Networks bask in summer series

The four major broadcast TV networks are enjoying a sunny summer in terms of viewership, thanks to strong showings of series repeats and more original programs, according to Nielsen Media Research ratings.

The combined audience for CBS, ABC, NBC and Fox is up 4% in the first three weeks of the summer season, compared with the same period last year. It’s the first time since 2000 that viewership is on the rise during the first three weeks of summer.

Meanwhile, the 10 top basic cable networks , which had benefited in recent years when the big networks turned to repeats, seem to be suffering in comparison. Household ratings and audience share for those channels are down 10% from last year.

-- Greg Braxton