Although the other networks have yet to have their say, CBS has preemptively declared itself the winner for this month's sweeps ratings race, in a conference call Tuesday.
CBS said that it will
end the sweeps season with a 4.5 rating for viewers ages 18-49, putting it ahead of rivals NBC and ABC, which CBS said were tied at a 4.0 rating for that demo. The network estimated that Fox received
an average 3.0 rating. CBS is especially positive about its ability to claim the advertising-rich Thursday nights, which was long dominated by NBC.
"There will definitely be more money coming
into us in May," said Les Moonves, CBS' chairman. "These ratings are absolutely going to translate into dollars, especially on Thursday night."
According to CBS' estimates, the network's average
audience for November sweeps will come in at about 14.25 million, with NBC projected second at 10.77 million, followed closely by ABC with 10.71 million, and Fox with 7.05 million.
Moonves also
addressed other issues, such as whether the network has a replacement for news anchor Dan Rather in mind. Rather announced last week that he would be leaving the anchor desk he's held for 24 years
next March. "With Dan leaving, it's a time of transition," Moonves said.
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