GMA Beats the 'Today' Show for First Time in 16 Years

The New York Times reports that ABC's GOOD MORNING AMERICA has beaten NBC's 'Today' in total viewers for the first time in over 16 years. According to preliminary Nielsen ratings, "GMA" had an average of 5,147,000 total viewers for the week of April 9,  13,000 more than the "Today" show average of 5,134,000.

"Today" still held on to the lead over GMA in viewers between the ages 25 to 54, the key demographic for advertisers. However, GMA did prevail over its long-time rival among total viewers, a goal which ABC News has put as a top priority over the last few years.  The win marks the first time "GMA" has won a week outright since December 1995.

An executive at ABC commented that he was "quite proud, and very thankful to our audience." A "GMA" producer,  emailed a one-word comment, "Speechless."

Just two weeks ago, NBC News president Steve Capus commented on the possibility of being overtaken by GMA. Said Capus, "That's a hypothetical that we are not going to have to deal with." He added, "It's not going to happen."

In a statement on Monday, NBC executive producer Jim Bell acknowledged GMA's win, commenting, "'Today's' 852-week winning streak had taken on a life of its own and as odd as it is to see it end, we should acknowledge just how remarkable it has been. So as we tip our caps to the team at "Good Morning America," we can also take a bow ourselves and recognize the work done by countless staffers for so long. It is not an overstatement to call it one of the most incredible achievements in television history, one that is not likely to ever happen again. While the streak has been wonderful affirmation of our work, it has never defined us, and we will continue to innovate, take chances and lead the way."