Leno Short Term Outlook: Prognosis Negative
Earlier this year, I wrote about NBC’s scheduling of Jay Leno five nights a week at 10PM. At that time, I thought it could go either way. It would be brilliant or a bust.
The early results, for the past three weeks, looks like, at least in the short term, it goes into the “bust” column. It did start out strong – against reruns. But when the new shows on ABC, NBC and Fox premiered the week of September 21, the audience moved away from the Peacock network.
Locally, a comparison of the same three weeks last year to this year show household ratings for the 10PM hour down 38% in Indianapolis. The late news on the NBC affiliate, which depends to some extent on Leno’s lead-in audience, is down 25%.
Nationally, NBC is down about 25% in households, but in the important Adults 18-49 demographic category they’re down 41%. And, that’s the group advertisers crave. There is no demographic data for Indianapolis at this time, but it’s probably not good news.
NBC knew it would be tough sledding against first-run dramas and that over the long run, Leno with 46 weeks of original episodes, believed it would prevail over the broadcast networks when they went into reruns.
Maybe it will evenutally be better on the bottom line for General Electric, parent company of NBC/Universal. But, it looks like bust from here.
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I watched Jay for the first few days then I stopped as I wanted to see the Breaking News on FOX59. I however still try to watch NBC at 10, when I remember he is on. Then at 11 we turn to ABC and RTV6 for the Nighcast. Im sure NBC wouldn’t be happy about network jumping. On the Flip side I pull myself away from “The Big 6″ and watch Conan until I fall asleep. But with this new Letterman coverage I’d probably chance to CBS at 11:35.
How is 6News doing at 10,11 and 11:35? And doesnt that spill over ratings for the morning news? Is 6News going to lead at any other time other than GMI and First at Five? (alot of questions I know)
-Cam
I have serious doubts about the chances of the Jay Leno Show in the long term. Speaking of local news ratings, I hate to say this, but I must have talked to easily 100 people or more this past week who’ve said they’ve quit watching GMI without Paul Poteet. Sometimes those at the top think they know what they’re doing, but end up being mistaken. Such was the case with NBC and Leno, and so too with the recent ill-conceived local decision which was obviously made with no regard whatsoever for the viewers.
Short Term outlook doesn’t look good for Good Morning Indiana either! I’m very angry with RTV6. For 1 how these changes are never addressed and two how you keep fixing things that aren’t broken. Bring Paul back or I might have to switch the channel. THERE IS NO FUN IN GMI ANYMORE! I was told a few months ago that GMI was leading the Mornings and if not in 1rst then Second place. Im sure FOX 59 is very happy with you as they has Ray in the time slot you are screwing up! I guess its back to 3rs or maybe even 4th in the mornings.
The Morning and Noon belongs to GRACE JULIE AND PAUL until they remove them selves. DAN and TOM will Continue the legacy!
plese FIX it Mr. Lundy! Or you will suffer next month when your morning ratings are down and money goes to channel 8 and FOX59. (As WTHR won’t be getting too much more with Leno who I like)
i dont watch enough tv to comment. when i try to schedule tv in i get the last minute i have a school project and we have to go get xxx from the store from my kid. so sadly i dont think i will get shows i like to watch enough to inturupt my life. BUT…………i like to keep up on my news. i’m telling you these two talk radio shows wibc and npr on the fm dial are really hitting home. plus, during this hamilton st trial chanell 8 has some of their staff twittering from the courtroom. talk about drama. i look at it when i get up in the morning and when i go to work in the afternoon. when i come home late at night i look at it again to catch up. i am hooked on this twittering from the court room. also i would like to know if winter is coming earlier this year. i will be missing this broadcast on the news so please post it on the internet if possible. i am curious if it is colder this year and if it is the norm for the states that got snow already to get it that early. i would like to know how we are fairing compaired to the last 3 or 5 winters. and if snow will be hitting here soon. i personally think its colder this year and i wont be shocked if it snowed by the last week this month if not sooner. seems i am wearing long johns at work too soon and turning on the heat too soon too. also if this is about the normal temp then the last few year then why does it feel so much colder. more humidity? less humidity? this isnt just me saying this. this is people i know. people that are total strangers sitting around waiting on their car fix and i just strike up a conversation. trust me this is a hot topic.
Mr. Lundy, Everyone is awaiting some sort of “offical” expalnation as to what happened to Paul. Obviously youdon’t want anyone from GMI to say anything because there are numerous comments on Grace’s Blog as to where is Paul that are going unanswered. Your viewers deserve some sort of an answer from you as to what is going on.
well, i’m not waiting for an “official” explanation. i’d just like to thank paul (and tom) for all the laughs that their off-the-cuff segments brought.
it was great while it lasted, guys!