Tuning In to TV

Ferguson’s ahead

Domination by CBS in the final half-hour of prime time is contributing to a shift in the late-night ratings race, where the network’s shows fronted by David Letterman and Craig Ferguson both defeated their NBC rivals in key demographics earlier this month, Variety says.

Mr. Ferguson’s “The Late Late Show,” which bowed in January 2005, posted its first outright victory to date over NBC’s “Late Night” in the prized demographic of 18- to 49-year-olds, according to national estimates from Nielsen.

After finishing in a virtual tie in some weeks this season, “The Late Late Show” averaged 747,000 among adults in that age group during the week of Nov. 2 through 6, while NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” drew 712,000.

CBS won, as well, in adults 25 to 54 and in total viewers (1.86 million vs. 1.26 million for Mr. Fallon).

CBS also led that week at 11:35 p.m. with “Late Show With David Letterman” (1.22 million adults 18 to 49 and 3.88 million viewers overall) over NBC’s “The Tonight Show With Conan O’Brien” (1.21 million adults 18 to 49, 2.33 million viewers overall).

For the season to date, “Late Show” leads “The Tonight Show” by 10 percent in the demographic — after trailing the Jay Leno-hosted “Tonight” at this point a year ago by 15 percent. That’s not even close, though, in total viewers, where “Late Show” holds a 72 percent advantage (4.31 million vs. 2.5 million) compared to trailing by 17 percent last year (3.95 million vs. 4.76 million), Variety says.

While Mr. Leno’s absence in late night has certainly helped CBS’ “Late Show” and “The Late Late Show,” it’s also clear that NBC is suffering at the close of prime time with Mr. Leno’s new 10 p.m. show — and this effect has become even more pronounced during a sweeps month when the competing dramas pump up the story lines.

Another late-night talker gaining ground on NBC is ABC’s “Jimmy Kimmel Live,” which drew a larger 18-to-49 audience during the week of Nov. 2 through 6 than NBC’s “Late Night With Jimmy Fallon” for the first time (720,000 vs. 712,000) while also prevailing in total viewers (1.70 million to 1.26 million). Mr. Kimmel’s Nov. 5 show, featuring Elizabeth Mitchell of “V” and Jesse Williams of “Grey’s Anatomy,” drew the show’s largest nightly audience since June (2.02 million).

“Kimmel” also got a boost from ABC News’ “Nightline,” which was the top-rated late-night show that week in adults 18 to 49 (1.31 million) and tied with Mr. Letterman for the lead in total viewers (3.88 million). The show gained ground with coverage of the Fort Hood, Texas, massacre.

Free online concerts

A new Web site will allow music lovers to watch concerts for free online, choosing from five camera angles as they watch.

BillboardLive.com says its new concert-viewing Web site offers visitors different perspectives on performances by Alicia Keys, Usher and “American Idol” finalists David Archuleta and Chris Daughtry, as well as other artists yet to be announced.

According to Associated Press, music fans can select from different views as they take in full concerts by these artists, focusing solely on the drummer or guitarist, if they choose.

The site also allows visitors to use Twitter or Facebook during the Webcast without leaving the show. The application is also available on the iPhone, and new concerts will be added through February.

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