Networks sell advertising time based principally on...

Networks sell advertising time based principally on their performance among key demographic groups, which vary based on the time of day. Ratings performance in these categories gives a rough indication of network revenues in the given time period, though profitability can vary based on programming costs and other factors. The ratings below are for prime-time programming for the week of Dec. 15. Data for early-morning, daytime, late-night and Saturday morning programming were not available.

Prime Time

Ratings for adults 18-49; group size: 123,490,000

NBC

Last week: 6.9

Season to date: 6.8

*

ABC

Last week: 4.9

Season to date: 5.3

*

Fox

Last week: 4.2

Season to date: 5.1

*

CBS

Last week: 3.3

Season to date: 4.1

*

UPN

Last week: 1.5

Season to date: 1.8

*

WB

Last week: 1.4

Season to date: 1.6

Notes: Each ratings point equals 1% of the group. Figures for late-night, daytime, early-morning and Saturday morning were not available.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, networks