• by David Kaplan , December 22, 2004

Keeping up with who's sleeping with whom on the variety of afternoon soap operas could finally pay off for viewers of NBC daytime programming, as the network announced the "NBC Daytime Rewards Loyalty" contest for fans of "Days of our Lives" and "Passions" beginning December 24.

Viewers of the popular dramas ages 14 and up can submit their names in hope of hearing them broadcast,or seeing them displayed on screen after a random drawing as part of NBC Daytime's programs.

The lucky contestant names will appear during the first NBC Daytime "Fan February." In addition, 10,000 grand prize winners will receive a blue "Days of our Lives" or purple "Passions" bracelet as a reward for being loyal viewers.

On-air and Web site promotion for the contest will begin Friday. Fans will have until January 15 to send in a postcard proclaiming their devotion to "Days of our Lives" and/or "Passions."

For the season, NBC's daytime programs are No. 1 among women ages 18 to 49 (tied) and 18 to 34.

In total viewers, averages for the season are: CBS, 4.1 million; ABC, 3.4 million; NBC, 3.0 million. Note that NBC broadcasts two hours a day of daytime programming, while ABC airs four hours and CBS carries four-and-a-half hours.