NEW YORK: Nickelodeon has finished Q3 2002 -- its most-watched quarter ever with total viewers - as the number one basic cable network among total viewers and kids aged between 2 and 11 in total day, extending its position at the top spot to seven years.

According to Nielsen Media Research for Q3 '02 (7/1/02-9/29/02), Nickelodeon recorded its biggest audience levels for a quarter ever, delivering 1.8 million total viewers on a 24-hour basis - +six per cent over its prior-year average and +38 per cent of number-two-ranked Lifetime Television (1.3 million total viewers).

Among kids 2-11 in total day for Q3 '02, Nick was number one with a 2.9 rating/21 share (926,000 average kid viewers)--consistent with prior-year levels. Among kids 6-11 in total day, Nickelodeon also finished first, posting a 2.9 rating/21 share (559,000 average kid viewers).

Last month ranked as the networks most-watched September ever among total viewers in total day. Nickelodeon finished first in total day for the month with 1.7 million total viewers, up 13 per cent over its prior-year level. Nick also was first with kids 2-11 in total day for the month, averaging a 2.7/21 share and delivering 840,000 average kid viewers. In prime time, Nick was third with 2.1 million total viewers up +11 per cent over prior year levels.

SpongeBob SquarePants surfaced in Q3 '01 as broadcast and cable televisions number-one kids show and has held onto the top spot ever since. Averaging a 6.6/30 coverage rating and share for the quarter and delivering 2.1 million kids. SpongeBob improved last years time period average among kids 2-11 by +16 per cent in rating and by +17 per cent in delivery.

Since launching on 6 September, The Adventures of Jimmy Neutron, Boy Genius, has averaged a 7.6/31 rating and share (2.4 million average kid viewers) with kids 2-11, up 17 per cent in rating as compared to last year. The shows debut raked in record ratings for Nick, ranking as the networks highest-rated premiere in the its 23-year history. Jimmy Neutron erased the previous record, set by ChalkZone in March, by scoring a 9.3/33 rating and share (2.9 million kid viewers) among kids 2-11an increase of +37 per cent in rating over prior-year levels. With total viewers, Jimmy Neutron also ranks as the networks most-watched premiere ever, delivering 4.3 million persons 2+, 48 per cent more than the prior-year levels.