Nightline EP Goldston Talks Post-Leno Ratings Race: “It Will Become Very Tight”

Now that The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien premiere is just days away, the questions about who will take over first place in late night have gotten louder. The New York Post’s Michael Starr takes a look at the impending ratings battle, and describes how ABC’s Nightline will be a player in the race.

“Nightline,” which was revitalized three years ago with new anchors and a new format, has made huge inroads against Letterman’s audience at 11:30, particularly among older adults. Some nights, it has even beaten the “Tonight” show, that was practically unheard of when Ted Koppel anchored the show.

“I don’t think, by any means, it’s a foregone conclusion who’s going to be No. 1 in the timeslot,” says “Nightline” executive producer James Goldston.

• Earlier: TVNewser’s interview with Goldston last month.

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