KHON-2 tops February TV sweeps

By Wayne Harada
Advertiser Entertainment Writer

KHON-2 outfoxed the competition in the February sweeps, improving its ratings for the 5, 6 and 10 p.m. newscasts.

The FOX affiliate tied longtime 5 p.m. news leader KITV-4 with a 7 rating, and was the only station to post double-digit numbers at 6 and 10 p.m., well ahead of the pack.

"I like to think of them (the ratings) as a victory for real news that's relevant to people's lives," said Joe Moore, KHON's No. 1 anchor.

Using "clock time" — starting the 10 o'clock news at 10 p.m., not eight minutes past the hour — made little difference on viewing habits, said John Fink, general manager of KHNL-8, the NBC affiliate that was the last station to conform to clock time. "But NBC was not strong in this book."

KHNL slipped to fourth at 6 p.m. but was tied for second with KGMB-9 at 10 p.m.

At KITV-4, the ABC station, general manager Mike Rosenberg was elated that Channel 4 had reclaimed the No. 2 spot at 6 p.m.

"American Idol" and "Joe Millionaire," the FOX reality shows attracting huge audiences, no doubt kept viewers at Channel 2. Also, "Everybody Loves Raymond" and "Friends," at 9 and 9:30 p.m., respectively, were a formidable lead-in block for Channel 2's 10 p.m. news.