Watch Out For American Idol
American Idolreturns to Fox in the coming week - and this leaves Fox in a great position over the other networks during the WGA strike. Idol is immenesely popular - with about 30 million viewers pers show last year - and because nothing new is on except game shows, it’s predicted to become even more huge this year.
And Fox is taking full advantage. They are charging even more for ad time during Idol. TNS Media Intelligence estimates that Idol took in $810 million in ad money last year, and it could rise as much as 20% in this new season. While ad space on original episodes of Survivor or Grey’s Anatomy cost about $250,000 to $450,000, ad space has been going for $750,000 for Idol, with the price increasing to an even million as the show gets closer to its finale.
Fox is by far faring better with the strike than any other network. Not only do they have Idol coming up, the Superbowl will also air on Fox. Ad spots for the game have all been sold, some for as high as $3 million. Idol also pushes the Fox shows that run after it to higher ratings. House was in danger of being cancelled in 2004 until it played after Idol.
The other networks have reruns and game shows to offer. Wall Street analysts say CBS is in a very weak position. It is more dependent on advertising than the other networks, and the new fall shows failed to get any big reviews or audiences. Reruns of CSI and Criminal Minds have been bright spots, pulling in viewers, and the NCAA tournament will probably increase ratings for CBS.
Check out Watching American Idol for more info on what Simon has to say about season 7.
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