NEWS- Looks good
Family-Friendly Network Continues to Show Improvement in
National Ratings
WEST PALM BEACH, Fla.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 1998--PAX TV announced today
stronger prime time audience ratings as reported by Nielsen Television Index (NTI)
for the season-to-date period September 14, 1998 and November 30, 1998. During
the 12 week period, PAX TV's average prime time audience grew 17.7% from
638,000 to 751,000 US television households. Among advertisers' more coveted
demographics, viewers 18 to 49 and 25 to 54, audience growth was even more
substantial, increasing 26.5%and 21.6% respectively. In addition, after completing
its first major November sweeps period, an analysis of Nielsen data revealed that
the median age of PAX TV's weekday programming (12 noon - 12 midnight) was
49.4 years old.
Additionally, PAX TV's prime time line-up Monday through Friday 8 to 11PM
continued to deliver a 1.1 weighted average (NSI) rating in its fifteenth week on the
air, based on the 34 Nielsen metered markets served by the family entertainment
network.
Rob Hebenstreit, Vice President of Research for PAX TV commented, ''Adults age
25-54 command billions of dollars of buying power at an increasing rate each year.
The November Nielsen data is a clear sign that PAX TV is fulfilling its promise to
advertisers by delivering an audience within this valuable demographic, and
allowing the network to stand out among many other successful television
programmers.''
Including all pending transactions, Paxson will broadcast on more than 90
television stations. A complete listing of stations and markets served can be found
by visiting the company's web-site at paxtv.com. Paxson Communications
(AMEX:PAX - news) owns and operates the nation's seventh and newest broadcast
network. With its nationwide broadcast television and cable distribution system,
including the nation's largest group of owned and operated television stations,
Paxson airs PAX TV, the national family entertainment network. The foundation of
the network's prime-time schedule includes the off-network hit series Touched By
An Angel, Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman, and Diagnosis Murder. Original programming
includes Flipper: The New Adventures, Louisa May Alcott's Little Men series, It's a
Miracle, Woman's Day and Great Day America. Additionally, the line-up includes I'll
Fly Away, Dave's World, Christy, The Father Dowling Mystery Series, Highway To
Heaven, Bonanza, Eight Is Enough and Life Goes On, as well as theatrical and
made-for-television movies.
For additional information about Paxson Communications Corporation, visit the
Company's web site at paxtv.com.
This press release contains ''forward-looking statements,'' within the meaning of
federal securities laws, that involve risks and uncertainties. All statements herein,
other than those consisting solely of historical facts, that address activities,
events or developments that the Company expects or anticipates will or may occur
in the future, including such things as business strategy, measures to implement
strategy, competitive strengths, goals, references to future success and other
events may be forward-looking statements. Statements herein are based on
certain assumptions and analysis made by the Company in light of its experience
and its perception of historical trends, current conditions and potential future
developments, as well as other factors it believes are appropriate in the
circumstances. However, whether actual results, events and developments will
conform with the Company's expectations is subject to a number of risks and
uncertainties and important factors that could cause actual results, events and
developments to differ materially from those referenced in, contemplated by or
underlying any forward-looking statements herein, including, among others, the
continued development and viability of the Company's television operations, the
Company's ability to manage its growth, the Company's high level of indebtedness,
restrictions imposed on the Company by the terms of its indebtedness and
preferred stock, the impact of government regulations, industry and economic
conditions, competition, changes in operating expenses, industry and economic
conditions and other factors, many of which are beyond the control of the
Company. Consequently, all forward-looking statements made herein are qualified
by these cautionary statements and there can be no assurance that the actual
results, events or developments referenced herein will occur or be realized.
Dave |
