ABC’s Sunday-morning political talk show “This Week” has scored its first win over NBC’s “Meet the Press” since 1999.
It is the first time host George Stephanopoulos has delivered more viewers. His marquee guest might have helped: President-elect Barack Obama.
Nielsen Media Research said the ABC show was seen by 4.34 million viewers last Sunday, ahead of the 4.3 million who watched “Meet the Press.” Obama’s visit to “Meet the Press” on Dec. 7, on Tom Brokaw’s last day as host, was seen by 6.5 million people.
The timing may be important to Stephanopoulos. With David Gregory as the new “Meet the Press” host and a new administration taking over, viewers may be tempted to try something new on TV, too.
Roving sculpture:
The pop artist best known for his LOVE word sculpture has created a similar public art installation that spells HOPE — in celebration of Barack Obama’s message of hope.
Artist Robert Indiana’s HOPE was unveiled Thursday at Jim Kempner Fine Art in Manhattan. Indiana’s publicist says the artist raised more than $1 million for the Obama campaign by creating HOPE prints and T-shirts. No decision has yet been made on a permanent display.
The 6-foot stainless steel sculpture was shown privately during the Democratic National Convention in Denver last August. Versions of Indiana’s classic LOVE sculpture appear in several cities around the world, including Philadelphia.
