KHON-2 retains its lead in Nielsen ratings

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

KHON-2, the Fox affiliate in Hawai'i television, is beating the competition with its local newscasts, with the highest Nielsen advance TV ratings for its newscasts at 6 and 10 p.m.

KITV-4 tied KHON for a top ranking for its 5 p.m. newscast. "It's a strong book for us, and demo-rich," said Mike Rosenberg, KITV general manager. KITV, the ABC affiliate, came in second at 6 p.m. and third at 10 p.m.

"The demos tell the story," said Rosenberg. "If you buy a spot on each of ours (news slots), we have 17 per cent more men between 25 and 54 years old than KHON. We're back to demo(graphic) levels we were at a few years ago."

KGMB-9, the CBS affiliate, also had a measure of growth, finishing No. 2 at 10 p.m. and No. 3 at 5 and 6 p.m.

KHNL-8, the NBC affiliate, was on the bottom of the heap in all news slots.

KHON remains the only station with double-digit ratings. KGMB narrowed its trailing margin at 10 p.m., where it's now 2 rating points away from KHON.

The rise of KGMB as a news contender should appeal to Emmis Communications Corp., which owns the two stations.

Tube notes:

• First in prime time: "CSI: Crime Scene Investigation" is reportedly the No. 1 prime time show, though advance numbers were not immediately available. In one Thursday night, it pulled a 22 rating.

• Switching channels: Dan Meisenzahl is leaving his news reporting slot at KITV-4 this month to become a sales account executive at rival KGMB-9. It's about finances and more time spent with his family.

• Clock ticking: Leslie Wilcox's contract expires this month at KHON-2. She co-anchors the 5 p.m. newscasts, but couldn't comment on whether she's leaving or staying; insiders say negotiations are under way with management.

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com, 525-8067 or fax 525-8055.

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