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Saturday, October 26, 2002

By Rob Owen, Post-Gazette TV Editor

Sweeps contests

With the advent of KDKA's 4 p.m. newscast, which has been performing well in the ratings, WPXI will continue its sweeps month contests during "Judge Judy" and its 5 p.m. news.

WTAE will continue its contest at 5 and will add a contest element to "The Oprah Winfrey Show" at 4 p.m.

Stations use contests to boost ratings during the critical sweeps months when Nielsen uses a random sample to measure viewership. Contests have become de rigueur for Channel 11 and Channel 4. November sweeps begins Thursday.

Channel surfing

"NightTalk With John McIntire" gets a new set starting Monday. Previewed yesterday on PCNC's "Honsberger Live," it features a new desk, new carpet and what appeared to be a different background ... WPGH/WCWB general manager Alan Frank has changed his mind about the commercial for radio station WRRK that shows a young woman dancing provocatively in her underwear. Earlier this week he said the spot was appropriate for airing at any time of the day. He now says it will air only after 9 p.m. ... Despite low ratings, NBC has renewed freshman sitcom "Hidden Hills" for a full first season.