Is there a reason why the original 3 networks have their news @11 and the newer netoworks have theirs @ 10?

Question

The original big 3 networks CBS, ABC, and NBC all have 11 o'clock local news. The newer networks like Fox and CW have theirs at 10. Is there any reason for that?

Answer 1

Basically, tradition.

In the good old days (50's), local news was 15 minutes at 6 p.m., followed by a national report from the three networks. (It may have been switched around, come to think of it.) The 30-minute national newscast only dates back to around 1960.

The prime-time networks put entertainment shows on from 7:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., so it was natural for the local stations to put on another news show at 11.

The independent stations had trouble competing with the big news shows -- big budgets for talent and staff. In the late 1960's some station decided to try a 10 o'clock news show to carve out a niche. They were only showing reruns or syndicated programming anyway. It's caught on in many places, particularly since many people go to bed before 11:30 p.m.

I'm not sure why some of the new networks don't put on entertainment shows after 10 on some nights, but it's a natural for affiliates to run news then.

Answer 2

Traditionally 11 pm was when most people were either going to bed or starting to go to bed , so they'd watch the 11 o'clock news in the eastern time zones anyway and then Jack Paar or Johnny Carson usually or eventually David Letterman.

As people began getting up earlier for the commutes they started having news on earlier in the evening.

The CBC has had its National on at both 9 pm and 10 pm for at least a decade now. While CTV and Global have their news on at the traditional 11.

However with the event of 24/7 news you can get news almost anytime you want it.

Answer 3

There is no reason for everything.

Regards