KGMB has overtaken KHON as the ratings leader in the 10 p.m. television newscast, after the stations were in a virtual tie in the previous ratings in February.

The May sweeps gave KGMB its highest numbers in more than two decades, which could help lure a potential buyer. The station has been on the sales block for several months.

"I am extremely proud of the men and women of the KGMB-9 newsroom," said Rick Blangiardi, senior vice president and general manager of KGMB.

KGMB posted an 11 rating and 26 share for the late news, compared with KHON's 10 rating and 22 share, in the ratings period from April 27 to May 24.

"We've had steady momentum but the competition has been intense and keen," Blangiardi said. "It's not very common for two stations in one marketplace to post double-digit figures."

Joe Moore, KHON's anchor at 5:30, 6 and 10 p.m., said he's been oblivious to ratings since the 1990s. "I've been walking around with a bull's-eye on my shirt; always the target for the other guys, who've said they'd beat me the next round," he said. "My only concern is the quality of our newscast, and I think the quality is as high as ever. I'll let the marketing and sales people take care of the spin. You can't win one newscast and (proclaim to be) the winner."

Blangiardi applauded veteran Channel 9 anchor Kim Gennaula, "who is the mainstay, the driving force, in our news," he said. "(Co-anchor) Keahi Tucker joined us last March and they've been a good match. But it's not about one or two persons; it's a validation of a news team — not just anchors, but producers, reporters and the behind-the-scene team that makes the magic happen."

Chris Archer is KGMB's news director. The station calls itself the "severe weather station," with Guy Hagi, Gennaula's husband, heading the weather, and Liz Chun anchoring sports.

Observers had anticipated a deterioration of the dominance by Moore and KHON, despite Fox's strong "American Idol" viewership during the May sweeps. While the talent contest set viewership records each week, three CBS staples — Thursday's "CSI," Monday's "CSI: Miami" and Sunday's "Cold Case" — helped KGMB become No. 1 in prime time.

KHON still leads the early newscasts at 5 p.m. in a tie with KITV and also is No. 1 at 6 p.m., but KGMB has affirmed a solid No. 2 ranking at 6 p.m., the only station showing growth in key demographics at 6 p.m.

"We're proud of the team effort that brought us to this point," Gennaula said. "We've been working very hard for many years to offer what we think is an excellent news product for Hawai'i and we're honored our viewers are watching."

Reach Wayne Harada at wharada@honoluluadvertiser.com.