NBC - VIEWERS FLEE "MUST SEE" NIGHT

Although there was a time when Thursday night produced the biggest audiences of the week, each of the networks saw a significant audience erosion on "must-see" night this week, with three of the major networks finishing nearly neck-and-neck and the fourth, not far behind. Thanks to its hit game show, Deal or No Deal, NBC came out on top in total households, but with only an average 5.8 rating and a 10 share (8.64 million viewers). CBS, with coverage of NCAA First Round basketball, drew a 5.5/9 (8.45 million) but led among adults 18-49. Its ratings score for the basketball coverage was down 13 percent from a year ago, however. ABC, with strong ratings at 9:00 p.m. for Lost, was close behind with a 5.4/9, while Fox turned in a 4.7/8.

21/03/2008