CBS WINS MAY SWEEP

CBS's Post-Strike Momentum, Which Began with the Return of Its Original Scripted Programming, Leads the Network to its Sixth Consecutive May Sweeps Win in Viewers

CBS Makes it Four Straight Weekly Wins in Viewers and Fifth in the Last Seven Weeks

Since the March Return of Original Programming, CBS Is Number One in Viewers and #2 in Adults 18-49

CBS will win its sixth consecutive May sweep in viewers led by solid monthly performances from its scripted series as well as the finale of SURVIVOR and year-to-year increases from THE 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.

CBS's late season momentum, which began with the post-strike return of original episodes of the its stable of hit scripted series, led CBS to its fourth consecutive weekly win in viewers and fifth in the last seven weeks, according to Nielsen ratings for the week ending May 18, week 34 of the 2007-2008 television season.

Since the return of original programming in late March, CBS has regained its leadership position in viewers, ranking Number One in viewers and #2 in adults 18-49.

May Sweep:

For the May sweep in viewers (with three days left): CBS (10.15m), ABC (9.29m), FOX (8.68m) and NBC (5.91m).

In May, CBS won every Thursday in viewers and every Friday in viewers and key demographics. The Network also posted strong season finale ratings from its Monday comedies and saw year-to-year increases with its presentation of THE 43RD ANNUAL ACADEMY OF COUNTRY MUSIC AWARDS.

In viewers, CBS has three of the sweep-to-date's Top 10 programs and nine of the top 20 (more than any other Network).

...CBS Programs In Top 20

#3 - CSI (Top Scripted Series, Top Drama)

#9 - NCIS

#10 - CSI: MIAMI

#11 - WITHOUT A TRACE

#12 - TWO AND A HALF MEN (Top Comedy)

#13 - CRIMINAL MINDS

#14 - SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA

#15 - CSI: NY

#16 - COLD CASE

Among adults 25-54, CBS has two of the Top 10 and eight of the Top 20 (more than any other network) while among adults 18-49, CBS has three of the top 10 and seven of the top 20 (tied for most of any network w/ABC).

Updated May ratings will be available on Thursday.

Since March:

Since the return of original scripted programming in March, CBS has reclaimed its position of leadership among viewers (10.50m) while also ranking second in adults 18-49 (2.9/08). CBS has the Number One scripted program on five nights (more than all other networks combined): Monday (CSI: MIAMI), Tuesday (NCIS), Wednesday (CRIMINAL MINDS), Thursday (CSI) and Friday (NUMB3RS).

Since March in viewers, CBS has more top 20 programs than all the other networks combined: #4 CSI (number one scripted series); #8 NCIS; #9; CSI: MIAMI; #10 TWO AND A HALF MEN (number one comedy); #11 WITHOUT A TRACE; #13 CRIMINAL MINDS; #14 SURVIVOR: MICRONESIA; #15 THE NEW ADVENTURES OF OLD CHRISTINE; #16 CSI: NY; and #18 COLD CASE.

Since March among adults 18-49, CBS has seven of the Top 20 (more than any other network) while among adults 25-54, CBS claims nine of the Top 20 (more than any other network).

Week 34 Ratings:

For the week in viewers: CBS (10.33m), ABC (9.56m), FOX (9.20m) and NBC (5.54m). Season-to-date, CBS is second in viewers (10.48m), behind FOX (11.10m) and ahead of ABC (9.22m) and NBC (8.12m).

For the week in households: CBS (6.7/11), ABC (6.2/11), FOX (5.6/09) and NBC (3.6/06). Season-to-date, CBS is first (6.7/11), +2% ahead of FOX (6.6/11), +12% ahead of ABC (6.0/10) and +29% ahead of NBC (5.2/08).