CBS had a problem last season - it's the only broadcast network which saw more viewers from last year, but it still had less advertising revenue than its previous year because of a "depressed market." One of the changes it is affecting then is moving The Mentalist, described by critics as broadcast TV's only real new hit this season, from Tuesday to Thursday nights at 10pm. The reason for the move, as expected, is strategic, because Thursdays are important for networks as they seek income from advertisers such as film studios looking ahead to the weekend. CBS adds that it sees Jay Leno's new comedy, set for a 10pm airing every night, on NBC as an opportunity to win the hour.
"No matter how well he does, there's going to be more (audience) share available at 10 o'clock for people who put on great dramas," CBS Corp. chief executive Leslie Moonves said, "and that's what we do."
