• by Wayne Friedman , August 8, 2016

BEVERLY HILLS, CALIF. -- Fox continues to rebuild and change as it competes with new higher-quality TV shows on alternative and new TV platforms.

“This is a time for rebuilding at Fox -- and for networks in general,” says Dana Walden, chairman/CEO of Fox Television Group, speaking at the Television Critics Association meeting here. 

This is largely due to the increasing TV disruption on other platforms. “Broadcast shows hasn’t been the flavor of the month.” Walden says there are now “fantastic” shows on cable and streaming “that would have never survived on broadcast.” 

Although it is in fourth place currently among all networks, Walden says Fox still has the youngest median age group -- 48 years old -- and is the “only one in the targeted demographic” -- the adults 18-49 demographic. It also touts future digital TV, where its network shows now have live viewing on its Fox Now app -- an app that has seen its viewership doubled, says Walden.

Looking at the TV season through the end of July, Fox is averaging a 1.7 rating among 18-49 viewers (2.1 million) and 5.2 million overall viewers. CBS and NBC are the number one and two networks in 18-49 viewers -- 2.51 million and 2.49 million respectively, on a Nielsen live program plus seven days of time-shifted viewing, except for the most recent two weeks. ABC is at a 1.8 18-49 rating (2.29 million viewers).

One of Fox’s strongest efforts for the new season comes from the big theatrical film series “Lethal Weapon” -- a TV series which will run on Wednesdays at 8 p.m., with Fox’ high-rated “Empire” as a lead-out. 

Walden says interest in TV is still strong -- and Fox Television, as a producer for broadcast, cable and other platforms, is in a good position, producing 50 shows currently.

With regard to new TV series with familiar TV brand names -- “Lethal Weapon” and returning “X-Files,” as a limited TV series -- David Madden, president of entertainment for Fox Broadcasting Co., says seven of 11 are based on original ideas. “Most of what we will be looking at is original because that is what we do.”