May Sweeps

[FM radio 1 <FMradio1@aol.com>]

In a message dated 98-05-20 08:44:30 EDT, billo@erols.com writes:

<<  Never before have all of the networks done such a job of reminding viewers
that there will be no new episodes (or reasons to watch) until a month into
fall semester!  This is the telling message of the May sweeps. >>

Of course.  The May sweeps are the name of the game.  Do well during sweeps
and it doesn't matter if anyone watches at all over the summer.  Besides,
virtually everyone knows that the TV season ends just before Memorial Day and
it doesn't crank up again until a couple of weeks after Labor Day.  It has
been that way for years.  TV viewership also plummets during the summer
months, as people are participating in outdoor activities and are taking
vacations.  It makes sense for the networks to squeeze all they can out of the
May sweeps, since the numbers from this important ratings period will
determine commercial rates for the new season in the fall.

Mike Thomas, WXLO & Premiere Radio Networks

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