Debmar-Mercury announced that “The Wendy Williams Show” has been renewed in 80% of the United States, including 18 of the top 20 markets and 37 of the top 40.
Debmar-Mercury Co-Presidents Mort Marcus and Ira Bernstein said the show has been renewed by stations belonging to the LIN, Tribune, Local TV, Sinclair, Raycom and Granite groups. That’s in addition to the Fox O&Os, which last fall renewed the talk show in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, Dallas and other top markets through 2012.
“Wendy’s ability to attract younger demos stands out to both stations and advertisers in a crowded field of older-skewing talk,” said Bernstein.
“Stations have confirmed our belief that Wendy connects with women, making her one of only a handful of newcomers to succeed in daytime talk in recent years,” added Marcus.
Debmar-Mercury noted that in the key female talk demos that count with advertisers, according to season-to-date national barter rankings through February 28th, Wendy Williams leads a pack that includes “Live with Regis & Kelly,” “The Doctors” and “Rachael Ray” in the 18-34 age group (and finishes within .08 of “Dr. Oz”); surpasses “Rachael Ray” and “The Doctors” within the 18-49 bracket; and remains in a virtual tie with “The Doctors” among the 25-54 set.
Wendy Williams launched nationally on the Fox-owned stations and other major groups in July 2009 for the current season, following a successful six-week, four-market preview on Fox stations in summer 2008. It is sold on a cash-plus-barter basis, with 10 minutes local and four minutes national advertising time available.
