American Idol became the most expensive series on broadcast networks for advertisers starting season four, and by the next season, it had broken the record in advertising rate for a regularly scheduled prime-time network series, selling over $700,000 for a 30-seconds slot, and reaching up to $1.3 million for the finale. Its ad prices reached a peak in season seven at $737,000. Estimated revenue more than doubled from $404 million in season three to $870 million in season six. While that declined from season eight onwards, it still earned significantly more than its nearest competitor, with advertising revenue topping $800 million annually the next few seasons. However, the sharp drop in ratings in season eleven also resulted in a sharp drop in advertising rate for season twelve, and the show lost its leading position as the costliest show for advertisers. By 2014, ad revenue from had fallen to $427 million where a 30-second spot went for less than $300,000. COUNT 6
QSN1 In which season did American Idol become the costliest show for advertising on television?  ANS1 season four QSN2 How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot on the American Idol season four finale? ANS2 $1.3 million QSN3 How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot during American Idol in 2014?  ANS3 less than $300,000 QSN4 How much did advertisers spend for a 30 second ad spot during American Idol in its seventh season?  ANS4 $737,000 QSN5 By what season was Idol the  highest advertising cost of all shows? ANS5 four QSN6 How much did Idol earn in ad revenue alone for season 8? ANS6 800 million