THE KENNEDYS IS A HIT

Reaffirming the argument that there is no more effective publicity than controversy, the debut of The Kennedys miniseries on ReelzChannel on Sunday produced the biggest audience in the channel’s existence. The miniseries, which was reportedly rejected by the History Channel after it received complaints from members of the Kennedy family and close associates and found no takers among the higher-rated channels, turned out to be a ratings goldmine for ReelzChannel, which averaged 1.9 million total viewers for back-to-back presentations of the first two episodes. While an audience of that size would be considered small by broadcast television standards, it is quite solid in the cable universe — particularly inasmuch as the two chapters will receive additional airings and expand that audience. (The first six episodes will air back-to-back on Saturday and Sunday). In a statement on Monday, ReelzChannel CEO Stan Hubbard said, “In acquiring The Kennedys our aim was to give viewers an opportunity to watch an incredible movie event with massive star power and to also put a spotlight on our network like never before.” Those goals, he indicated, has been achieved.