Diana Coverage Most Since 1991

Thu., Sept. 11, 1997

From Wire Reports

The Big Three evening newscasts spent more time last week covering the death of Princess Diana than any other story since 1991, according to the Tyndall Report, a newsletter that tracks news coverage.

The networks devoted a combined 197 minutes of their evening newcasts to the fatal car crash and its aftermath. That is nearly two-thirds of the roughly 330 minutes of combined air time the three newscasts offer weekly.

The reporting on Di’s death was the most for one story in a week since the August 1991 coup against Mikhail Gorbachev, which occupied 255 minutes.

NBC wins ratings week

NBC increased its lead over next competitor ABC, according to Nielsen numbers released Wednesday. NBC held its No. 1 position with a 9.0 rating/16 share over ABC’S 8.2/14.

Here are the top 10 prime-time programs for the week of Sept. 1-7, their networks, ratings and shares: “NFL Monday Night Football” ABC 15.0/26; “Dateline NBC - Tuesday” NBC 14.2/24; “Seinfeld” (rerun) NBC 14.0/23; “Primetime Live” ABC 13.3/23; “Dateline NBC - Friday” NBC 13.0/23; “20/20” ABC 12.4/23; “NBC Monday Night Movie - Guarding Tess” (special) NBC 11.9/19; “E.R.” (rerun) NBC 11.8/20; “Dateline NBC - Friday Special” NBC (special) 11.7/21; “NFL Monday Pre-Kick” ABC 11.6/20.

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