Fox Looks at Changing American Idol Audition Shows
Network Looks to Stem Eroding Ratings for Pre-Hollywood Episodes
By Ben Grossman -- Broadcasting & Cable, 2/24/2008 7:02:00 PM
There are still 20 contestants remaining in this season’s cycle of American Idol, but Fox executives are already looking ahead to changes for next year.
Preston Beckman, the network’s executive vice president of strategic program planning and research, said he wants to see adjustments to the audition shows that kick off the ratings behemoth every year.
“It won’t necessarily be anything radical; we just have to figure out how to start the show next year,” said Beckman, who’s looking for a way to stem a ratings drop the network saw last month. “The early part saw some erosion and then we got to Hollywood.”
That “erosion” includes this year’s premiere, which earned a 14.4 rating in the adult 18-49 demo, down from a 16.1 last year. Viewership also dipped from 38 million to 34.5 million -- numbers that nevertheless make every other network salivate.
Beckman said it is far too early to talk about any specific changes, but the show is heavily tested through market research and that will help to guide the plans. This year, the show has been shamelessly pushing the level of the talent pool after last year’s Sanjaya Malakar sideshow.
But he was not concerned about the franchise overall, which continues to dominate in its seventh season.
“The good news is that there is still enormous sentiment for the show,” he said. “If you listen to the audience, you will generally be fine.”
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When are they going to start screening the contestants, for past experience, tatoo''d bodies, sloppy dressed, extreme sloppy appearance,[look at David Cook], Jason with his dread locks, great to represent USA, ha ha. We are ready to quit watching the show after all these years as they get worse instead of better. We always thought the contestants were to be inexperienced, not already recording & have albums. At least give them combs & razors & clothes to cover the tatoo''s.
marty workinger - 5/1/2008 5:33:00 PM EDT -
I would hope and urge the Producers of American Idol to continue Auditions beginning in June, so as to not prohibit People who begin their College semesters in early August from participating. Otherwise, They would be losing potentially very good contestants! June and July Audition dates also allow those who have vacations during those times to more easily travel to audition sites!
michael carter - 3/10/2008 6:16:00 PM EDT -
hi, im Massie. I lovee American Idol!! its ttly nawtt lame like some of the ppl on dare. lovveeee you guy! i like simon, soooo hawt[: i would loveeeee to meet him!!
Massie Block - 2/26/2008 1:53:00 PM EST -
simon needs to be more discribible and nicer and paula u need to be more meaner and randy u r just fine BUT JUST T
OOO LET U KNOW PICK DAVID ARCHULETA
MANDY RODREGES - 2/26/2008 1:52:00 PM EST -
simon needs to be more discribible and nicer and paula u need to be more meaner and randy u r just fine BUT JUST T
OOO LET U KNOW PICK DAVID ARCHULETA
MANDY RODREGES - 2/26/2008 1:52:00 PM EST
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