Broadcasting & Cable
The first week of August brought with it an average PUT level decline of more than 1.8 million viewers from the week before and a nasty summer ratings swoon for most of syndication. Some shows also had to deal with Aug. 5 preemptions for news coverage of the two Current TV journalists freed from North Korea returning to the U.S.
In daytime, everything in first run was down or flat. CBS Television Distribution’s “Oprah” held on to the talk show lead but lost 3% from the week before to a 3.5. CTD’s “Dr. Phil” held steady at a 2.5. Disney/ABC’s “Live With Regis and Kelly” dropped 8% to 2.4. NBCU’s “Maury” eroded 6% to 1.7. CTD’s “Rachael Ray” and Warner Bros.’ “Ellen Degeneres” were both down 13% to 1.4. NBCU’s “Jerry Springer” sank 15% to 1.1. NBCU’s “Steve Wilkos,” Warner Bros.’ “Tyra Banks,” and NBCU’s “Martha Stewart” were all flat at 1.1, 0.9, and 0.6 respectively. More…