Ratings Period Wrap-Up

Thursday marks the end of the February "sweeps" also known as the ratings period. As I've learned previously, the ratings period occurs during the month of February where networks measure how many people are tuning in to the network for our newscasts. To celebrate the end of February and the countless hours devoted to making sure the Channel 6 came out on top, President/General Manager threw a lunch meeting for the entire building to end the "sweeps period" on a good note.

To start off the meeting, Lee Daniels and his assistant presented us with a powerpoint presentation detailing exactly what went on this month. To make things relatively short, he explained that according to Nielson's results, 6abc averaged 5,000,000 views per day (between 6.5 hours of newscast). Not only does this double numbers from other stations, on some days, it triples. Although our primary newscasts are favorable over others, ABC (as a network) is still competing against NBC who continues to lead in numbers from the TODAY show and primetime television during the evening hours. Although NBC wins in their primetime line-up, those viewers seem to switch over to 6abc after their shows are over. This goes to show that Philadelphians are loyal to ABC's news product. Quite frankly, that is all we care about here. Everything else is in the network's hands.

Once again, being able to participate in this meeting taught me alot about how important ratings are-- they make our money! On the other hand, it shows how much effort goes into producing a stellar newscast. For Creative Services, it imperative that (during sweeps) our teasers and promo spots encourage viewers to want to tune into 6abc for the news. What serious pressure that must be!

Here's a look at a topical today:

Today at 4-

Shots are fired in an Ohio school killing one student and injuring others. We have new updates following the devastating morning.

Then-

Several dogs are rescued from a suspected dog-fighting operation. We're live on the scene learning more about the dangerous ring.

Plus-

I'm Meteorologist Adam Joseph. Another beautiful day to start the work week. Will it continue? Find out in the ACCU weather forecast.

Then-

The Academy Awards may be over but Alicia Vitarelli is live in Hollywood with even more buzz.

Today at 4.