Rating the November sweeps

As usual, there's some good news for most of the networks. CBS continues to bring in the most viewers, ABC is relying on a few popular shows to attract that prized 18-49 demographic, and NBC is showing signs of life. Only Fox is struggling by almost any measure. But there's a growing belief that sweeps don't mean as much as they used to because L.A. and other major markets use people meters to keep tabs on viewership every day of the week. "Sweeps really mean nothing to the networks," Brad Adgate, director of research at Horizon Media, told Dow Jones Newswires. "They get rated everyday." From the DJ story:

News Corp. executives have acknowledged they're dissatisfied with the new Fox dramas, several of which it has taken off the air. "It's not surprising that they were trying to put OJ Simpson on," Adgate said, referring to the television special Fox pulled after a hail of criticism. It's a familiar pattern for Fox. They fall behind in the fall but waiting in the wings are two blockbusters: the return of "24" and the juggernaut "American Idol." In past years, the shows have propelled Fox to overall season wins in the 18-49 age group.