THE MODERN - NETWORK RATINGS PLUMMET TO LOWEST LEVELS EVER

NETWORK RATINGS PLUMMET TO LOWEST LEVELS EVER

It was the worst of weeks for the television networks last week as they produced some of their lowest numbers since the modern ratings system began some 20 years ago. Surprisingly, the top-rated show of the week was NBC's Monday-night edition of Dateline, the magazine show that has become mostly a place-keeper for shows that have been canceled. But Monday night's show in which Matt Lauer interviewed British princes William and Harry attracted 12.2 million viewers -- the largest number of viewers to tune in since an interview with Amber Frey, the girlfriend of convicted killer Scott Peterson, aired more than two years ago. NBC also scored with its Deal or No Deal game show, which pulled in 12.1 million viewers. Nevertheless, CBS once again led in the ratings with an overall 4.8 average and a 9 share. Fox placed second with a 4.2/8. NBC came in third with a 3.5/6, while ABC trailed with a 2.7/5.

The top ten shows of the week according to Nielsen Research:
1. Dateline (Monday), NBC, 8.4/14; 2. America's Got Talent, NBC, 8.0/14; 3. Deal or No Deal (Monday), NBC, 7.8/14; 4. NCIS, CBS, 6.4/11; 5. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, CBS, 6.3/11; 5. Law and Order: SVU, NBC, 6.3/11; 7. CSI: Miami, CBS, 6.2/10; 8. 60 Minutes, CBS, 5.9/12; 8. So You Think Can Dance (Thursday), Fox, 5.9/10; 8. Two and a Half Men, CBS, 5.9/10.

27/06/2007