‘X Factor’ helps Fox win key demographic
LOS ANGELES — “The X Factor” continues to help Fox log some ratings records.
The network won the November “sweep” period among the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults ages 18 to 49 for only the second time in its history, according to Nielsen. And Simon Cowell’s “X Factor” — which has rejuvenated Fox’s overall fall prospects — has played a key role.
Fox averaged a 3.4 rating in the demographic, compared with a 3.2 for runner-up CBS; ABC got a 2.8 while NBC ranked last with a 2.6. Fox was the only network to post a November gain relative to last year, at 13 percent.
“The X Factor” was the month’s top unscripted entertainment program and has helped Fox enormously during midweek — at least when the show has not been interrupted by postseason baseball.
But it’s not all good news for the network. “Terra Nova,” its time-travel epic, started out strong earlier this fall but has since dropped in the ratings.
They’re fascinating
Barbara Walters has named talent-show tycoon Simon Cowell, New York Yankees star Derek Jeter and pop singer Katy Perry as three of the year’s “10 Most Fascinating People.”
Also on the list are businessman and TV personality Donald Trump, the Kardashian reality TV family, plus Jesse Tyler Ferguson and Eric Stonestreet, the onscreen couple from ABC’s comedy hit “Modern Family.”
Others include Pippa Middleton, sister of British royal Kate Middleton, and Amanda Knox, the former Seattle exchange student whose four years in custody ended when an Italian court overturned her murder conviction.
A ninth name is yet to be announced. The Most Fascinating Person will be revealed on the broadcast.
The 90-minute special, Walters’ 19th annual “Fascinating People” edition, airs on ABC on Dec. 14.
‘Morning’ coming to CBS
CBS’ “Early Show” is ending early in the new year, and now its successor has a name.
CBS News said Thursday the replacement morning broadcast will be called “CBS This Morning.”
The program will be hosted by Charlie Rose, Gayle King and Erica Hill. It is being pitched as a serious-news alternative to ratings leader “The Today Show” on NBC, and ABC’s “Good Morning America,” the audience runner-up.
“CBS This Morning,” airing weekdays from 7 a.m. to 9 a.m., will premiere Jan. 9.