Media Networks
Broadcasting

In primetime, ABC delivered its second consecutive year of ratings growth among its key demographics, the only broadcast network to achieve growth for the 2005-06 season. Additionally, ABC emerged as the number one network among upscale young adults, an audience prized by advertisers.

ABC’s primetime growth for 2005-06 was driven by the quality of its programming, with strong returning scripted series, including Lost, Desperate Housewives and Grey’s Anatomy, which were created by Touchstone Television, as well as reality hits, such as Extreme Makeover: Home Edition and Dancing With the Stars.

Building on this successful foundation, ABC entered the 2006-07 fall season with a strong slate of shows generating critical acclaim and significant advertiser interest. Upfront sales for the new season delivered $2.3 billion in total primetime advertising commitments and more than $3 billion for the network across all day parts. ABC also achieved the largest pricing increase of any network in every day part.

Advertisers supported the move of Grey’s Anatomy to Thursdays, and were also enthusiastic about the return of Dancing With the Stars as well as newcomers Ugly Betty and Brothers & Sisters. Viewer excitement for new and returning series helped ABC deliver its most competitive start to a new season in almost 30 years, and the best start for any network since 1999-2000. Eleven weeks into the season, excluding sports to reflect the absence of Monday Night Football from its line-up this year, ABC increased its primetime audience over the prior year, airing seven of the Top 20 series among Adults 18-49, as well as three of the Top 5 shows among that key demographic. Early results also showed ABC maintaining its leadership position among upscale audiences and emerging as the top English-language broadcaster among Hispanic audiences.