When you're the undisputed champion, people are always watching for the first hint of vulnerability. The undisputed champion is News Corp.'s (NYSE:NWS) Fox network show, American Idol, and recent Nielsen stats suggest its stranglehold on the American viewership might be loosening.
Last week, an ABC show, Grey's Anatomy, actually managed to sneak into second place for the week, behind AI Wednesday but ahead of AI Tuesday. In the role of up and coming contender for the crown, you might also look at Dancing With The Stars on the Walt Disney Co. (NYSE: DIS) network, which handily won Monday night this week. The finale, won by Apolo Ohno and Julianne Hough, drew a 10.2 rating and a 17 share.
Looking beyond the slight decline in American Idol viewership, however, I see a still-thriving franchise. Part of the decline can be attributed to shrinking television viewership, part to time-shifting via DVD recorders, and part to those who prefer to watch on-line.
American Idol continues to clobber its competitors in the market sector that really matters to advertisers, those 18-49 years of age.
On a more parochial level, stories about AI are among the most read on this blog. I can only conclude we must have a huge News Corp. stockholder following!
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
5-23-2007 @ 7:26PM
G R Estepp said...
Maybe I can finaly watch NCIS again my girlfriens sister Bugged her till she started watching this glorified starsearch crap
5-23-2007 @ 6:52PM
Michael said...
The best talent was eliminated last week when Melinda Dolittle was voted off. She was far and above the best singer and performer I personally do not believe that the voters voted against Melinda. I believe that American Idol producers are looking for the "most marketable" talent, and the AI producers decide who goes and who stays. Notice the viewers are never given the the voting numbers? Remember this classic quote from Joseph Stalin "It isn't those that vote that count, but rather those that count the botes". Need I say more?
5-23-2007 @ 8:31PM
JAY LEONARD said...
I feel Jordan should take the Idol over Blake but in the long run think both they AND Lakisha AND Melinda should ALL get recording contracts.
5-23-2007 @ 10:55PM
Jim Stengel said...
Why is it we Americans build up a hero and then take savage delight in tearing them down-- witness Imus, Ruppert Murdock etc-- Fox has out smarted every other network, and all they can do is cry "foul!" I know, why not make Keith Oberman the spokesperson/pussy for all the Fox detractors
5-23-2007 @ 10:29PM
RJKaczmarek said...
This had to be AI's roughest year. The whole Sanjaya thing, as well as poor talent right from the get go. It was a rather boring season compared with previous years. The producers need to challenge the contestants more, i.e. have them write their own song one week. Also think that to be a well-rounded AI they should all know how to play at least one musical instrument well. It is a singing competion but some of the greatest hall of famers know how to play some type of instrument.
5-23-2007 @ 10:31PM
RJKaczmarek said...
This had to be AI's roughest year. The whole Sanjaya thing, as well as poor talent right from the get go. It was a rather boring season compared with previous years. The producers need to challenge the contestants more, i.e. have them write their own song one week. Also think that to be a well-rounded AI they should all know how to play at least one musical instrument well. It is a singing competion but some of the greatest hall of famers know how to play some type of instrument.
5-23-2007 @ 11:09PM
Mary D. Carter said...
Although I have always enjoyed American Idol, I take issue with the special presentations on the final program for the season. The awards, particularly the one for "Best Presentation" with the African American woman in the yellow outfit exposing all the flabby flesh was deplorable, and the other awards followed suite with their negative images. I feel humiliated.
5-24-2007 @ 12:54AM
Smooch said...
I personally did not watch the finals tonight, nor will I watch any future AI episodes. Last night's "required" song was so one-sided and unfair. For the producers to dictate, at this late stage when the performers have truly come into their own genres, was an obvious "ploy," and as such, I have lost any respect for the show. You may be able to fool some of the people with your charade, but not this cookie.
5-24-2007 @ 4:08AM
marzing said...
The Sanjaya thing irked me but watching him tonight I know exactly what is going to happen. Some backer is going to make him a star. They will create a persona for him, and orchestrate every move, word, breath he takes and they will make him a success but only in that he is their puppet. Then after a whirl win of success, since he will not be able to funciton on his own, his career will die a lonely death. Very sad for him, he is young and will be taken advantage of. He is adorable and can attact the young crowd who seem to have plenty of money to play around with.
5-24-2007 @ 8:52AM
The Dude said...
While neither Blake or Jordan inspire much enthusiasm, it was annoying that the final song was definitely slanted towards Jordan. There was no way Blake had a chance on it, and the supposed "judges" should have been able to see it was like fitting a square peg (Blake) into a round hole (crappy Mariah Carey type song). Not a fair playing field. Overall, Jordan has one half of the talent of a crooner such as Christina Aguliera, whose type of music Sparks will have no choice but to record, where atleast Blake shows some bit of originality.
5-24-2007 @ 10:42AM
YouMakeMeSick said...
American I-dull should quit before it is forced to slither away in embarassment on the rating's poll. Watching it is like shopping at a dollar store, you expect to find some good bargains, but all you really end up with is some cheap gag gifts good for shits and giggles. ( Exhibit A: Sanjaya ).
5-24-2007 @ 11:42AM
mwdesigns21 said...
I wonder why those that post such negative remarks on here about how 'boring' the show is.......yet they are watching this 'boring' show to be able to talk about it.......therefore, is counted in the ratings as one of the highest rated shows on T.V......stange? don't you think??
.....when a T.V. show can make one 'feel' humiliated, that one needs counseling......
And the statement that this is the worst season ever???? What have you done to make it beter??
Shopping at a dollar store??? Why are you even watching it then??
I don't view programs that I don't care for......yet others care for the particular so they watch it....
Free country???? Free enterprise??
Complainers....Get a Life!!!
5-24-2007 @ 2:03PM
Francesca said...
Well, I think Idol just shot itself in the foot last night when they had all those STUPID 'awards' for those IDIOTS that auditioned (like the black Big Bird lady etc.)! NOW, for NEXT season, all the crazies will be coming out of the woodwork in the most bizarre 'costumes' thinking: "Hey, if I'm weird enough, maybe I'll make the FINAL SHOW at the end of the season!" I would bet Simon had NO involvement in that part of the show last night! Looks like Idol's going to go the way of The Apprentice.....bye-bye!