Channel 25 Wins Late News Wars

Published May 25 2006, 05:59 PM by webteam

Well, speaking of sweeps, Channel 25 (WFXT-TV) is the first to declare victory today, reporting that it had the highest-rated late-night newscast in the Boston market during the May sweeps.

According to the station, it earned a 7.0 rating for its 10 pm newscast, compared to Channel 7's 6.8, Channel 5's 6.3 and Channel 4's 5.6 for the 11 o'clock slot. Channel 25's direct rival at 10 pm, Channel 56, came in at a 2.1. Here's an excerpt from the release:

FOX25 News at Ten remains the late news ratings leader in New England…finishing the May Sweep as the number #1 choice for late news in every key adult demographic. FOX25 is the clear winner in the late news Households race (M-F) earning a 7.0 which bests every other late newscast (WHDH, WCVB, WBZ, WLVI) in Boston. FOX25 News at Ten also tops the late news race in Total Viewers (18+).

While rivals are in a ratings downfall, FOX25 News at Ten shows incredible growth in the demographics most desirable to advertisers. The 10pm news grew 76% in Adults 18-34, 44% in Adults 18-49 and 43% in Adults 25-54 over last May and is the #1 late newscast in New England for the fifth month in a row in Adults 18-34, Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54.

Once you get through digesting all these numbers, you'll understand why I don't like covering ratings battles.

Strong Showing for 5

Shakeup at 4

2 Comments

Ernie Boch III said:

Of course Channel 25 won. The anchors have the Biggest, Bestest, Hugest, Nicest, Most Luscious Smiles in boston news! It ain't rocket science.

May 25, 2006 6:59 PM
N. said:

I remember one day I set out, as I often do, to find one breaking story and see how WB56 and FX25 would treat it. It was a story about a guy who had tried to rescue his kid who had fallen into a frozen lake in the middle of the Winter. Instead, he fell victim to hypothermia and was rushed to the hospital. At 10 Pm, WB had a reporter videotaped in front of the hospital at night telling us the guy was in critical condition and that there was no more recent update. No "LIVE" indication on the screen. At the same time, FX25 had a LIVE crew in front of the hospital, reporting that the guy had just perished. That in my mind is one example you have to give it to FX25 in that time slot, despite the very likeable and smart Marinella and the unfair advantage of Maria's beautiful skin and low skirts.

May 26, 2006 4:03 AM