‘Springer’ Climbs Nielsen Ratings

“Jerry Springer,” which is winning the 11 a.m. time period locally, for the first time moved into the runner-up position nationally among talk shows - behind the “Oprah” Winfrey show, natch - according to Nielsen figures for the week ending Nov. 16.

That week “Springer” averaged an all-time high 5.1 rating (percentage of the nation’s 98 million TV homes) in Nielsen’s syndicated rankings. “Rosie O’Donnell,” which has been No. 2 since launching in June 1996, averaged a 5.0 rating for the same week. “Winfrey” averaged an 8.1.

“Springer” ratings were up 70 percent compared to the same week a year ago. Also, based on Nielsen’s sample of 38 major TV markets, “Springer” is on track to finish second among talk shows for the November sweeps.

On the other hand, “Springer” may find itself back in the No. 3 slot when Nielsen releases the figures for the week ending Nov. 21 because O’Donnell scored her best ratings ever with her interview with Barbra Streisand, which will boost the show’s average for that week.