Network fare may see post-election ratings growth

With the race for the Oval Office considered the most exciting and dramatic narrative this fall, struggling broadcast TV shows might get some ratings relief once election fever subsides. Cable news networks have seen their ratings soar in recent months -- for October, CNN was up 241% compared with last year in its key demo. Meanwhile, political Web sites are reporting record traffic, up triple digits from last year. Ratings for the broadcast networks have been down dramatically this fall, with fingers pointing to a slew of different causes. But the presidential election could be a conveniently transitory factor, though how much any show might benefit from its passing is debatable.