Between Monday and Thursday of last week, the gap between Today and GMA was smaller than ever. USA Today reported that the gap narrowed to less than 10,000 viewers, but this morning NBC insisted that the gap was actually between 50,000 and 70,000.

In an e-mail to TVNewser, USAT's Peter Johnson said: "Nielsen -- not NBC or ABC -- confirmed to me this morning that preliminary numbers show that from Monday through Thursday of last week, the gap between the two programs was 8,000 viewers."

While the morning show race is tight, Today will win its 493rd week. The preliminary time period data is in, and while the numbers may change a bit, it's a "solid win" for NBC, a rep said.

> An ABC spokesperson said the network doesn't comment on preliminary numbers. The final data will be released on Thursday. (Last week)

> Update: 3:36pm: A network insider says the GMA team is getting demoralized, adding that "the champagne they were chilling in celebration is now getting consumed out of frustration." ABC rep rolled their eyes and laughed out loud at that suggestion, and said the staff is energized, not demoralized. "What do we have to be demoralized about?," he asked. "That's absurd."

> With the Desperate Housewives season over, GMA is losing its strongest lead-in. NBCers are hopeful that GMA's morning numbers will sag.