Poll: Most not swayed by Letterman scandal

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FLEMINGTON, N.J., Oct. 5 (UPI) -- A U.S. media study among 505 viewers of David Letterman's sex scandal confession indicated the majority's perception of Letterman hasn't changed.

The study was conducted by HCD Research using its MediaCurves.com Web site Oct. 1-2 to obtain viewers' opinions of the late-night talk-show host.

Letterman admitted on last Thursday's edition of "Late Show with David Letterman" that he has had sex with female employees of the show. The on-air revelation came after he testified before a grand jury that a man threatened to release the information to the public if he did not pay him $2 million.

A CBS News producer was subsequently arrested and charged in connection with the alleged extortion plot, but he pleaded innocent and was released on bail last week.

Asked if this incident changed their perception of Letterman, 22 percent of respondents said yes, they have a more negative perception of him now; 23 percent said yes, they have a more positive perception of him now; and 55 percent said there is no change in their perception of Letterman.

Questioned about whether this incident changed the likelihood of them watching "The Late Show with David Letterman," 11 percent said yes, they are more likely to watch the show now; 15 percent said, yes, they are less likely to watch now; and 73 percent said it wouldn't affect the likelihood of them watching the show.