APRIL 2010 PRIMETIME SCHEDULE:
* Bold denotes programming change
SCHEDULING STRATEGIES:
Much of GSN's programming is conventional studio-based quizzers that dominate primetime. However, they are leading up with new specials and theme nights as in the case of their Vegas Night block of casino programming.
GSN continually looks to redefine and expand the definition of game and competition. What have made their loyal viewers come back again and again are the programs that challenge game play and trivia. New programming generally tends to pursue the traditional, broad half-hour strip game show format with interactive play-along elements. In addition to non-traditional one hour series: competitive reality shows, documentaries, story-driven & celebrity-driven formats.
APRIL 2010 PRIMETIME RATINGS ANALYSIS:
Live Primetime Ratings Comparison / April 2010 vs. April 2009 (% Change)
*Source: The Nielsen Company's National Television Audience Sample
Overall primetime averages for ratings, share and delivery at GSN were up this month as compared to one year ago, April 2009. Overall share was up +33% and delivery was up +16%. In fact every night of the week was up in all key demos. Adults 25-54 their core demographics were up +28% in overall delivery. One of G4's most popular programs FAMILY FEUD was up +25% share overall. In addition NEWLYWED GAME was up +33% and HIGH STAKES POKER 4 was up +33% from one year ago.
GSN's primetime monthly averages were overall on par this month as compared to last month. Overall share fell flat, but delivery was up +10%. Adults 25-54 were up +24% in delivery.
New original series BAGGAGE premiered this month on April 19th hammocked between THE NEWLYWED GAME and 1 VS 100. BAGGAGE was the third highest rated program on the channel this month. Jerry Springer hosts this show all about what people will do and put up with in the search for finding love. This original series makes a nice addition to the primetime programming line-up. CARNIE WILSON: UNSTAPLED and HIDDEN AGENDA were not on the schedule this month, but newcomer INSTANT RECALL which premiered last month was +50% share this month and definitely gained an audience following on the channel this month.
HIGH STAKES POKER 6 was up +33% share this month. In fact, the POKER franchise was up overall. POKER #4 was up +33% and POKER 5 was up +24% with Adults 25-54 share. This new season of POKER has brought on a new look and feel that brought its viewers back into the action of poker.
Programming staples on the network continue to be MILLIONAIRE, FAMILY FEUD, CATCH 21, THE NEWLYWED GAME, DEAL OR NO DEAL and POKER. MILLIONAIRE was not on the schedule again this month. FAMILY FEUD was up +25% with Adults 25-54 share and continues to be one of the highest rated programs on the channel. CATCH 21 was up +6% delivery and GSN's original version of THE NEWLYWED GAME was also up +22% in delivery. The Monday-Friday line-up continues to be a consistent vertical stack of programs. Off-network acquisition DEAL OR NO DEAL was up +24% this month. And rounding out the month, 1 VS 100 continued its weekday strip was up +10% in overall delivery. There were no speicals to report on this month. Overall, a pretty solid month of programming and ratings success.
CABLEU NEED TO KNOW:
GSN continually looks to redefine and expand the definition of game and competition. What have made their loyal viewers come back again and again are the programs that challenge game play and trivia. New programming generally tends to pursue the traditional, broad half-hour strip game show format with interactive play-along elements. In addition to non-traditional one hour series: competitive reality shows, documentaries, story-driven & celebrity-driven formats.
The network looks for a show to appeal their audience base of male/female 25-54. Shows have repeatability, and signature series that can break out. Most recently they just acquired the rights to NBC's off-network acquisition DEAL OR NO DEAL. GSN continues to acquire product in the quiz/game show genres. They look for high energy shows that have a great host, and an opportunity for big-time winners that entices the audience to join in on the fun either on-air or online.
GSN's program CATCH 21 crosses all platforms. There is an online game players now have the opportunity to enjoy the game as a TV show, while TV viewers can become contestants by logging on and competing against other players for cash and prizes. CATCH 21 is an example of the kind of programming that GSN is going after. Bringing a classic card game to life in a fun way that engages the audience. GSN remains committed to developing within a wide range of formats including original reality, relationship, comedy and game-related documentaries.
GSN is constantly trying to create new opportunities to tie in their programming with multi-platform interactive initiatives. With GSN Live, their intention is to give away prizes and exciting new opportunities to win in real-time every day. It promises to be fun, engaging way for them to further connect with their audience by giving them a unique experience for game show fans every time they tune in.
