Showbiz: Oscar turn-off

War was hell on Oscar viewership, but that didn't keep its American broadcaster, ABC, from reaping the benefits of record advertising rates.

With the conflict in Iraq weighing heavily on the minds of Americans, the subdued 75th anniversary edition of the Academy Awards entered the record books on Monday as the least watched Oscar telecast.

ABC's 3 1/2-hour live broadcast of the ceremony, notable for its rolled-up red carpet and abundance of stars wearing toned-down fashions, drew a household rating of 20.4, the lowest level going back to the first televised Oscar show in 1953 and down nearly 20 per cent from last year's previous all-time low. Each rating point equals 1 per cent of the estimated 106.7 million US homes with television sets.

In terms of actual viewers, the Oscar telecast, hosted by comedian Steve Martin, drew an average audience of 33.05 million, the smallest for the Oscars since 1974, the first year for which figures are available.

The network commanded a record US$1.35 million ($2.44 million) on average for each 30-second advertising spot sold for the Oscars, up 10 per cent from last year. Based on ABC's plans to air 58 commercials during the show, the network stood to gain about US$78 million in Oscar ad revenues.

Crowe-ing about Nicole

Russell Crowe has celebrated Nicole Kidman's Oscar triumph by paying tribute to her strength, talent and dedication and comparing her to Hollywood legend Katharine Hepburn.

Said Crowe: "It was one of those years when you know every actress nominated will sooner or later be an Oscar winner.

"Nicole's dedication, brilliance, resilience and generosity has been lauded, applauded and finally handsomely rewarded.

"I couldn't be happier for her, her family, her pets, everyone. It [the Oscar] won't be her last - she's the next [Katharine] Hepburn."

Hepburn, who last year celebrated her 95th birthday, still reigns as the only four-time Oscar recipient for acting.

Crowe, 38, who won the best actor Oscar in 2001 for his performance in Gladiator, was singled out by Kidman as she burst into tears during her acceptance speech.

Baby boy for Potter author

Harry Potter author J. K. Rowling has given birth to a boy.

The baby - named David Gordon Rowling Murray - was born on Sunday afternoon at the Simpson Centre for Reproductive Health at the new Royal Infirmary in Edinburgh.

Rowling's publicist, Nicky Stonehill, said: "Both mother and baby are doing well."

Stonehill would not give any further details, but confirmed Rowling and the baby - her second child - had been released from hospital.

- REUTERS