The disappointing debut of “The Jay Leno Show” at 10 p.m. on NBC has hammered ratings for the 11 p.m. newscast
of local affiliate WTHR-TV Channel 13, cutting its average audience by nearly half. But the Indianapolis NBC affiliate says
it will rebound in the fight with its CBS rival because the Leno show has fresh programming year around.
Channel 13 eliminates two positions to trim costs, and hopes for a revenue increase in the second half of the year.
Early ratings from the all-important May sweeps suggest WTHR-TV Channel 13’s 15-year reign as king of local television news
is secure for now. But the big test will come this fall when NBC’s weakening prime-time lineup is expected to put the ratings
crown in play.
Jim Tellus has been promoted to president and general manager of WTHR-TV Channel 13.
Neither side is talking, but one thing is certain: The removal of the 13-year WTHR veteran known for a sometimes-testy temperament
comes at a crucial time for the local television station.
