MEDIA LIFE -- Sept 1 -- The number of dating shows on syndication has
dwindled from six in 2002 to two, and both are struggling. In July,
"Blind date" and "Elimidate" averaged a 0.8 and 0.9 household rating,
respectively. Season to date, "Elimidate" has averaged a 1.1
household rating, down 21%. "Blind Date" is down 25% with a 1.2
household rating. "There were too many dating shows, and that
accelerated viewer burnout," says Peter Koeppel, president of
Dallas-based agency Koeppel Direct. "The dating shows may be an
outdated concept." In 2002, there were shows like "Change of
Heart," "Shipmates" and "Fifth Wheel." NBC's fourth edition of "Average
Joe" was down 59% from season one in 2003. ABC's five-part documentary
"Hooking Up" chronicled the online dating scene in New York City and
delivered a weak 3.2 household average. FULL ARTICLE @ MEDIA LIFE

Mark Brooks: Time for some fresh ideas.