DVRs Aren't Killing TV, They're Saving It

His recent shows have held steady in the ratings or improved

(NEWSER) - A turning point for Jay Leno? For about two weeks now, episodes of the Leno Show have either held steady in the ratings or improved, reversing a trend that started soon after the program’s debut in September. On the eve of Thanksgiving, for instance, every broadcast program was down—except Leno. More»

(NEWSER) - A group of media companies has joined forces with major advertisers to challenge Nielsen's dominance in TV ratings measurement, the Financial Times reports. The firms involved—including NBC, Time Warner, Disney, and Procter & Gamble—aim to have their rival audience measurement scheme up and running by next month, a move that could potentially shake up the way in which the $70 billion spent on TV ads yearly is parceled out. More»

Replay numbers will give huge boost to many scripted shows

(NEWSER) - If video killed the radio star, then TiVo might be the salvation of your favorite bad show. Nielson will include DVR playback numbers in this season's ratings, the LA Times reports, which will mean big boosts for some—like CBS’ “Big Bang Theory,” up 13% on playback—and the re-appearance of the coveted 18-49 demographic. More»

And it's not the only TV finale drawing eyeballs this week

(NEWSER) - It's starting to look like Americans haven't moved from the couch all week. Early numbers show yesterday's finale of The Oprah Winfrey Show drew the most viewers it has had in 17 years. The final episode—which featured no guests , but rather a personal conversation between Oprah, her studio audience ... and millions watching at home—garnered a 13.3 household rating in the nation's metered markets, according to Nielsen. The last time an Oprah episode had a number that high was back in February 1994—"People Shed Their Disguises" featured Oprah confronting guests about their questionable outward appearances. More»

26.6 million tuned in for awards show

(AP) - The Grammys hit a high note in the ratings last night, drawing the show's biggest TV audience in a decade. Preliminary Nielsen figures today show the CBS broadcast attracted 26.6 million viewers, improving on last year's robust audience by 680,000 viewers. The 53rd Annual Grammy Awards was also up by 3% in households over last year's broadcast, and dominated its network rivals last night. More»