Local programming boost state's ABC affiliates. (List Overview).

LOCAL TELEVISION PROgramining apparently made up for poor network programming for ABC affiliates across the state, according to the latest Nielsen Media Research rankings.

For the Nielsen's May 2003 book, Little Rock's KATV-TV; Channel 7, tied at first with CBS affiliate KTHV-TV, Channel 11. Jonesboro's KAIT-TV, Channel 8, also remained at No. 1, well above Memphis' CBS affiliate WREG-TV; Channel 3.

The ratings were based on a sign-on/sign-off period of 6-2 a.m. Monday-Sunday.

KATV and KTHV tied with 4 ratings and 16 shares, while KAIT's 8 rating and 28 share blew out WREG's 1 rating and 4 share. But KTHV improved its share from May 2002's 13, and KATV improved from a 15 share. KARK-TV, Channel 4, saw improved numbers but remained in third.

KATV slightly improved its common prime-time numbers to a 6 rating and 11 share, while KTHV made significant gains to an 11 rating and 20 share. KARK slipped to a 5 rating and 10 share, still ahead of Fox Broadcasting affiliate KLRT-TV Channel 16, which rose to a 4 rating and 6 share.

CBS affiliate KFSM-TV; Channel 5, remained in first in the Fort Smith market with a 5 rating and 17 share. KHBS/KHOG-TV; Channels 29/40, were second at a 4 rating and 13 share. Those ratings were also based on the same sign-on/sign-off period.

For KAIT, the latest Nielsen's book was particularly gratifying -- the station posted the highest rating and share of any ABC affiliate in the country, according to Clyde Anderson, station manager.

"We were the No. 1 ABC station in America," Anderson said. "We may not have the most viewers in numbers and we can't compare to New York or Los Angeles, but in percentages of the market, it's significant."

Anderson credited loyal Jonesboro viewers uninterested in Memphis-based broadcasts and non-Jonesboro-oriented local news for the station's high numbers.

"Our late news was the highest in the state as well," Anderson said, noting personnel, management, more experienced staff members and a faster-paced style contributed to improved 10 p.m. news numbers. "We have a pretty loyal audience."

Radio

In the state's radio market, where Clear Channel and Citadel dominate station ownership, KSSN-FM, 107.7, maintained its decades-long grip on Little Rock's No. 1 radio spot.

KSSN scored a 10.7 share in the 12-and-older category for the winter 2003 period, after posting an 8.6 in spring 2002, according to Arbitron Inc., the top radio ratings service in the country.

"We're certainly very excited about it," said Dale Daniels, president of Clear Channel's Arkansas broadcast properties.

The big move in Little Rock was made by KURB-FM, 98.5, and its "hot adult contemporary" format, which benefited somewhat from KVLO-FM, 102.9's format switch to country from adult contemporary in December 2002.

The station jumped from the No. 6 slot and a 5.3 share to No. 2 and an 8 share, overtaking KIPR-FM, 92.3; KMJX-FM, 105.1; KARN-AM/FM, 920; and KKPT-FM, 94.1.

"It's a hell of a percentage increase," said Arkansas media analyst Pat Walsh, noting KURB may make a stronger run at KSSN's top-spot stranglehold when challenges to Disney Corp.'s purchase of KYFX-FM, 99.5, are finally exhausted.

KYFX, The Fox's "urban adult contemporary" listeners will have to go somewhere, and likely choices will be KURB and KIPR-FM, 92.3, and its "urban" format, which had a 7.7 share for winter 2003.

A 50-50 split of KYFX's lost listenership could leave KURB tickling KSSN in Arbitron's ratings, Walsh said.

Fayetteville-area stations saw large drops in their numbers for fall 2002 the most recent survey, although KKIX-FM, 103.9, retained its No. 1 spot with a 9.5 share. In the Fort Smith market, KOMS-FM, 107.3, jumped to No. 1 from No. 4, with a 9.9 share.

KFIN-FM, 107.9, kept a big lead in the Jonesboro market, although it dropped nearly a full point to a 16.5 share. KDEZ-FM, 100.5, fell 4.2 points to a 12.1 share, while KDXY-FM, 104.9, rose a bit to a 13.2 share and the No. 2 spot.