• by July 26, 2001

(Variety) - Dan Rather and CBS may not think much of the Chandra Levy story, but the syndicated entertainment news shows do and their ratings have received a big lift as a result.

The day-and-date magazines in particular benefited from the story of Rep. Gary Condit's (D-Modesto) relationship with the missing intern and helped the overall syndication world awaken from a summer ratings slump during the week ending July 15.

"Entertainment Tonight," which focused on the media's coverage of the scandal, led the magazine category, earning a 5.6 national household rating, according to Nielsen. Its performance was up 14% from the previous week and down 2% compared with the same week last year.

"Inside Edition" was next in the group, moving up 15% week-to-week to a 3.0, which is up 7% for the year.

"Extra," which covered the scandal all week, was up 27% from the previous week to a 2.8, down 13% year-to-year.

"Access Hollywood," which stayed away from the Levy case, was up 35% from the prior week to 2.3, which was even with last year's performance for the same week.

Off-network sitcoms, which like many magazines air largely in prime late afternoon/early evening periods, also saw week-to-week improvements.

Many syndicated shows overall, in fact, earned large percentage gains over the previous week, which included Independence Day coverage of Wimbledon tennis.

"Friends" led the batch, moving up 14% from a series low the previous week to a 5.0, down 11% compared with last year.

"Frasier" was up 5% for the week to 4.4 and down 10% for the year.

"Seinfeld" improved 11% for the week and dipped 18% for the year with its 4.2 rating.

"3rd Rock From the Sun" was up 19% for the week and flat for the year at 3.2, and "Drew Carey" was up 12% from its series low the previous week to a 2.9, which represented a 19% year-to-year dip.

Game shows perked up as well. Genre-leader "Wheel of Fortune," for example, moved up 11% for the week to 8.3. Its performance, however, is down 10% year-to-year.

"Jeopardy!" moved up 12% to 7.4, dipping 3% for the year, while "Hollywood Squares" moved up 23% from a series low the previous week to a 3.2. "Squares"' performance is down 16% for the year.

Elsewhere in the syndication world, ratings performances for daytime yakkers and gavelers were mixed.

Two talk shows, "Montel Williams" (2.3) and "Rosie O'Donnell" (2.1), earned series lows, while some other shows logged week-to-week improvements.

"Oprah" led the talkers, moving up 10% for the week to 5.7, which is down 2% for the year.

"Jerry Springer," "Live! With Regis & Kelly" and "Maury" followed, with a 3.4 each.

- Reuters/Variety