NBC UNIVERSAL DOMESTIC TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION'S "MARTHA" DELIVERS IN PREMIERE WEEK
NBC UNIVERSAL DOMESTIC TELEVISION DISTRIBUTION'S "MARTHA" DELIVERS IN PREMIERE WEEK
Daytime Series Dramatically Improving Lead-In And Year Ago Time Period Averages
Highest-Rated Daytime Launch Since "Dr. Phil"
Universal City, CA. and New York, NY - September 19, 2005 - NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution's new daytime series "Martha" scored strong ratings in its first full week in national syndication, driving home solid household and key demographic ratings, while becoming the second highest-rated daytime launch of the decade.
With a five-day average of a 2.2 / 7 metered market household rating/share, "Martha" had a +29% rating increase over the year ago time period (September 2004), and a +38% rating increase over the May 2005 sweep. Since its premiere, "Martha" has improved on its metered-market lead-in rating by +10%.
"We are extremely pleased with the ratings coming out of the gate for "Martha," said Barry Wallach, President, NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution. "The ratings are impressive, the reviews are positive, and most importantly, the daytime audience loves the show."
"Martha" continues to deliver impressive ratings in many of America's top markets, including on WNBC-TV New York where, after week one, "Martha" is #1 in its time period with Women 25-54, beating such shows as "The View," and improving on the September 2004 time period rating by +150% in the demo. "Martha" also improved on its year ago time period (September 2004) household rating by +136% in New York. On KNBC-TV Los Angeles, "Martha" improved the 3 p.m. time period by 13% in household ratings over last years' program ("Ellen.")
Other "Martha" major market highlights include:
- On WCVB-TV Boston, "Martha" has averaged a 2.4HH rating, improving its year ago time period by 140%.
- On WMAQ-TV Chicago, "Martha's" has averaged a 2.4HH rating, improving its year ago time period by 60%.
- On WXYZ-TV Detroit, "Martha" has averaged a 5.0HH rating, ranking #1 in its time period in households and improving on its year ago time period by 35%.
- On WEWS-TV Cleveland, "Martha" has averaged a 3.7HH rating, ranking #1 in its time period in households and improving its year ago time period by 42%.
"Martha" is executive produced by Martha Stewart and Mark Burnett. Co-executive producer is Rob Dauber. The series is produced by Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia and distributed by NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution to more than 98% of the country.
About NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution
NBC Universal is a leader in providing entertainment programming to the domestic and international marketplaces. The NBC Universal Television Distribution division is responsible for the global distribution of NBC Universal product to all forms of television throughout the world. This includes distribution of current and library film and television product, including formats and non-scripted programming, in the pay, free, and basic markets, as well as the domestic syndication of first-run syndicated TV programs and theatrical and TV movie packages.
Current and upcoming first-run strip syndicated programming at NBC Universal Domestic Television Distribution includes Martha, Access Hollywood, Blind Date, The Jerry Springer Show, Maury and Starting Over. Current and upcoming first-run weekly syndicated programming includes The Chris Matthews Show, The George Michael Sports Machine, Rebecca's Garden, The Wall Street Journal Report with Maria Bartiromo, Your Total Health and the off-network distribution of Crossing Jordan, Fear Factor, Providence, Law & Order and many more series.
About Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc.
Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. (NYSE: MSO) is a leading provider of original "how-to" information, inspiring and engaging consumers with unique lifestyle content and high-quality products. MSLO is organized into four business segments: Publishing, Television, Merchandising, and Internet/Direct Commerce. Martha Stewart Living Omnimedia, Inc. is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol MSO.
About Mark Burnett Productions
Mark Burnett Productions (MBP) is a leading production company in the world of primetime non-fiction television. MBP revolutionized television with hits such as Eco-Challenge, Survivor, The Apprentice, The Contender and Rockstar:INXS. MBP also successfully reintroduced product placement as an integral part of each of its shows and has garnered a total of 24 Emmy nominations since 2001. Mark Burnett was listed as the #1 Most Valuable Player by TV Guide and in Time Magazine's Top 100 most influential people in the world today.
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