KGMB-9 is in a virtual first- place tie with longtime news leader KHON-2 in the primetime 10 p.m. slot. It has narrowed the gap to striking position in a competitive TV news race.

"This is really a success story for KGMB-9 News," said Tauna Lange, the station's news director. "We've been seeing the news leadership in the market shifting. Staying true to what viewers want in a local newscast continues to move us forward and we've got the people to make it happen."

KHON's news broadcast with anchor Joe Moore still dominates at 6 p.m.; the Fox affiliate is the only station pulling double-digit rating figures, with a 13 rating at 6 p.m. weekdays. One rating point equals 3,827 Hawai'i households. However, KHON's lead is eroding elsewhere, after years of domination.

KGMB has changes planned on Jan. 2, when Keahi Tucker joins Kim Gennaula to co-anchor the 6 p.m. news. Tucker, a former KGMB intern-associate producer, has done substitute anchoring and general reporting since returning to Honolulu in the fall from Baltimore.

Gennaula will continue as solo anchor at 5 and 10 p.m.

KHON and KGMB have been owned by Emmis Communications Corp., creating a duopoly (two stations operated by one owner). Blackstone Group of New York and SJL Broadcast Group of California are in the process of acquiring KHON; KGMB is not part of the transaction, but Emmis still is attempting to negotiate a sale of the station.

Rick Blangiardi, senior vice president and general manager for KHON, was not available for comment.

In primetime, ABC's "Lost" was the No. 1 show in this market, with a 19 rating; CBS' "CSI" (the original), No. 2, with an 18 rating; ABC's "Desperate Housewives" and "Grey's Anatomy" tied for No. 3 with a 15 rating.