PK...
03-29-2007, 10:22 AM
From www.medialifemagazine.com/artman/publish/article_11092.asp
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PK
'Regis, you get
better real soon, hear'
Ratings surge as fans rally behind Philbin
By Toni Fitzgerald
Mar 29, 2007
When Kathie Lee Gifford left “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” seven years ago, it was none too soon. The tabloids were gabbing about her husband’s alleged infidelities, and her behavior was increasingly erratic.
If she and Regis Philbin had once been America's morning sweethearts, they were fast becoming its least-comfortable couple. When Kelly Ripa took Gifford's place, the question was whether the show could recover.
It could and did, and in relatively short order ratings sprang back. These years later the Gifford era is all but forgotten.
Indeed, while many syndicated programs are down from years past, “Live” actually showed an uptick last week over its average during Gifford’s final season, when the show drew 4.1 million total viewers per week.
“Live” averaged a 3.5 household rating, up 6 percent from the previous week, and 4.4 million total viewers, according to Nielsen data.
“Live” was one of just three syndicated programs to see week-to-week increases during the week ended March 18, a time when ratings would be expected to fall with daylight savings time luring people outside and March Madness drawing away viewers.
Behind the gain is Philbin's trip to the hospital for heart surgery. The week’s highestd show was March 12, when he revealed that he was going in for a bypass and would be out for several weeks.
The procedure took place a few days later, and Philbin called into the show to say he was doing fine. Since then, Ripa has appeared with a parade of guest hosts, including CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who will fill in until Philbin returns.
If viewer response is any indication, that can’t be too soon. Philbin connects with the audience on a very personal level, and that's no more evident than on the show’s web site, where fans can send Philbin get-well wishes. They write as if they're talking to a favorite uncle.
“You have to know by now how adored you are. After hearing your ‘Hi Kelly’ on Friday, I confess, the tears welled up. We never realize what we have until we lose it,” writes one fan, “and by the grace of God and your wonderful medical care, we still have you.”
“My husband and I watch you faithfully every morning. When I heard of your upcoming surgery I cried then we immediately said a prayer for you,” writes another.
Writes yet another: “Regis, I had 4 bypasses done last fall. When I heard you on the phone mention how the first few days were uncomfortable, I truly know how you felt.”
;0))
PK
'Regis, you get
better real soon, hear'
Ratings surge as fans rally behind Philbin
By Toni Fitzgerald
Mar 29, 2007
When Kathie Lee Gifford left “Live with Regis and Kathie Lee” seven years ago, it was none too soon. The tabloids were gabbing about her husband’s alleged infidelities, and her behavior was increasingly erratic.
If she and Regis Philbin had once been America's morning sweethearts, they were fast becoming its least-comfortable couple. When Kelly Ripa took Gifford's place, the question was whether the show could recover.
It could and did, and in relatively short order ratings sprang back. These years later the Gifford era is all but forgotten.
Indeed, while many syndicated programs are down from years past, “Live” actually showed an uptick last week over its average during Gifford’s final season, when the show drew 4.1 million total viewers per week.
“Live” averaged a 3.5 household rating, up 6 percent from the previous week, and 4.4 million total viewers, according to Nielsen data.
“Live” was one of just three syndicated programs to see week-to-week increases during the week ended March 18, a time when ratings would be expected to fall with daylight savings time luring people outside and March Madness drawing away viewers.
Behind the gain is Philbin's trip to the hospital for heart surgery. The week’s highestd show was March 12, when he revealed that he was going in for a bypass and would be out for several weeks.
The procedure took place a few days later, and Philbin called into the show to say he was doing fine. Since then, Ripa has appeared with a parade of guest hosts, including CNN’s Anderson Cooper, who will fill in until Philbin returns.
If viewer response is any indication, that can’t be too soon. Philbin connects with the audience on a very personal level, and that's no more evident than on the show’s web site, where fans can send Philbin get-well wishes. They write as if they're talking to a favorite uncle.
“You have to know by now how adored you are. After hearing your ‘Hi Kelly’ on Friday, I confess, the tears welled up. We never realize what we have until we lose it,” writes one fan, “and by the grace of God and your wonderful medical care, we still have you.”
“My husband and I watch you faithfully every morning. When I heard of your upcoming surgery I cried then we immediately said a prayer for you,” writes another.
Writes yet another: “Regis, I had 4 bypasses done last fall. When I heard you on the phone mention how the first few days were uncomfortable, I truly know how you felt.”