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CBS Does More Than Just 'Survive'

© F. Colin Kingston

Richard Hatch may have won one million on SURIVOR but he wasn't the biggest winner in the island-based reality series. CBS clearly came out on top. According to Nielsen Media Research, an estimated 57.1 million viewers tuned in for at least a part of the two-hour series finale. That makes it the second most watched program of the year, behind only the SUPER BOWL.

"Broadcasting and Cable" magazine came out with some other amazing facts about SURVIVOR in their August 28 issue. They include: * CBS made between $40 and $50 million in advertising revenue from the series finale and "reunion" special. * Commercials went for $600,000 for a 30-second spot. * The SURVIVOR finale was the 11th most watched network series ever. * CBS drew more viewers for the finale of SURVIVOR than the combined viewership of all five of the other broadcast networks. Thanks to SURVIVOR, BIG BROTHER and REAL WORLD, "reality" programming is definitely in. Every network is scrambling to jump on the bandwagon. I must confess, however, that I just don't get the appeal of these shows. I've tried to watch these series but I just don't enjoy them.

I'm definitely in the minority on this however. If the numbers below are to be believed, traditional television programming is in big trouble, at least for the moment.

According to Nielsen Media Research, here are the ten most watched programs that aired last week: 1) SURVIVOR, 2) SURVIVOR: REUNION, 3) WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONARE? (Sunday), 4) WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE (Tuesday), 5) WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE? (Thursday), 6) 60 MINUTES, 7) THE PRACTICE, 8. 20/20 DOWNTOWN, 9. DATELINE NBC, 10) EVERYBODY LOVES RAYMOND.

Just to prove that I'm not completely against reality programming, however, here is the link to the official CBS web site for BIG BROTHER. http://www.cbs.com/network/tvshows/mini/... Those of you who can't get enough of the show can watch the residents 24/7 via webcam.

This Week In Television History: September 1, 1975 marks the final broadcast of THE BASEBALL WORLD OF JOE GARAGIOLA. Garagiola, a former player, was a top-notch broadcaster and for many years broadcast the World Series and playoff on NBC. THE BASEBALL WORLD OF JOE GARAGIOLA featured highlights and player interviews.

Here are my television viewing recommendations for the week of September 1st.

Friday, September 1st

JAG, CBS, 9 - 10 p.m., PST Harm is trapped with a murder suspect in a ship's compartment that is fast filling with water.

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