NEWSMAKERS

NEWSMAKERS

Dramas, basketball propel CBS back to the top in ratings

NEW YORK

CBS is back on top of the weekly Nielsen ratings, propelled by its drama-heavy lineup and the NCAA men’s basketball tournament, which gave life to a normally quiet Saturday night schedule.

“NCIS” was the week’s most-watched program, with the CBS drama seen by 15 million viewers. NBC’s “Little Big Shots” was second, with Steve Harvey’s family-friendly show appearing to be a Sunday night hit.

Fox’s airing of “The Passion” from New Orleans on Palm Sunday was seen by 6.6 million viewers, more than any other show on the network last week aside from “American Idol.”

For the week, CBS averaged 7.7 million viewers in prime time. NBC had 6.2 million, ABC had 5.6 million, Fox had 3.9 million, Univision had 1.8 million, ION Television had 1.4 million, Telemundo had 1.2 million and the CW had 770,000.

‘Real Housewives’ husband set to begin prison sentence

NEWARK, N.J.

The husband of one of New Jersey’s “Real Housewives” is heading to prison.

An attorney for Joe Giudice says the husband of “Real Housewives of New Jersey” star Teresa Giudice is expected to report to the Fort Dix federal prison Wednesday to begin serving a 41-month sentence for bankruptcy fraud.

Teresa Guidice finished her 15-month sentence in December. A judge staggered their sentences so they could care for their four daughters.

The two pleaded guilty in 2014 and admitted they hid assets from bankruptcy creditors and submitted phony loan applications to get $5 million in mortgages and construction loans.

Joe Giudice also admitted he didn’t pay about $200,000 in taxes.

He has been living in the country illegally and will be deported to Italy after completing his sentence.

Associated Press