Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

Why Broadcast Television is Loosing Viewers?

It is a very simple question with a very simple answer. The networks aren’t providing a new programming that appeals to a majority of the viewers.


The networks continue to focus on teens and tween as they did during the early years of television, ignoring the fact that age demographic has changed. No longer are the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings the largest demographic. While the birth rate has decreased since the 1950’s. At the close of the 1950’s, the birth rate averaged 3.69, while the birth rate of 2008 averaged 2.10. At the same time, the average life span has in creased to 78.10 year. According to the CIA World Factbook, the median age has risen to 37.7 with largest increases being in the 50-54 and 45-49 age brackets.

Known as the baby boomer generation, those born from 1945-1959, were the largest generation to date. They were also the ones who originally made television successful. They were the ones who talked their parents into at least one TV in every home. From black and white TV’s and the choice of three-four stations if the viewer was lucky to the hundreds of channels and HD TV, the boomers were known as the television generation. Never knowing or caring to remember what life was like without television, they have remained completely loyal to the venue. Yet the industry has reward their loyalty by over looking not only their viewing needs but their spending power as well. For the first time in generations, the current generation has not financially done better than their parents. With less debt and with more stable incomes, those 35 and older are the least courted when it comes to programming and advertisers.

An undeniable fact of life is that generations relate to their own age group and those who are older. While teens are able to relate to older characters as siblings, parents, grandparent, the reverse is seldom true. A 40-something doesn't connect with the life experiences of tweens, teens, or 20-somethings. They’ve been there and done that; they want to know what is coming up for them as they grow older instead of looking back at their youth and daydreaming about going back.

Many of the new shows titillate with T & A, but no longer develop the characters or plots, which made the show interesting. As long as the girls look good in a bikini and the guys have eight-pack abs, it doesn’t matter who they are or what they are doing; the shows are made cheaply both in casting and sets. Many producers and networks aren’t simply willing to pay salaries for quality talent, so they stick with the cheaper unknowns, claiming that the older talent no longer attract an audience. Favorite actors and actresses have aged along with the viewers who originally make them popular. Tom Selleck may not attract a teen, but to women over the age of consent still think he looks pretty damn good. Jacqueline Smith is still an angel to most men. Both started as sex symbols, yet they worked to become well rounded masters of their craft.

Programming, which includes a balanced age demographic, have always been the most successful. The top ten longest running prime time scripted shows included:

1: Gunsmoke (1955-1975)
2: Lassie (1954-1972)
3: Death Valley Days (1952-1970)
4: The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet (1952-1966)
5: Bonanza (1959-1973)
6: The Simpsons (1989-????)
7: Law & Order (1990-????)
8: My Three Sons (1960-1972)
9: Dallas (1978-1991)
10: Knots Landing (1979-1993)

However, with the recent two year renewal, The Simpsons have taken over the longest continuously running series title. Until February 7, 2010 the final episode of MASH was the most watch show ever when Super Bowl XLIV over took the position.
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The following list are the programs, which listed with the highest average ratings by year.

1950–1951 Texaco Star Theater NBC
1951–1952 Arthur Godfrey's Talent Scouts CBS
1952–1955 I Love Lucy CBS
1955–1956 The $64,000 Question CBS
1956–1957 I Love Lucy CBS
1957–1961 Gunsmoke CBS
1961–1962 Wagon Train NBC
1962–1964 The Beverly Hillbillies CBS
1964–1967 Bonanza NBC
1967–1968 The Andy Griffith Show CBS
1968–1970 Rowan and Martin's Laugh-In NBC
1970–1971 Marcus Welby, M.D. ABC
1971–1976 All in the Family CBS
1976–1977 Happy Days ABC
1977–1978 Laverne and Shirley ABC
1978–1979 Three's Company ABC
1980–1982 Dallas CBS
1982–1983 60 Minutes CBS
1983–1984 Dallas CBS
1984–1985 Dynasty ABC
1985–1989 The Cosby Show NBC
1989–1990 (tie) The Cosby Show NBC
(tie) Roseanne ABC
1990–1991 Cheers NBC
1991–1993 60 Minutes CBS
1993–1994 Home Improvement ABC
1994–1995 Seinfeld NBC
1995–1997 ER NBC
1997–1998 Seinfeld NBC
1998–1999 ER NBC
1999–2000 Who Wants to Be a Millionaire ABC
2000–2001 Survivor CBS
2001–2002 Friends NBC
2002–2004 CSI CBS
2004–2009 American Idol Fox


With the exceptions of the game (Survivor and American Idol are just the latest incarnation of game shows) and news shows, these programs are well crafted scripted shows, whose characters were portrayed by many generations of actors.

The tread continues into 2010 Top Ranking Shows of the 2009-2010 Season Through Feb. 7, 2010


Rank Program Name Net
1 UNDERCOVER BOSS CBS
2 AMERICAN IDOL-TUESDAY FOX
3 AMERICAN IDOL-WEDNESDAY FOX
4 NCIS CBS
5 SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL NBC
6 DANCING WITH THE STARS ABC
7 NCIS: LOS ANGELES CBS
8 THE MENTALIST CBS
9 DANCING W/STARS RESULTS ABC
10 CSI CBS
11 CBS NFL NATL POST GAME CBS
12 DESPERATE HOUSEWIVES ABC
13 CRIMINAL MINDS CBS
14 TWO AND A HALF MEN CBS
15 GREY'S ANATOMY ABC
16 SUNDAY NIGHT NFL PRE-KICK NBC
17 THE BIG BANG THEORY CBS
18 60 MINUTES CBS
19 CSI: NY CBS
20 HOUSE FOX



According to TV Guide The Most Popular TV Shows Rank
TV Show Next On Network
1 American Idol Tue, Feb 23 08:00 PM ET FOX
2 The Bachelor Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABC
3 NCIS Mon, Feb 15 06:00 AM ET USA
4 Real Housewives of
Orange County Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET BRAVO
5 Dancing with the Stars Not airing in the next 14 days
6 24 Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET FOX
7 Criminal Minds Sat, Feb 13 12:01 AM ET A&E
8 Keeping Up with
the Kardashians Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET E!
9 Grey's Anatomy Tue, Feb 16 06:00 PM ET LIFE
10 Desperate Housewives Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET LIFE
11 Bones Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET WGNAME
12 House Sat, Feb 13 06:00 PM ET BRAVO
13 Bad Girls Club Sat, Feb 13 09:00 AM ET OXYGN
14 Smallville Fri, Feb 19 08:00 PM ET CW
15 Vampire Diaries Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET CW
16 Days of Our Lives Tue, Feb 16 01:00 PM ET NBC
17 Biggest Loser Not airing in the next 14 days
18 Secret Life of the
American Teenager Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET ABCFAM
19 One Tree Hill Mon, Feb 15 08:00 PM ET CW
20 Damages Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET FX
21 The Game Sat, Feb 13 12:30 PM ET BET
22 Nip/Tuck Wed, Feb 17 10:00 PM ET FX
23 Big Bang Theory Mon, Feb 15 09:31 PM ET CBS
24 iCarly Sat, Feb 13 12:00 PM ET NIK
25 Chuck Not airing in the next 14 days
26 Lost Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET ABC
27 Supernatural Mon, Feb 15 09:00 AM ET TNT
28 Ghost Whisperer Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET WE
29 Wizards of Waverly Place Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET DISNEY
30 Family Guy Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET FOX
31 Young and the Restless Mon, Feb 15 12:30 PM ET CBS
32 90210 Tue, Feb 16 08:00 PM ET CW
33 Brothers & Sisters Sun, Feb 21 10:01 PM ET ABC
34 Gossip Girl Wed, Feb 17 09:00 PM ET CW
35 Oprah Winfrey Not airing in the next 14 days
36 Law & Order:
Special Victims Unit Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET USA
37 Hannah Montana Sat, Feb 13 11:00 AM ET ABC
38 Legend of the Seeker Sat, Feb 13 04:00 PM ET WGNAME
39 The Office Sat, Feb 13 06:30 PM ET TBS
40 Fringe Not airing in the next 14 days
41 Friday Night Lights Not airing in the next 14 days
42 CSI: Miami Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET A&E
43 Glee Not airing in the next 14 days
44 Eastwick Not airing in the next 14 days
45 Heroes Not airing in the next 14 days
46 Two and a Half Men Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CBS
47 The Mentalist Thu, Feb 18 09:00 PM ET CBS
48 Teen Mom Sat, Feb 13 02:00 PM ET MTV
49 The Good Wife Tue, Feb 16 10:00 PM ET CBS
50 Jersey Shore Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET MTV
51 The Unit Sun, Feb 14 03:00 AM ET BET
52 Burn Notice Thu, Feb 18 10:00 PM ET USA
53 How I Met Your Mother Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET LIFE
54 Private Practice Thu, Feb 18 10:01 PM ET ABC
55 Sons of Anarchy Not airing in the next 14 days
56 Medium Sat, Feb 13 12:30 AM ET LIFE
57 Dr. Oz Show Not airing in the next 14 days
58 General Hospital Mon, Feb 15 03:00 PM ET ABC
59 Law & Order Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET TNT
60 Ugly Betty Sat, Feb 13 07:00 PM ET TVGN
61 America's Next Top Model Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET BRAVO
62 White Collar Sun, Feb 14 01:00 AM ET USA
63 Castle Mon, Feb 15 10:00 PM ET ABC
64 Phineas and Ferb Sat, Feb 13 08:00 AM ET DISXD
65 Army Wives Not airing in the next 14 days
66 Modern Family Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET ABC
67 NUMB3RS Sat, Feb 13 04:00 AM ET TNT
68 Cold Case Sun, Feb 14 10:00 PM ET CBS
69 Dateline NBC Not airing in the next 14 days
70 Project Runway Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET LRW
71 All My Children Mon, Feb 15 01:00 AM ET SOAP
72 Masterpiece Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET PBS
73 True Blood Not airing in the next 14 days
74 Human Target Wed, Feb 17 08:00 PM ET FOX
75 Make It or Break It Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET ABCFAM
76 Bold and the Beautiful Mon, Feb 15 01:30 PM ET CBS
77 CSI: Crime Scene
Investigation Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET SPIKE
78 Scrubs Sat, Feb 13 01:00 PM ET COMEDY
79 Leverage Sat, Feb 13 10:00 AM ET TNT
80 Cops Sat, Feb 13 08:00 PM ET FOX
81 The Deep End Thu, Feb 18 08:00 PM ET ABC
82 Spartacus: Blood and Sand Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET STARZ
83 Dora the Explorer Mon, Feb 15 08:00 AM ET NIK
84 Dollhouse Not airing in the next 14 days
85 Mad Men Not airing in the next 14 days
86 NCIS: Los Angeles Tue, Feb 16 09:00 PM ET CBS
87 20/20 Fri, Feb 19 10:00 PM ET ABC
88 Big Love Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET HBOe
89 Life Unexpected Mon, Feb 15 09:00 PM ET CW
90 Saturday Night Live Not airing in the next 14 days
91 The Pregnancy Pact Not airing in the next 14 days
92 Suite Life on Deck Sat, Feb 13 01:30 AM ET DISXD
93 Mercy Not airing in the next 14 days
94 Girls Next Door Sat, Feb 13 01:00 AM ET E!
95 Extreme Makeover:
Home Edition Sun, Feb 14 09:00 PM ET ABC
96 The Middle Wed, Feb 17 08:30 PM ET ABC
97 Doctor Who Sat, Feb 13 11:00 PM ET PBS
98 Law & Order:
Criminal Intent Sat, Feb 13 06:00 AM ET USA
99 So You Think
You Can Dance Not airing in the next 14 days
100 Cougar Town Wed, Feb 17 09:30 PM ET ABC

Quality programming, which has to multi-generational appeal, has proven for decades to not only to be big rating winners, but also the longer lasting shows. In addition, these same shows have become popular syndication favorites by expanding their fan base into the ever growing world of cable networks.

Yet networks continue to produce programming specifically targeted toward the tweens, teens and twenty-somethings. Advertisers still consider the same age group as preferred target. They simply fail to comprehend that by casting a wider net by including all age groups, they also catch the not only the teeny boppers, but also their older family members. The catch is that talent, who have a successful track record of producing quality work and being able to attract viewers, yet the like all masters of crafts, they also cost more, which is a price most producers and networks are unwilling to pay. By cutting costs and quality, they have turned away the viewing demographic, which not only made the television popular, but who now have the disposable income to make it successful. Instead of watching the new shows, older viewers are turning to older TV shows, either on DVD and the increasing number of nostalgia networks. TV Land may have started the trend, but they are hardly the last to see the value in bringing back the old favorites.

The simple fact is that technology continues to give viewers continue more options. They are no longer limited to the three local broadcast station. In fact, television has become a land without borders. If the viewers don’t like what the networks are presenting, they can simply channel surf, rent or search the net until they find something that appeals to them.

An Alternative To NCIS: Operation Home Base--The Newest Military Drama

Operation Home Base is a military drama about fictional non profit organization that gives support to military personnel and their families. Staffed with unique characters, each of which has their own reasons for wanting to help military personnel, OHB is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. OHB is a combination between NCIS and Army Wives with the potential for therapist drama as well. There is a wide range of potential stories that can be spun from this set-up, from domestic drama, hospital/therapist drama, legal drama, crime drama, adventure, even the occasional comedic episode.

Seeing the need, the organizers created Operation Home Base to help those in the military and their dependants to meet the basic needs of life. Existing on donations of time, money and resources, they frequently had to dip into their own savings to keep the lights on. Coming from diverse backgrounds, personalities, and motivations, they combine their talents to create a bridge between civilians and the military.

An Army brat, Lorelei Stewart grew up to married military. When her husband was killed in action, she learned how little support families received from those they served. His death left more than a financial and emotional void in their lives. There were questions about his death that the Army refused to answer. Determined to be part of the solution, instead of just ignoring the problem, Stewart goes back to school. Through her own hard work, sacrifice and stubbornness, Stewart earned Master degrees in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences. For a short time, she works for the FBI as a profiler. Through her job, she meets Michael Woodsman.

Michael Woodsman grew up in a Navy family. He always intended to follow the family tradition and enlist right out of high school. However, a childish prank in his teens led to the accident that left him permanently disabled. Unable to serve he went onto college to get a degree in Political Science. Using family connections, he worked his way up the political system. His hard edge and cynicism make him a dangerous opponent, who is willing to use his political capital both above board, while still being perfectly capable of blackmailing behind the scenes. He is a team player with an us or them mentality. For the us, he is a supportive and loyal advocate. The them quickly learn that crossing him was not a pleasant experience for his charm was a thin facade for the frustrated warrior within. While working for the Defense Department, he meets Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds. Although sexually attracted to her in the beginning, he respects her and her marriage too much to pursue the relationship.

Lt. Colonel Elaine Reynolds was a career officer, wife and mother, who found a way to balance her career and family needs with the help of her police detective husband. She joined the military to get an education. More office support than combat ready, Reynolds was still not above low blows both physically and verbally if the situation required action. Half accountant, half weasel, she learned how to work the system to get what she needed for her base by not only making every nickel count, but by also creatively using the resources at hand. It was through her dealings with the base Domestic Assistance co-coordinator that she met Martin Flying Crow.

A full-blooded Oneida, Martin Flying Crow used his brother’s birth certificate to enlist early to escape the abject poverty of the Rez to find the destiny his ancestors placed before him. Trained by his shaman grandmother, Flying Crow planned to walk the Red Road. The Eagle Spirit showed him that he was destined to be a healer and spiritual guide to others. What the Eagle didn’t reveal was that the road would begin covered with the blood of others. Enlisting in the Navy, he served two tours in Vietnam as combat medic embedded with a Marine unit. Although, he was not officially allowed to carry weapons, he did not hesitate to defend those in his unit by whatever means necessary. He encountered Colonel Walter Hummel and Sergeant Major Deek Williams during an investigation and eventual cover up of the unnecessary deaths of both Marines and civilians. The hypocrisy, lies and betrayal were enough to change Flying Crow’s mind about re-enlisting. Returning home, he worked as a paramedic. He quickly learned how little support there was for military personnel. Working out of his garage, he gathered information, contacts, and resources, which he used to improve the lives of those affected by war. He gained national attention when he was able to talk a wounded warrior out of committing suicide. It was this exposure, which made him national news and gave retiring Reynolds the inspiration for the next segment of her life. Enlisting Stewart and Woodsman and using Flying Crows template, the four of them created Operation Home Base.

Living hand to mouth, OHB was always on the verge of closing their doors. The need was great, while resources were limited. When Walter Hummel appeared with an offer of an endless supply of cash and political clout, it seemed to be too good to be true. Three members were eager to accept. Martin was the only hold out. He didn’t trust Hummel’s motives. He had already seen how Hummel’s open hand was the diversion for the hidden one holding the dagger. He knows the dangers, but he is willing to barter whatever is left of his soul to help those who serve and their families.

After the agreement is signed, the three other members begin to suspect that Martin’s suspicions are valid as they learn that Deacon (Deek) Williams has been chosen as Government Liaison/OHB Supervisor without their input. As the new head of OHB, he answers only to Walter and the Pentagon.

An ex-special ops, Deek was deployed in Vietnam in the summer o f 1966. Assigned to Recon Intelligence, he worked closely with the Montagnard and the Vietnamese Army. Five years later, he reemerged from his assignment and was immediately air lifted out. His military records were sealed except to those with the highest security clearance. Charming one minute, deadly the next, Williams is able to accomplish the seemingly impossible. A permanent bachelor, he has many love interests but no attachments. He sees the big picture when it comes to his career and the military, but he refuses to get caught up in the messiness of intra-personal relationships. The "companions" who warm his bed at night are never there to see the dawn. He is a man of mystery and many contradictions. Likeable, yet frequently frightening, he disappears without notice only to return without explanation.

Immediately, the team is called into service after a disgraced Marine has been found burned to death in there remnants of his parent’s home. They need to help Gunnery Sergeant Matt Thompson and his wife deal not only with the death of their only son, but the disgrace of their son being dishonorable discharged and accused of raping a friend‘s teenage daughter. OHB must help defend them from the charge of murder made by a deputy sheriff who has a grudge against the Gunny.


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Seeking Investors

I am looking for investors for my military series Operation Home Base. OHB intertwines the challenges military personnel face with those of their families. This is not an Army Wives or reality show, but an accurate portrayal of military life. The show intertwines drama and suspense with comedy to tell the stories of active duty, vets, and wounded warriors along with those who love them. It is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military.

Operation Home Base is fictional non profit organization that gives support to military families, veterans, wounded warriors, and active duty military personnel by working with existing programs and organizations. OHB works in partnership with the bases’ Dependent Centers to give aid and comfort to military personal and their families while acting as intermediary not only with other military agencies but with the civilian services. Staffed with active duty and retired military personnel along with civilians, OHB was created by the combined branches of the services to take care of their own. It is pilot program, which is designed to build a bridge between the civilian population and the military. Their single goal is to fill the voids left by governmental agencies who are unable provide the necessary services and support for all branches of the military.

It will be shot in Michigan, which will qualify it for the 40-42% incentives offered by the state. Those who are interested may call me at 231-943-3298.