Time to dig out those cooking shows pitches: the Food Network needs help.

The New York Post‘s Claire Atkinson reportes that FN and HGTV ratings have fallen off in the end of 2010: What’s more, the network’s quarterly declines worsened throughout the year, falling 3.3% in the second quarter and 4.5% in the third quarter, according to Nielsen figures. … Most troubling, primetime ratings for women — the primary audience for both channels — were down in December. Food Network ratings among women ages 18 to 49, and 25 to 54, fell 9 percent last month.

The article goes on to say that Bravo, Discovery and other networks are running food-related shows that are making a big dent in FN’s viewership.

FN, of course, has seen stellar jumps in viewership in previous years –- so a small decline is not catastrophic. Competition also comes from the FN‘s sister network, the Cooking Channel and the stalwart PBS. But the fact is that FN is now largely devoid of cooking shows hosted by prominent professional chefs.

Maybe its time for a change. Instead of more competition reality shows like Iron Chef, Top Chef or Kitchen Nightmares, perhaps chefs need to suggest shows with more integrity and value.

Where are the cooking shows for children?

Aren’t some of the women 18 to 49 and 25 to 54 cooking for their young families or with their children?

Chefs have children and cook for those kids.

Who is pitching new shows for them?

Related news:
The Hollywood Reporter
New York Post
Huffington Post
Food Network Humor

(Image from This Dish is Veg)