NewsChannel 5 led the market both on-air and online in the just concluded Nielsen Media Research’s February ratings period (overnights 2/1/07 – 2/28/07), finishing first at 11PM, Noon, and in a virtual tie for first at 6PM. NewsChannel 5 at 11PM was on top in the signature 11PM time period. The newscast features legendary Cleveland television journalist Ted Henry, Lee Jordan, and Chief Meteorologist Mark Johnson. NewsChannel 5 at Noon, Cleveland’s premiere hour-long midday news and talk formatted program, was also first and NewsChannel 5 at 6PM ended the ratings period in a virtual tie for first.
Online, www.newsnet5.com recorded record usage in February. NewsChannel 5’s online coverage of breaking news and weather received multi-million page view days, and newsnet5.com continues to be Ohio’s number one television station website.“First and foremost, we’re proud that Cleveland viewers want the high quality, relevant journalism we deliver in each and every newscast and on line, explained General Manager John Butte. “We also began broadcasting our newscasts in high definition this year, giving viewers the chance to experience our programs in that wonderful format and creating a crisper, cleaner picture for all viewers. We also returned to the historic Circle 5 logo with a new, very appealing graphic presentation style.”
News Director Steve Hyvonen says there’s more to the success story of the station’s 11PM newscast. “Every night, the NewsChannel 5 Investigators presented compelling, thought-provoking ‘On Your Side’ stories that really cut through. Our team also continues to give Cleveland the best coverage of breaking news and new stories that develop at night,” Hyvonen adds. Butte also credits his station’s website, www.newsnet5.com, for keeping viewers connected to NewsChannel 5 throughout the day. “When it really matters, people come to us. For example, our website garnered 1.9 million page views during the first day of February’s major snowfall, which was an all-time record for our 9-year-old site,” states Butte. “And streaming news events live on newsnet5.com is standard procedure for us now. We’re grateful that Clevelanders are making us their first choice not only on-air, but on-line as well.”
In addition to the station’s success at 11PM, WEWS gained viewers in virtually every newscast compared to February 2006 (all ratings and shares reflect Nielsen Households):
Good Morning Cleveland (5-6AM) – 2.2 rating, 12 share. Up 10% in rating and 2% in share. The newscast is also up 42% in rating and 34% in share since November 2006.·
Good Morning Cleveland (6-7AM) – 3.2 rating, 12 share. Up 13% in rating and 6% in share since November 2006.
NewsChannel 5 at Noon (12-1PM) – #1 with a 6 rating, 17 share. Up 26% in rating and 15% in share, showing more growth than its news competitors. The newscast is also up 38% in rating and 21% in share since November 2006.
Live On Five (5-6PM) – 6.9 rating, 13 share. Up 11% in rating and 7% in share. The newscast is also up 13% in rating and 8% in share since November 2006.
NewsChannel 5 at 6 (6–6:30PM) – 8.5 rating, 15 share. Up 17% in rating and 12% in share, showing more growth than its news competitors. The newscast is also up 17% in rating and 14% in share since November 2006.
NewsChannel 5 at 11PM (Sun–Fri) – 8.9 rating, 16 share. Up 16% in rating and 13% in share, showing more growth than its news competitors. The newscast is also up 23% in rating and 22% in share since November 2006.
WEWS’ growth extends well beyond its newscasts, with several of its Network and syndicated programs realizing the following gains:
ABC’s Good Morning America (7-9AM) – 3.3 rating, 10 share. Up 32% in rating and 25% in share since November 2006.
Live! With Regis & Kelly (9-10AM) – 3.9 rating, 12 share. Up 21% in rating and 13% in share. The program is also up 24% in rating and 10% in share since November 2006.
Martha (10-11AM) – #1 with a 3.3 rating, 11 share. Up 3% in rating since November 2006.
The View (11-12PM) – 3.4 rating, 11 share. Up 21% in rating and 11% in share since November 2006.
Daytime (1-4PM) – 3.2 rating, 9 share. All My Children, One Life To Live, and General Hospital combined were up 17% in rating and 12% in share.
ABC’s World News (6:30-7PM) – 7.4 rating, 13 share. Up 15% in rating and 12% in share since November 2006.
Wheel of Fortune (7-7:30PM) – #1 with a 8.9 rating, 15 share. Up 9% in rating and 3% in share. Also up 15% in rating and 12% in share since November 2006.
Jeopardy (7:30-8PM) – #1 with a 10.6 rating, 17 share. Up 23% in rating, 18% in share. Also up 5% in rating and 3% in share since November 2006.
ABC’s Nightline (11:30PM-12AM) – 3.8 rating, 8 share. Up 16% in rating, 13% in share. Also up 23% in rating and 22% in share since November 2006.
Jimmy Kimmel Live (12AM–1PM) – 2 rating, 6 share. Up 25% in rating, 14% in share. Also up 30% in rating and 23% in share since November 2006.