NIGHTLINE Is #2, Besting LETTERMAN, For 9th Week In A Row

ABC News' "Nightline" was the No. 2 program among A25-54, A18-49 and Total Viewers for the week of May 17, 2010, according to Nielsen Media Research. This is the ninth week in a row "Nightline" placed second among Total Viewers and the sixth consecutive week among A18-49. Compared to last year, "Nightline" grew +2% among Total Viewers and +2% among A25-54. "Nightline" also increased week to week: +2% among Total Viewers and +3% among A25-54.

"Nightline" continues to cut the total viewing and A25-54 gaps with NBC's "The Tonight Show." Compared to the same week last year, "Nightline" cut the total viewing and Adults 25-54 gap with NBC by 73%. Week to week, "Nightline" cut the total viewing gap with NBC by 11% and the Adults 25-54 gap by 19%.

ABC News' "Nightline" is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran and Martin Bashir. John Donvan and Vicki Mabrey are correspondents. James Goldston is the executive producer. The program airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network.

(Week of May 17, 2010)

TOTAL VIEWERS A25-54(000)/ Rtg A18-49(000)/ Rtg

ABC "Nightline" 3,710,000 1,600,000/ 1.3 1,310,000/ 1.0

CBS "Late Show" 3,460,000 1,580,000/ 1.3 1,200,000/.9

NBC "Tonight" 4,110,000 1,770,000/ 1.4 1,480,000/ 1.1

Source: - The Nielsen Company, NTI Total Viewers, Adults 25-54 & Adults 18-49 Live + SD weeks of 5/17/10, 5/10/10 & 5/18/09.