VH1 Finishes Its 'Best Year Ever' in 2005

Primetime Ratings Soar 33%

Music and Pop Culture Network Attracts Highest Number of Viewers Ever in Its 20-Year History

NEW YORK, Dec. 19 -- From high-profile music events like "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" to a record-breaking string of successful "Celebreality" series, ratings triumphs were a reality at VH1 throughout 2005.

According to Nielsen Media Research*, the music and pop culture network averaged a .4 in primetime among the key 18-49 demo throughout the year -- a 33% increase over last year's average. 2005 will also be remembered as VH1's most watched year in its 20-year history. The network posted a 16% increase in total viewers compared to 2004's average.

VH1's ratings surge was powered by such stellar music events as "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" and the return of the "Storytellers" franchise with Bruce Springsteen, Coldplay, Green Day and Dave Matthews as well as an unprecedented run of hit original series including "Hogan Knows Best," "The Surreal Life 4 and 5," "Celebrity Fit Club 1 and 2," "Breaking Bonaduce," "My Fair Brady" and "Strange Love."

In primetime, VH1 delivered an average 600,000 total viewers -- a 16% increase over last year's average of 519,000 total viewers. In the 18-49 demo, VH1 averaged 389,000 viewers -- a 13% increase over 2004's average.

In total day, VH1 averaged 355,000 -- a 16% increase over 2004's average. Among 18-49 viewers, VH1 delivered an average 233,000 total viewers -- a 14% increase compared to the average for 2004.

Additional VH1 ratings highlights for 2005:

-- This past quarter is VH1's 14th consecutive quarter of total viewer growth.

-- "Hogan Knows Best," starring Hulk Hogan and his family, debuted as the highest rated series in VH1 history on July and the network's second highest rated telecast in its 20-year history. Earning a 1.9 in the 18-49 demo, the series helped fuel a night of premieres that was seen by an overall 10.2 million viewers. Other premieres that night included "The Surreal Life 5," which averaged a 1.5 in the demo and "Celebrity Fit Club 2, which averaged a 1.4 in the demo.

-- VH1's premiere of its 2nd annual "VH1 Hip Hop Honors" telecast on Monday, September 26 scored a .9 in the key 18-49 demo -- a +29% increase over last year's inaugural event. The telecast also averaged a 1.4 million total viewers (P 2+) -- a 40% increase over last year's telecast. Hosted by Russell Simmons and Reverend Run, VH1 paid homage to hip hop founders, including LL Cool J, Big Daddy Kane, Grandmaster Flash and The Furious Five, Notorious B.I.G., Ice T, Salt-N-Pepa and the film "Boyz N The Hood."

-- "Celebrity Fit Club" averaged a 1.0 in the 18-49 demo and 1.4 million total viewers for its first full season of eight premiere episodes. The final episode on March 13 averaged a 1.3 in the 18-49 demo and 1.8 million total viewers. The series featured Daniel Baldwin, Kim Coles, Joe Gannascoli ("The Sopranos"), Biz Markie, Ralphie May, Judge Mablean Ephriam ("Divorce Court"), Mia Tyler and Wendy the Snapple Lady all competing on teams to lose the most weight.

-- The season finale of VH1's "My Fair Brady" on Sunday, November 6 was the #1 non-sports program of the day with a stellar 1.2 rating in the key 18-49 demo, averaging 1.8 million total viewers P2+.

-- The VH1 "Big in '05 Awards" on Sunday, December 4 commanded a .9 rating in the demo and drew 1.37 million total viewers, up +30% from last year's 1.05 million. The telecast also averaged 946,000 P18-49, up +41% year-to-year.

-- New series "Strange Love," starring Flavor Flav and Brigitte Nielsen, debuted on January 9 as VH1's then highest rated series premiere of all time, averaging a 1.3 rating in the 18-49 demo. An average of 1.8 million viewers P 2+ tuned into the first episode.

Learn more about these and all other VH1 programs at http://www.vh1.com.

VH1 connects viewers to the music, artists and pop culture that matter to them most with series, specials, live events, exclusive online content and public affairs initiatives. VH1 is available in over 87 million households in the U.S. VH1 also has an array of digital services including VH1 Classic, VH1 Soul, VH Uno, VH1 Mega Hits and VH1 Country. Connect with VH1 at http://www.VH1.com.

* Nielsen Media Research, 12/27/2004 - 12/15/2005

SOURCE VH1
Web Site: http://www.vh1.com