TV Ratings Report

Thirty weeks into the 1996-97 season, NBC leads its closest rivals in adults 18 to 49 years old by 22%, the largest lead held by a first-place network since NBC last held the distinction in the 1986-87 season. CBS’ “The Masters” boosted the network to its highest-rated Sunday 7 p.m. half-hour since “60 Minutes” claimed the spot three years ago.

Prime Time

Ratings for adults 18-49

Size of group: 123,150,000

NBC

Last week: 6.3

Season to date: 6.7

*

Fox

Last week: 4.6

Season to date: 5.5

*

ABC

Last week: 4.4

Season to date: 5.5

*

CBS

Last week: 4.0

Season to date: 4.3

*

UPN

Last week: 1.8

Season to date: 2.0

*

WB

Last week: 1.1

Season to date: 1.3

Early Morning

Ratings for adults 25-54

*--*

Network This week Season to date NBC (Today) 2.5 2.6 ABC (Good Morning) 1.9 2.0 CBS (This Morning) 0.9 1.0

*--*

Size of group: 114,810,000

Daytime

Ratings for women 18-49

*--*

Network This week Season to date ABC 2.6 2.9 NBC 2.2 2.4 CBS 2.2 2.7

*--*

Size of group: 62,370,000

Late Night

Ratings for adults 18-49

*--*

Network This week Season to date NBC (Leno) 2.8 2.8 CBS (Letterman) 2.0 2.1 ABC* 1.6 1.6

*--*

* (Nightline/Politically Incorrect)

Size of group: 123,150,000

Saturday Morning

Ratings for children 2-11

*--*

Network This week Season to date Fox 4.8 5.0 ABC 2.7 2.7 WB 1.6 1.7 CBS 1.3 1.5

*--*

Size of group: 38,890,000

Note: Each rating point equals 1% of group

Sources: Nielsen Media Research, networks