Longtime late-news ratings winner KUSA-Channel 9 remains the market leader at the conclusion of the February 2008 sweeps, but the race for No. 2 continues to tighten.
At a time when the audience for local TV news is shrinking in markets across the country, Denver is no exception. Compared with their hold on the late-news time slot a decade ago, the three network affiliates (KCNC, KMGH and KUSA) have lost a cumulative 41 percent of the viewing audience.
Compared with a year ago, according to Nielsen figures, Channels 9 and KCNC-Channel 4 are down by double digits in the key 10 p.m. contest, while KMGH-Channel 7 is up slightly.
KCNC lost ground in terms of household share in every newscast compared with a year ago, except in the noon newscast. KUSA is down across the day, with the exception of the early-morning newscasts (5 and 6 a.m.), which are up.
Looking back a decade, Channel 9 ruled the late-news race with a 29 share (or percent of the viewing audience) in February 1998. This February, Channel 9 remained the winner at 10 p.m., but with a more modest 18 share.
In February 1998, KCNC was second with a 23 share; this February, Channel 4 was second with a 12 share.
In February 1998, KMGH was a distant third with a 10 share; this February, it was a close third — some would say a contender for second — with an 11 share.
On the strength of “American Idol” and the Super Bowl, Fox affiliate KDVR-Channel 31 led the pack in prime time.
The demographic breakdown of the ratings won’t be available until mid-March.
Joanne Ostrow: 303-954-1830 or jostrow@denverpost.com
