday), NBC, 7.5/13; 2. NCIS, CBS, 6.4/12; 3. The Bachelorette, ABC, 6.3/11; 4. America’s Got Talent (Tuesday), NBC, 6.0/10; 5. Two and a Half Men, CBS, 5.7/9; 6. NCIS: Los Angeles, CBS, 5.5/9; 7. The Big Bang Theory, CBS, 5.3/9; 7. The Mentalist, CBS, 5.3/10; 9. CSI: Miami, CBS, 4.7/8; 10. Wipeout (Thursday), ABC, 4.6/9.