Fang's Bites

Maple Leafs-Bruins, Game 7 Scores The Third-Highest Hockey Rating in NESN History

NESN is definitely sad about not being able to carry another Boston Bruins game this season. The last game of the season on Monday, Game 7 between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Bruins received a 16.8 rating with a 26 share in Boston. That is the third highest Bruins rating in the history of the regional sports network dating back to 1984.

It was the best rating of the series, beating the previous high, a 14.3 for Game 6 on Sunday. In fact, the series averaged an 11.7 rating for the 7 games. Two of the five highest-rated Bruins games came during the Leafs-B’s series.

Here’s the NESN press release.

BRUINS-MAPLE LEAFS GAME #7 RECEIVED A 16.8 HH RATING
3^rd BEST IN NESN BRUINS HISTORY

May 15, 2013 –  NESN televised every game of the Bruins Eastern Conference Quarterfinal series against the Maple Leafs and garnered a series-best 16.8 average household rating in the Boston DMA (26 Share) for Monday night’s game 7. The Bruins incredible third period comeback and 5-4 overtime win ranks as NESN’s third highest rated hockey game since the network’s inception in 1984.

NESN’s game coverage during the Bruins 7 game series against the Maple Leafs averaged a 11.7 HH rating, which included 2 of the top 5 highest rated Bruins games in NESN history. NESN’s highest-rated Bruins game ever was game 7 of last year’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Capitals (4/25/12) which received a 19.6 HH rating (31 Share) in the Boston DMA.

NESN’s Top 5 Bruins Game Ratings of All-Time
Date	Opponent	Rating
4/25/12	Washington (Game 7)	19.6
4/27/11	Montreal (Game 7)	17.7
5/13/13	Toronto (Game 7)	16.8
5/6/11	Philadelphia (Game 4)	15.2
5/12/13	Toronto (Game 6)	14.3

That will do it.

Golf Channel and NBC See Big Numbers for the Players Championship

Thanks to a Sergio Garcia/Tiger Woods duel down the stretch of The Players Championship, NBC saw its highest numbers for the final round in 20 years. The Peacock saw a 5.0 rating and 7.6 million viewers.

For the third round, NBC garnered a 2.6 rating and 3.7 million viewers.

Golf Channel saw an average of 1.7 million viewers for first round coverage of The Players, highest for any first round on the network.

Here’s the Golf Channel/NBC press release.

MOST-WATCHED WEEK EVER FOR THE PLAYERS ON GOLF CHANNEL

NBC’s Final Round Coverage Garnered 7.6 Million Viewers, Making It the Most-Watched Final Round at THE PLAYERS in more than 20 Years
Golf Channel’s LIVE FROM THE PLAYERS and Digital Content Post Record Numbers for THE PLAYERS Championship

ORLANDO, Fla. (May 14, 2013) – THE PLAYERS Championship’s coverage on NBC and Golf Channel last week caught the attention of America with record audiences for its tournament coverage and signature programming according to data released today by The Nielsen Company.

NBC Sports Group’s comprehensive coverage of THE PLAYERS experienced surges in viewership across the board, highlighted by:

• NBC’s final round coverage on Sunday garnering 7.6 million viewers (+59% YOY), 5.0 rating, making it the most-watched final round at THE PLAYERS in more than 20 years
• NBC’s third round coverage on Saturday pulling in 3.7 million viewers (+12%), 2.6 rating, which was the best since 2009
• Golf Channel’s first round coverage on Thursday posting the most-watched first round in the history of THE PLAYERS with 1.7 million viewers (+54% YOY)

Golf Channel posted its most-viewed week ever for THE PLAYERS on record as more than 11.5 million unique viewers (+23% YOY) tuned in to Golf Channel during the week. It also was

Golf Channel’s most-watched week ever for THE PLAYERS with 212,000 average viewers per minute for 24-hour Total Day (6AM-6AM), which represents a 25% increase year-over-year.  Contributing to this success was record numbers for Golf Channel’s news programming and digital content including:

• 96 hours of LIVE FROM THE PLAYERS – 160,000 average viewers (+50% YOY)

• Golf Channel’s LIVE FROM THE PLAYERS audience peaked on Sunday with 1.4 million average viewers for both the 15 minutes leading into and out of NBC’s coverage (1:15-1:30 PM and 7:15-7:30 PM)

• Most-watched LIVE FROM THE PLAYERS on Sunday from 8 AM to 1:30 PM – 679,000 average viewers (+20% YOY)

• Most-watched “Prime-time” LIVE FROM with Sunday’s night telecast (7:11 PM – 9:11 PM) delivering 646,000 average viewers (+339% YOY)

• GolfChannel.com drew 1.08 million unique visitors, 50% YOY, making it the website’s  most-clicked week ever for THE PLAYERS

• Golf Channel Mobile App drew 319K unique visitors, 69% YOY, making it the app’s most-clicked week ever for THE PLAYERS

That’s all.

Game 7 of Toronto-Boston Sets Ratings Record for Hockey Night in Canada

The result may not have been what CBC and Maple Leaf Nation wanted, but the viewership for Game 7 of the Toronto-Boston NHL Stanley Cup Conference Quarterfinal on Monday set a record for Canada’s public broadcaster. More than 5.1 million Canadians watched the game which broke a record for an opening round playoff game and also a Toronto Maple Leafs broadcast.

The previous high was the previous night, Game 6 of the series which garnered 4.5 million viewers. During the seven game series, the viewership for CBC averaged 3.53 million people. Viewership peaked at 8.2 million people when the Bruins’ Patrice Bergeron scored the game-winning goal in overtime.

I’m awaiting the numbers from Boston and from NESN. Heard some preliminary numbers, but can’t report them yet.

Here’s the CBC press release.

CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA SETS AUDIENCE RECORD WITH TORONTO VS. BOSTON GAME 7 BROADCAST

An average audience of more than 5.1 million Canadians tuned in to the Eastern Conference Quarter-Final Game 7 between Maple Leafs and Bruins on Monday night
CBC’s coverage of the opening round averaged more than 2 million viewers per game overall

May 14, 2013 – A record number of Canadians tuned in to CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA Monday night to watch Game 7 of the thrilling Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Boston Bruins Stanley Cup Playoffs first round series on CBC. With more than 5.1 million viewers, the game shattered the previous records for both an opening round game and for any Toronto Maple Leafs playoff game broadcast on CBC-TV since metered measurement began.

“We’re thrilled at how Canadians have overwhelmingly embraced CBC’s coverage and joined the yearly tradition that is the Stanley Cup Playoffs on CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada,” said Julie Bristow, executive director, studio and unscripted programming, CBC. “These audience numbers are a reflection of the passion our country has for this great game and we’re excited to continue to fuel the excitement with two star-studded match-ups in the second round.”

The new record comes just one day after a new audience high was set by Sunday’s Game 6 of the Toronto/Boston series, with an average audience of 4.5 million viewers. The previous average audience record for an opening round game on CBC was 3.9 million for Game 6 of the Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Ottawa Senators series on April 18, 2004. Monday night’s game also broke the record for a Maple Leafs playoff broadcast on CBC of 4.27 million viewers, which was set by Game 7 of the Toronto vs. Los Angeles Kings Conference Final series on May 29, 1993.

The Toronto/Boston series as a whole set a new record with an average audience of 3.53 million viewers across the seven games making it the most-watched opening round series ever on CBC, surpassing the Montreal Canadiens/Boston Bruins first round match-up in 2011 which averaged 2.85 million viewers over seven games.

In addition to the average audience, ratings data from the Bureau of Broadcast Measurement (BBM) show that last night’s game reached more than 12.9 million Canadians, or 40 per cent of the population. The audience for the game peaked at nearly 8.2 million viewers at 10:04 p.m. ET when Boston’s Patrice Bergeron scored the series-winning goal in overtime.

Monday night’s Toronto/Boston game was the most-watched game of a very strong opening round overall on CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA that saw an average per-game audience of 2.03 million viewers, up 17 per cent over last season’s first round. The Ottawa Senators vs. Montreal Canadiens series averaged more than 2.04 million viewers per game, bringing the average audience for series involving Canadian teams to 2.9 million viewers – an increase of 33 per cent over last year’s Canadian team match-ups on CBC.

Online coverage of the first round at CBCSports.ca experienced audience increases in several areas including a 22 per cent increase in average daily unique visitors to the website and an 18 per cent jump in average daily page views, compared to last year’s opening round.

(Television audience numbers source: NMR Mark II 1993 & 2004, BBM Canada, PPM, Total Canada, Preliminary Overnights, Ind. 2+, 2013)

(Online audience number source: 2013 SiteCatalyst)

There you have it.

NESN Garners its 4th Best Ever Rating for the Bruins

Game 6 of the Boston Bruins-Toronto Maple Leafs series registered the best rating of the series for NESN on Sunday. The game received a 14.3 rating with a 23. Through six games, the series is averaging a 10.8 rating in the Boston MMA.

Overall, the Bruins game was the 4th highest rated playoff game of all-time for the regional sports network. It marks the highest-rated playoff game of this season. Last year’s Game 7 between the Bruins and Washington Caps was the highest-rated in the network’s history.

Tonight’s Game 7 should be higher than last night’s contest. Here’s the press release.

NESN TO AIR BRUINS – MAPLE LEAFS GAME 7 TONIGHT

Game #6 14.3 HH Rating 4^th Best in NESN Bruins History

May 13, 2013 – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, will deliver live and regionally exclusive coverage of game 7 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs Eastern Conference Quarterfinals tonight with pre-game coverage beginning at 6:00 PM. NESN, which has televised every game of the series averaging a 10.8 HH rating through 6 games, garnered a series best 14.3 average household rating (23 Share) in the Boston DMA for game 6 on Sunday night. The 14.3 rating now stands as the 4^th best rating for a Bruins game in network history.

NESN’s highest-rated Bruins game ever was game 7 of last year’s Eastern Conference Quarterfinals against the Washington Capitals (4/25/12) which garnered a 19.6 HH rating (31 Share) in the Boston DMA.  Four of NESN’s top six rated Bruins games of all time are game 7’s, with the only other exception being game 4 of the Bruins four game sweep of the Flyers in the 2011 Conference Semifinals.

NESN’s Top 6 Bruins Playoff Game Ratings of All-Time
Date	Opponent	Rating
4/25/12	Washington (Game 7)	19.6
4/27/11	Montreal (Game 7)	17.7
5/6/11	Philadelphia (Game 4)	15.2
5/12/13	Toronto (Game 6)	14.3
5/14/09	Carolina (Game 7)	14.1
5/14/10	Philadelphia (Game 7)	13.2

That’s it.

NBC Crows About Kentucky Derby Viewership

NBC has to be pleased about the viewership for the Kentucky Derby. As Orb circled the Churchill Downs track to win the 139th edition of the Run for the Roses, an estimated 16.2 million people watched the race marking the third time in five years that the Kentucky Derby has reached over 16 million viewers. The number is 9% higher than last year and 12% from 2011.

Overall, the Derby hit a 9.7 rating with a 21 share and that’s up 8% from 2012. So you can surmise that NBC’s strategy to promote the race on its multiple platforms is very successful.

By the way, Louisville had the highest rating of all local markets with an astonishing 43.7 rating with a 69 share. That’s amazing number.

Here’s NBC’s press release.

16.2 MILLION WATCH KENTUCKY DERBY ON NBC

2^nd Most-Watched Kentucky Derby Since 1989
Viewership up 9% from Last Year; Up 12% from 2011
9.7 National Rating up 8% from Last Year; Up 14% from 2011
NBC Sports ‘Big Event Strategy’ Leads to More Than 16 Million Viewers for 3^rd Time in 5 years

NEW YORK – May 7, 2013 – NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby drew 16.2 million viewers, making it the second most-watched Kentucky Derby since 1989. The viewership for the race is up nine percent from last year’s Derby (14.8 million), and up 12 percent from the Derby in 2011 (14.5 million), according to official national data provided today by The Nielsen Company.

Utilizing NBC Sports’ ‘Big Event Strategy,’ three of the last five Kentucky Derby races have recorded at least 16 million viewers.

Saturday’s race (6:05-6:53 p.m. ET), won by Orb, is the second most-watched Kentucky Derby dating back to 1989 (18.5 million on ABC), only surpassed by the 2010 Derby won by Super Saver (16.5 million).

• The household rating of 9.7/21 is the best since 2010 (9.8/23), and tied 2009 as the second highest-rated Derby since 1992 (10.3/30 on ABC).
• The 9.7/21 rating is up eight percent from last year’s race (9.0/20) and up 14 percent from 2011 (8.5/19).
• The pre-race on NBC (5-6:05 p.m. ET) drew 9.1 million viewers, an increase of 12 percent from last year (8.1 million) and is the second-best pre-race viewership dating back to 1992.
• NBC Sports Network’s five-hour pre-race show (11 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET) drew 500k viewers, up 19 percent from last year (421k).

MORE PEOPLE WATCH THE DERBY ON NBC: NBC Sports’ coverage of the Kentucky Derby over the last 13 races averages more than 2 million more viewers than the previous 12 Kentucky Derby broadcasts on ABC (14.3 million vs.12.0 million, up 19 percent). NBC’s average viewership of 14.3 million over the last 13 Kentucky Derby broadcasts is more than six million more than the last six years that ABC aired the Derby (1995-2000).

KENTUCKY DERBY CONTINUES TO BE A HIT WITH FEMALE VIEWERS: The Kentucky Derby once again proved to be very popular with female viewers. In fact, 52 percent of Derby viewers were women, making it the only annual sporting event that draws more female viewers than male viewers.

KENTUCKY DERBY VIEWERSHIP
2013	16.2 million	NBC	Orb
2012	14.8 million	NBC	I’ll Have Another
2011	14.5 million	NBC	Animal Kingdom
2010	16.5 million	NBC	Super Saver
2009	16.1 million	NBC	Mine That Bird
2008	14.2 million	NBC	Big Brown
2007	13.7 million	NBC	Street Sense
2006	12.9 million	NBC	Barbaro
2005	13.6 million	NBC	Giacomo
2004	14.6 million	NBC	Smarty Jones
2003	11.8 million	NBC	Funny Cide
2002	12.8 million	NBC	War Emblem
2001	13.5 million	NBC	Monarchos
2000	9.1 million	ABC	Fusaichi Pegasus
1999	9.9 million	ABC	Charismatic
1998	9.5 million	ABC	Real Quiet
1997	11.3 million	ABC	Silver Charm
1996	11.0 million	ABC	Grindestone
1995	9.3 million	ABC	Thunder Gulch
1994	12.1 million	ABC	Go For Gin
1993	11.5 million	ABC	Sea Hero
1992	13.7 million	ABC	Lil E Tee
1991	13.4 million	ABC	Strike The Gold
1990	15.6 million	ABC	Unbridled
1989	18.5 million	ABC	Sunday Silence

TOP METERED MARKETS FOR 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY (Race Portion)

1.	Louisville	43.7/69
2.	Ft. Myers	19.7/37
3.	Cincinnati	18.8/37
T4.	Knoxville	18.4/31
T4.	West Palm Beach	18.4/35
6.	Buffalo	15.9/33
7.	Oklahoma City	15.1/25
8.	Columbus	14.8/31
9.	Indianapolis	13.9/28
10.	Nashville	13.2/22
11.	Jacksonville	13.1/21
12.	Orlando	12.8/28
13.	Richmond	12.7/22
14.	Tampa-St. Pete	12.5/23
15.	Baltimore	12.4/26
T16.	Boston	12.2/28
T16.	Washington D.C.	12.2/27
18.	Dayton	11.7/24
19.	Minneapolis-St. Paul	11.6/28
T20.	Greensboro	11.5/23
T20.	New York	11.5/26

That’s all.

Kentucky Derby Ties for Highest Overnight Ratings in 21 Years

NBC Sports is crowing about the overnight ratings for the race portion of its coverage of the Kentucky Derby. In the hour of 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. ET, NBC received a 10.4 number with a 23 share. That’s the highest overnights for the Run for the Roses since 2010 and the best since a 10.9/29 in 1992 when the race was on ABC.

NBC breaks down the numbers for you below.

KENTUCKY DERBY OVERNIGHT RATING ON NBC TIES FOR BEST IN 21 YEARS

Race Portion up 16% and Pre-Race up 15% from 2012
Louisville Leads All Local Markets with a 43.7/69; up 38% from 2012

NEW YORK – May 5, 2013 – NBC Sports’ coverage of Saturday’s Kentucky Derby, won by Orb, drew a 10.4 overnight rating and a 23 share for the race portion (6-7 p.m. ET), up 16% from the 2012 Kentucky Derby, according to overnight data provided today by The Nielsen Company. The 10.4 overnight rating ties the 2010 race as the best for a Kentucky Derby in 21 years (10.9/29 in 1992).

Overnight Ratings Notes:

• The pre-race coverage on NBC (5-6 p.m. ET) drew a 6.2/15 overnight rating, up 15% from last year, tying 2010 as the best for the pre-race since 2007.
• Coverage from 4-4:30 p.m. ET received a 3.1/8, the best since NBC began 4 p.m. coverage in 2008;
• Coverage from 4:30-5 p.m. ET received a 4.1/10, also the best since NBC began coverage at 4:30 p.m. (in 2007).

NOTE: National ratings and viewership for the race portion will be available on Tuesday, May 7. National ratings for the early coverage will be available on Thursday, May 9.

KENTUCKY DERBY OVERNIGHTS (Race Portion)

	YEAR			OVERNIGHT	NETWORK	WINNING HORSE
	2013			10.4/23	NBC	Orb
	2012			9.0/20	NBC	I’ll Have Another
	2011			9.7/22	NBC	Animal Kingdom
	2010			10.4/23	NBC	Super Saver
	2009			10.2/22	NBC	Mine That Bird
	2008			9.5/21	NBC	Big Brown
	2007			9.8/21	NBC	Street Sense
	2006			8.9/20	NBC	Barbaro
	2005			10.0/23	NBC	Giacomo
	2004			10.1/22	NBC	Smarty Jones
	2003			8.9/20	NBC	Funny Cide
	2002			9.3/21	NBC	War Emblem
	2001			9.4/22	NBC	Monarchos
	2000			7.4/18	ABC	Fusaichi Pegasus
	1999			7.5/19	ABC	Charismatic
	1998			7.7/19	ABC	Real Quiet
	1997			8.8/20	ABC	Silver Charm
	1996			9.4/23	ABC	Grindstone
	1995			7.2/18	ABC	Thunder Gulch
	1994			8.2/21	ABC	Go For Gin
	1993			9.4/21	ABC	Sea Hero
	1992			10.9/29	ABC	Lil E Tee

Louisville topped all metered markets with a 43.7/69. For the race portion, 47 of the 56 Nielsen metered markets showed ratings gains from last year.

TOP METERED MARKETS FOR 2013 KENTUCKY DERBY (Race Portion)

1.	Louisville	43.7/69
2.	Ft. Myers	19.7/37
3.	Cincinnati	18.8/37
T4.	Knoxville	18.4/31
T4.	West Palm Beach	18.4/35
6.	Buffalo	15.9/33
7.	Oklahoma City	15.1/25
8.	Columbus	14.8/31
9.	Indianapolis	13.9/28
10.	Nashville	13.2/22

That is it for this post.

NBC Sports Group Crows About 2013 NHL Regular Season Viewership

The NBC Sports Group is bullish about the NHL as the league enters the best postseason in sports. Regular season ratings ended with double digit increases for both NBC and NBC Sports Network. Viewership on NBCSN gave the Peacock the most viewed NHL regular season on cable dating back to the 1993-94 season on ESPN/ESPN2.

Viewership for 13 regular season games on NBC was up 15% from the previous season. That’s not counting the Winter Classic which was not played this season. For NBC Sports Network, viewership increased 18% from the season before.

NBCSN averaged 332,000 viewers for its regular season coverage. For its Wednesday Night Rivalry games, NBC Sports Network had an even higher viewership, almost 650,000 people. Two Wednesday night games gave NBCSN its highest viewership for an NHL regular season game and seven of its top eight. Expect the rivalry games to return next season.

Here’s the NBC Sports Group press release.

REGULAR-SEASON NHL VIEWERSHIP ON NBC SPORTS NETWORK IS BEST ON CABLE IN NEARLY TWO DECADES

Viewership on NBC Up 15%

NEW YORK – April 30, 2013 – More viewers watched the NHL regular season on NBC Sports Network this year than in any previous year since the channel began televising games in 2005-06. The 2013 NHL regular season on NBC Sports Network was also the most-watched season on cable in nearly two decades, and up 18 percent vs. last year.

Final NHL regular-season viewership on NBC won’t be available until Thursday, but this season, excluding the Winter Classic, is expected to be the most-watched on the network since 2005-06, when NBC Sports regained rights to broadcast NHL games. Through 13 games, regular-season viewership on NBC is up 15 percent this year, excluding the Winter Classic, which was not played this season.

“Despite unique programming challenges, NHL viewership grew this year and set numerous records and milestones across both NBC and NBC Sports Network, including a successful new franchise with Wednesday Night Rivalry,” said Jon Miller, President, Programming, NBC Sports and NBC Sports Network. “Considering there was a shortened season, no Winter Classic and no All-Star programming, these results speak well of the NHL’s popularity and the strength of our partnership.”

NBC SPORTS NETWORK

NBC Sports Network’s coverage of the 2013 NHL regular season averaged 392,000 viewers, up 18 percent from last year (332,000), and is the most-watched regular season on cable in 19 years (ESPN/ESPN2 1993/94 – 474,000).

• On the strength of the newly-created Wednesday Night Rivalry series, the 2013 season delivered the top two most-watched regular-season games in NBC Sports Network history, and seven of the top eight.

Game	Date	Avg. Viewers
Boston–N.Y. Rangers	January 23, 2013	956,000
Philadelphia-Pittsburgh	February, 20, 2013	901,000
Boston-Philadelphia	October 6, 2011	874,000
Buffalo-Boston	April 17, 2013	847,000
Chicago-Minnesota	January 30, 2013	827,000
Montreal-Boston	March 3, 2013	813,000
Montreal-Boston	March, 27, 2013	773,000
Boston-Montreal	February 6, 2013	771,000

• NBC Sports Network’s 14 Wednesday Night Rivalry telecasts averaged 646,000 viewers, up 46 percent from the 2011-12 exclusive time-period average for Wednesday night telecasts (443,000). Viewership was up 64 percent in the advertiser-coveted Adults 18-49 demographic.
• With 956,000 viewers, the inaugural Wednesday Night Rivalry matchup between Boston and the New York Rangers (Jan. 23) set the record for the most-watched NHL regular-season game in NBC Sports Network history. It was also the most-watched such game on cable in over a decade (ESPN, 1-23-02, San Jose-Detroit, 1.28 million).

NBC

• Through 13 games and excluding the Winter Classic, which was not played this season, viewership on NBC has averaged 1.5 million viewers, up 15 percent from 2011-12. When viewership figures are finalized on Thursday, this season is expected to be the most-watched on the network since 2005-06, when NBC regained rights to broadcast NHL games.
• The 2013 opening game telecast of the NHL regular season on NBC, featuring the Chicago Blackhawks-Los Angeles Kings and the Pittsburgh Penguins-Philadelphia Flyers (regionalized), averaged 2.8 million viewers, making it the most most-watched non-Winter Classic regular-season telecast on NBC since the network again began broadcasting the league in 2006, and the most-watched overall since three-game regional coverage on Fox in 1999 (4/18/99, 3.09 million).
• The NHL on NBC telecast on March 3, 2013, featuring the Chicago Blackhawks-Detroit Red Wings, delivered 1.9 million average viewers and was the most-watched regular-season single-game telecast since the network again began broadcasting the league in 2006, excluding Winter Classics.

That will do you.

Boston Bruins Set Ratings Record on NESN for 3rd Consecutive Year

The Boston Bruins have set another regular season ratings record on the New England Sports Network, a.k.a. NESN. For the 2013 regular season, the Bruins registered an average 6.3 household rating in Boston. That’s up 35% from the 2011-12 record of an average 4.7 rating. With the Bruins numbers, NESN ranks third among all National Hockey League local markets.

This marks the fourth consecutive year for ratings growth for the Bruins on NESN.

NESN SETS BRUINS RATINGS RECORD FOR THIRD CONSECUTIVE SEASON

6.3 Average Household Rating Up 35% Over Record-Setting 2011-12 Season

April 29, 2013 – NESN, New England’s most watched sports network, set a Bruins regular season ratings record during the 2013 season by garnering a 6.3 average household rating in the Boston DMA according to Nielsen. The 6.3 season rating is a 35% increase over the 2011/12 season, when NESN set the network’s previous record with a 4.7 HH rating. For the second year in a row, NESN’s Bruins ratings ranked third nationally among regional sports networks. Below is a chart that illustrates NESN’s year-over-year Bruins ratings growth over the past 4 seasons.

Season	HH Rating	% increase
2009-10	2.2	–
2010-11	3.1	41%
2011-12	4.7	52%
2012-13	6.3	35%

“Record Bruins ratings on NESN continue to serve as a testimonial as to the revival of hockey here in New England,” said Sean McGrail, NESN President and CEO. “The Bruins popularity continues to grow as they get ready to take on the Toronto Maple Leafs in the first round of the 2013 Stanley Cup Playoffs.”

NESN’s Bruins ratings in 2013 set many other NESN records including:

• Best ever regular season game rating, a 9.4 HH rating on January 19 when the Bruins beat the New York Rangers 3-1 in the season opener
• 18 of the network’s top 25 regular season Bruins game ratings of all-time were achieved during the 2013 season
• NESN also set records in every major demographic category
  • Adults 25-54 (5.7, up 65%)
  • Men 25-54 (7.6, up 76%)
  • Women 25-54 (3.8, up 47%)

That is all.

Over 7 Million Watch NFL Network’s Coverage of the 2013 Draft

This in from NFL Network, the viewership for its coverage of the draft drew over 7 million total viewers for the three day event. That’s up 17% from the previous year when it saw an audience of 6.07 million.

The event averaged under a million viewers on NFL Network for each day including 1.2 million for the first round on Thursday night.

And the NFL tacks on an additional 13 million which visited NFL Digital properties.

Here’s the press release.

OVER 20 MILLION FANS WATCH & FOLLOW THE 2013 NFL DRAFT ON NFL NETWORK, NFL.COM, & NFL MOBILE PROPERTIES

Over seven million viewers watched 2013 NFL Draft coverage on NFL Network
Fueled by 126% increase to NFL Mobile properties, coverage on NFL Digital platforms drew over 13 million fans

NFL Network’s coverage of the 78^th annual NFL Draft resulted in record rating and viewership numbers for the network. NFL Network drew a record total of 7.1 million viewers over the three days (based on a 6-minute qualifier) of the 2013 NFL Draft, a 17% increase over 2012 (6.07 million) and the 5^th consecutive year that NFL Network has increased its total Draft audience.

Over the course of the three days of the draft, NFL Network averaged nearly a million viewers (930k), an increase of 23% over 2012. NFL Network’s viewership numbers were highlighted by Thursday’s coverage of Round 1 which averaged over 1.5 million viewers.

On the digital front, audience to NFL Digital Media’s draft coverage grew to over 13 million unique viewers, a 31% increase over 2012. The digital growth was driven in large part by traffic to NFL Mobile properties, which increased 126% versus last year.

With a record-high 47 hours of live coverage of the three-day event, an extensive talent roster of analysts, reporters and college coaches, and a record number of draft war room cameras providing behind-the-scenes access, NFL Network, NFL.com and NFL Mobile properties provided coverage of the 2013 NFL Draft live from Radio City Music Hall.

(Source: Nielsen Media Research)

That is all for this post.

ESPN Sees Higher Ratings for the 2013 NFL Draft

This is the first of three ESPN-centric posts. This one deals with the NFL Draft which concluded on Saturday. ESPN says it averaged a 2.1 rating for the three days of coverage which is up 3% from last year. In addition, ESPN saw an average viewership of 3.035 million viewers for that period and that is up 4% from 2012′s coverage.

Breaking it down day-by-day, ESPN had a very good 4.2 US rating for its primetime airing of the first round on Thursday averaging an amazing 6.2 million viewers. For Friday, ESPN averaged a 1.9 rating for coverage that aired on both ESPN and ESPN2 for the 2nd and 3rd rounds. And on Saturday for the final round, the 7½ hours on the Mothership and the Deuce brought in a 1.1 rating.

The top five markets for the Draft on ESPN were New Orleans, Birmingham, Kansas City, Buffalo and Dayton.

Here’s your official announcement from the Mothership.

ESPN’s Three-Day NFL Draft Coverage Up in Ratings and Viewership

NFL Content on ESPN Digital Platforms Also Posts Gains

ESPN’s three-day telecast of the 2013 NFL Draft (April 25-27) – including the first two nights in prime time – saw increases in both ratings and viewership over the 2012 event. This weekend, the 15-plus hours on ESPN and ESPN2 delivered a 2.1 US rating, a three percent gain from 2012 (2.0) and a six percent increase from 2011 (1.9). The average viewership of 3,035,000 viewers is a four percent gain over both 2012 (2,924,000) and 2011 (2,918,000).

The top-10 metered markets for ESPN’s three days of NFL Draft coverage were New Orleans (4.7 rating), Birmingham, Ala. (4.5), Kansas City (4.4), Buffalo (4.3), Dayton, Ohio (4.1), Jacksonville (3.6), Pittsburgh (3.5), Milwaukee (3.5), Cincinnati (3.4) and Nashville (3.4).

 

Rounds 4-7 / Day 3 (Saturday)

ESPN’s 7.5 hours of coverage (12-7:30 p.m. ET) on ESPN and ESPN2 delivered a 1.1 US rating, an eight percent increase over last year’s coverage (1.0 US), while viewership averaged 1,610,000, pacing 12 percent ahead of 2012 (1,437,000).

 

Rounds 2-3 / Day 2 (Friday)

ESPN’s 1.5 hours of coverage (6:30-8 p.m. ET) delivered a 2.2 US rating and 3,167,000 viewers, based on fast nationals, while ESPN2′s remaining 2.5 hours (8-10:30 p.m.) delivered a 1.7 US rating and 2,463,000 viewers. Together, the two networks averaged a 1.9 US rating and 2,727,000 viewers, up slightly from last year’s second and third rounds on ESPN (1.9 US rating and 2,679,000 viewers) and a double-digit increase from 2011 coverage (1.6 US rating and 2,386,000).

Round 1 / Day 1 (Thursday)

ESPN’s first round coverage of the NFL Draft posted a 4.1 US rating and drew 6.2 million viewers.

 

ESPN Digital

Across digital platforms, through ESPN’s three days of coverage of the NFL Draft (Apr. 25-27), the average minute audience to the NFL section on ESPN.com and the ESPN mobile Web was up 13 percent and seven percent, respectively, compared to last year. Additionally, average minute audience, visits and daily unique visitors to NFL content on the ScoreCenter app were up 200 percent, 102 percent and 49 percent. Total minutes to live coverage of the NFL Draft on WatchESPN were also up 562 percent from last year. On Twitter, there were over 3.1 million tweets related to the NFL Draft coverage on ESPN, up 82 percent from last year. The event on ESPN also accounted for over a third (35 percent) of all TV-related tweets on Twitter throughout the three days.

That is all.

1st Round of The Masters Scores for ESPN

One of the reasons why ESPN wanted The Masters after USA Network was not just the prestige of carrying the event, but also getting viewers. It has certainly done that.

The first round of The Masters from Augusta, GA received a 2.4 household rating for Thursday with an average viewership of 2.851 million viewers. Both numbers are up from the year before. In addition, ESPN says The Masters did very well among younger male viewers in the 18-34 demographic.

Here’s the blurb from ESPN.

ESPN’s Thursday Masters Viewership, Ratings Rise

Viewership and ratings rose for ESPN’s live telecast of the first round of the 2013 Masters Tournament on Thursday, April 11, with double-digit ratings increases among younger viewers.

The telecast averaged 2,851,000 viewers with a 2.4 household coverage rating based on fast nationals, according to the Nielsen Company. Viewership grew seven percent from last year’s first round, which averaged 2,661,000 viewers, and the rating was an increase of three percent from a 2.3 last year. The rating peaked at a 2.7 from 5-5:30 p.m. ET.

ESPN’s telecast also saw a 16 percent rise in the Male 18-34 demographic, averaging a 1.4 rating vs. a 1.2 for last year’s first round, and a 15 percent rise in the Male 18-49 category.

While ESPN’s live Masters coverage ends Friday, the ESPN 3D Network will have live telecasts of the final two rounds of the event on Saturday and Sunday from 4-7 p.m. each day. In addition, SportsCenter and ESPN.com will continue to report from the Masters throughout the weekend.

We’ll see if the numbers are up again for today’s action.

2013 NCAA Tournament is the Most-Watched Since 1994

CBS/Turner Sports is certainly happy about this year’s NCAA Tournament. The average rating for the 67 games on CBS/TBS/TNT/tru TV was 6.7 with a 14 share. That’s up 10% from 2012′s 6.1/13. It’s the highest average rating for the tournament dating back to 2005 when the entire run was solely on CBS.

The average viewership was an impressive 10.7 million which is up 11% from 9.6 million in 2012. And it’s the highest average viewership  in 19 years which was 11.2 million.

For the National Championship Game on Monday night, CBS saw the fast national household rating resulting in 14.0/22 which is up big from last year’s 12.3/19. And the average viewership was 23.4 million which is in comparison on a par with the best Sunday Night Football audiences.

Here’s the press release from CBS/Turner.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is Most-Watched Tournament in 19 Years

2013 Championship Game Scores with Double Digit Increases in Rating and Viewers
Louisville’s Win Delivers Rating/Share of 14.0/22 and 23.4 Million Total Viewers

The 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball National Championship across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV is the most-watched NCAA Tournament in 19 years, according to Nielsen.  The 2013 NCAA Tournament averaged 10.7 million total viewers, up 11% from last year’s 9.6 million total viewers, and is the highest average for the NCAA Tournament in 19 years (11.2 million; 1994).

The National Championship game, which saw Louisville defeat Michigan on CBS on Monday, April 8, earned an average fast national household rating/share of 14.0/22, up 14% from last year’s 12.3/19 (Kentucky-Kansas). The National Championship game averaged 23.4 million viewers, up 12% from last year’s 20.9 million.

The championship game coverage peaked in HH rating/share with a 16.1/27 and average viewers with 27.1 million, from 11-11:30 p.m. ET.

Coverage for the entire 2013 NCAA Tournament across Turner Sports and CBS Sports averaged a HH rating/share of 6.7/14, up 10% from last year’s 6.1/13, and is the highest average NCAA Tournament rating in eight years (6.9/15; 2005).

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 04/09/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 04/02/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

Quite impressive.

Overnight Ratings for 2013 NCAA Championship Up Big Over 2012

After three weeks of increased ratings for the NCAA Tournament and the Final Four, the Championship Game gave CBS/Turner a very nice cherry on top of the cake with a big overnight rating. Thanks to a game that was compelling, exciting and went down to the final minutes, Louisville-Michigan garnered a big 14.3 overnight number with a 23 share, up a huge 18% from last year’s 12.1/19 for Kentucky-Kansas. Last night’s numbers were the highest for the NCAA Championship Game since 2010.

Overall, this year’s tournament finished at a 7.2/15 up 9% from 2012′s tournament.

In the local markets, the highest-rated were Louisville with a huge 54.0/70 and Detroit with 33.5/47. Rounding out the top five were Columbus, Indianapolis and Cincinnati.

Here’s the CBS/Turner press release.

2013 NCAA CHAMPIONSHIP GAME FEATURING LOUISVILLE OVER MICHIGAN SCORES 14.3/23 RATING/SHARE IN METERED MARKETS, UP 18%

Overall 2013 NCAA Tournament Across Turner Sports and CBS Sports Delivers 7.2/15 Average Rating, Up 9%

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive live coverage of the 2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship game on Monday, April 8, which saw Louisville beat Michigan on CBS, delivered an average overnight household rating/share of 14.3/23, up 18% versus last year’s 12.1/19, according to Nielsen.

The overall 2013 NCAA Tournament average-to-date rating in the metered markets scored a 7.2/15, up 9% from a 6.6/14 in 2012. The 7.2/15 tied with 2011 as the highest overall average for the NCAA Tournament in eight years (7.3/14; 2005).

The 2013 NCAA Championship game rating/share peaked at 17.3/32 rating from 11:30-11:45 PM, ET.

Top five rated metered markets: 

1. Louisville – 54.0/70
2. Detroit – 33.5/47
3. Columbus, Ohio – 26.4/40
4. Indianapolis – 25.1/39
5. Cincinnati – 24.7/38

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 04/08/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 04/09/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

We’ll have the final numbers later today.

NBC Sports Network Crowing About 1st Quarter Viewership

I received this from NBC Sports Network today touting its viewership in the first quarter of 2013. The release states that viewing of the network is up 14% across the board as compared to this time last year.

Thanks to live NHL programming for most of the quarter, NBCSN has seen a 14% rise in viewership in primetime (not counting the first three weeks of the quarter which did not have any NHL games due to the lockout).

MLS on NBC Sports Network had an 8% increase from last year’s first quarter.

And looking at IndyCar, its only race of the quarter had a 78% increase from NBCSN’s first race from last year, however, it’s a bit apples-oranges as the first race of the IndyCar season was on ABC rather than NBC Sports Network.

Here’s the press release in which NBC Sports Network is beating its proverbial chest and yelling out a primal scream.

NBC SPORTS NETWORK SEES DOUBLE DIGIT Q1 VIEWERSHIP GAINS

In Direct Comparison to Q1 2012 (Minus 3 Weeks of NHL Games and NHL All Star Weekend), Viewership on NBCSN is up 14%
7 of the 10 Most-Watched NHL Games in Network’s History Occurred in Q1 of 2013
First IndyCar Telecast of Season is up 78%
Dan Patrick Show on NBCSN up 58% Compared to Time Period in 2012

NEW YORK—April 8, 2013 – Buoyed by seven of the 10 most-watched NHL games in the network’s history, NBC Sports Network viewership rose 14% in the first quarter compared to first quarter in 2012, according to data released by The Nielsen Company. Additionally NHL programming, including the newly-created Wednesday Night Rivalry games, was up 58% compared to Q1 in 2012, the best start in the network’s history; The Dan Patrick Show viewership is up 58% compared to time period in 2012 Q1; the opening IndyCar telecast rose 78%; and MLS games are up eight percent over last year.

FIRST QUARTER RESULTS:

There was no NHL programming for the first three weeks of the quarter in 2013, including no NHL All-Star Weekend programming. When removing the first three weeks of NHL programming (including All-Star Weekend) to form a direct comparison, NBC Sports Network was up 14% in primetime compared to first quarter 2012 (193k viewers vs. 170k viewers) and up 14% on total day (65k viewers vs. 57k viewers).

• In the Adult 18-49 demo, viewership is up 12% for primetime and 10% for total day for ALL programming (no NHL exclusions);
• NBC Sports Network’s audience got younger. Median age in first quarter of 2013 was 44 in primetime, down from 47 for first quarter in 2012.
• NBC Sports Network averaged 193k viewers in primetime (8-11 p.m.) and 65k viewers for total day (6 a.m. – 6 a.m.) during first quarter of 2013, both up from the first quarter in 2012 (191k and 63k, respectively including NHL programming).

FIRST QUARTER HIGHLIGHTS:

NHL: NBC Sports Network delivered seven of the 10 most-watched regular-season games in the network’s history (NBCSN/VERSUS/OLN) during first quarter 2013, including the top two most-watched.

• NBCSN’s 38 games in the first quarter averaged 428k viewers, up 34% from the 2012 first quarter average, the best start for the NHL on NBC Sports Network in the network’s history.
• NBC Sports Network’s 10 Wednesday Night Rivalry games, newly-developed this season, averaged 680k viewers, an increase of 55% compared to the Wednesday night exclusive game average in first quarter 2012.

TOP 10 MOST-WATCHED NHL GAMES ON NBCSN/VERSUS/OLN

MATCHUP	DATE	AVERAGE VIEWERS
BRUINS-RANGERS	01/23/13	956,000
FLYERS-PENGUINS	02/20/13	901,000
BRUINS-FLYERS	10/06/11	874,000
BLACKHAWKS-WILD	01/30/13	827,000
CANADIENS-BRUINS	03/03/13	813,000
CANADIENS-BRUINS	03/27/13	773,000
BRUINS-CANADIENS	02/06/13	771,000
PENGUINS-FLYERS	12/14/10	750,000
FLYERS-PENGUINS	10/07/10	730,000
AVALANCHE-BLACKHAWKS	03/06/13	720,000

INDY CAR: The 2013 IndyCar season debuted on NBCSN with the Grand Prix of St. Petersburg on Sunday, March 24. The race delivered 388,000 viewers, a 78-percent increase vs. last year’s first race on NBC Sports Network (218,000).

• It was also the second-best season-opener for NBC Sports Network’s IndyCar coverage (since 2009) behind only the 2010 race from Sao Paulo, Brazil (410,000).
• In the advertiser-coveted Adult 18-49 demo, the race delivered 126,000 viewers, up 91% vs. last year (66,000).

MLS: NBCSN’s six MLS matches in first quarter averaged 112k viewers, an increase of eight percent over last year’s first quarter matches.

• NBCSN’s primetime MLS Rivalry Day match on March 16 (Portland at Seattle) drew 209k viewers, the second most-watched MLS game on NBCSN (excluding games that had an Olympic lead-in).

THE DAN PATRICK SHOW: Viewership for The Dan Patrick Show (41k average viewers) rose 58% from the M-F 9 a.m. – Noon time period in first quarter of 2012.

That is all.

CBS/Turner Sees Ratings and Viewership Increase for the Final Four

CBS/Turner Sports has a reason to crow as this year’s NCAA Tournament has become a ratings bonanza. And thanks to two compelling games last night, the ratings for the Men’s Final Four^® received an average rating of 9.4 with an 18 share, up four percent from last year’s 9.0/17.

Average viewership for the game 15.7 million viewers, up slightly from last year’s 15.26 million.

For Louisville-Wichita State, the numbers were 8.7/18 and 14.468 million viewers.

And for Michigan-Syracuse, the game saw a 10.2/18 and 17.1 million viewers. Both numbers quite impressive for a Saturday night.

The overall numbers are the highest for the Final Four on CBS since 2005.

Here’s what CBS/Turner is saying about the ratings.

CBS SPORTS AND TURNER SPORTS’ FINAL FOUR COVERAGE IS HIGHEST-RATED AND MOST-WATCHED IN EIGHT YEARS

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is Most-Watched and Highest-Rated Tournament-to-Date Since 2005

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ coverage of the 2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Final Four^® on CBS on Saturday, April 6, earned an average fast national household rating/share of 9.4/18, up 4% from last year’s 9.0/17, and is the highest-rated Final Four in eight years (10.5/19 in 2005), based on Nielsen Fast Nationals.

The 2013 Final Four averaged 15,702,000 total viewers, up 3% from last year’s 15,256,000 total viewers, which is the highest viewership average for the two Final Four games since 2005 (16,647,000 for Illinois/Louisville and North Carolina/Michigan State).

The first game, Louisville beating Wichita State, earned an average household rating/share of 8.7/18 and 14,468,000 total viewers, both up 4% from last year’s 8.4/17 and 13,908,000 total viewers.

The second game featuring Michigan’s victory over Syracuse delivered a 10.2/18, up 6% from last year’s 9.6/17. The corresponding 17,104,000 total viewers are up 3% compared with last year’s 16,603,000 total viewers.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is averaging 10,174,000 total viewers-to-date, up 10% from last year’s 9,213,000 total viewers, and is the highest viewership average for the NCAA Tournament through the Final Four in eight years (10,183,000 in 2005).

The 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship has delivered the best overall tournament-to-date ratings since 2005. The overall tournament average-to-date rating/share is a 6.4/13, up 8% from last year’s 5.9/12. The 6.4/13 is the highest average rating for the NCAA Tournament through the Final Four in eight years (6.6/14 in 2005).

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 04/06/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/31/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round. 

That is all.

2013 NCAA Tournament Continues to Score in the Ratings

I keep thinking the bottom is going to fall out on the ratings for the 2013 NCAA Tournament. Games haven’t been great, but despite that, the ratings for the NCAA Tournament on the CBS/Turner combination continue to rise. Sunday was no exception. Despite two blowouts, ratings for Sunday’s Elite Eight action were up significantly from last year and so was the average viewership.

The two games on CBS, Michigan-Florida and Louisville-Duke averaged a 7.4 Fast National household rating with a 17 share. That’s up an amazing 25% from 2012′s 5.9/12. Average viewership for the Regional Finals was 12.82 million and that is up by an astonishing 31% from last year.

To date, the Tournament is averaging a rating/share of 6.2/13 which is up 9% from last year’s 5.7/12. And the average viewership of the games on CBS/Turner is 9.7 million and that is up by 11%. So you can see, the NCAA Tournament is attracting viewers as it’s the most watched since 1994.

Here’s the CBS/Turner press release.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTv Scores as Most Watched Tournament-to-Date in 19 Years, Averaging  9,701,000 Total Viewers

Sunday’s Regional Finals on CBS Delivers 31% Increase in Viewers and 25%  Increase in Rating vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging 9,701,000 total viewers-to-date, up 11% from last year’s 8,717,000 viewers, and is the highest average for the NCAA Tournament through the Sunday Regional Finals in 19 years (9,728,000; 1994).

The 2013 NCAA Tournament to date is averaging a national HH rating/share of 6.2/13, up 9% from last year’s 5.7/12, and is the highest rating to date since a 6.3/14 in 2005. Sunday’s Regional Final coverage on CBS averaged 12,819,000 total viewers, based on Nielsen Fast Nationals, up 31% from last year’s 9,795,000 viewers. Regional Final coverage on Sunday earned a HH rating/share of a 7.4/17, up 25% from last year’s 5.9/12.

The first broadcast window (2:19-4:28 PM, ET), in which Michigan topped Florida, earned a 5.7/15, up 14% from a 5.0/11 in 2012. The second broadcast window (4:55-7:34 PM, ET) which featured Louisville beating Duke, registered an 8.8/19, up 24% from a 7.1/14 in 2012.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 3/31/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 04/2/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round.

That will do it.

Despite Blowouts, NCAA Elite Eight on Sunday Draws Higher Overnights Than 2012

There weren’t too many surprises in the NCAA Tournament on Sunday as Michigan and Louisville took their games with relative ease.

However, the big surprise may have been the overnight ratings for the South and Midwest Regional Finals. Both games on CBS averaged an 8.9 number with a 19 share. CBS’ overrun into primetime also won the night for the network. The overnight ratings are 25% better than last year which received a 6.4/13. The ratings may have been helped by Duke losing big to Louisville.

In fact, Louisville-Duke received a 9.4/21 rating which was 21% higher than the game in the timeslot last year.

Here’s the press release from CBS/Turner Sports.

CBS SPORTS AND TURNER SPORTS’ COVERAGE OF SUNDAY’S 2013 NCAA^® DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP REGIONAL FINALS EARNS 8.0/19, UP 25% VS. 2012 IN METERED MARKETS

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive live coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Regional Final on Sunday, March 31 on CBS delivered an average overnight household rating/share of 8.0/19, up 25% vs. last year’s 6.4/13, according to Nielsen.

Sunday’s first telecast window (2:15-4:30 PM, ET), which saw Michigan defeat Florida, earned a 6.2/16, up 17% from a 5.3/12 in 2012.  The second telecast window (5:00-7:30 PM, ET), which featured Louisville beating Duke, registered a 9.4/21, up 21% from a 7.8/15 in 2012.

The overall 2013 NCAA Tournament average-to-date ratings in the metered markets are a 6.7/14, up 8% from a 6.2/13 in 2012.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream.  3/19/13 to  03/31/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/25/12.  2013 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data.  2006 through 2010 based on Live + SD.  2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

That is all.

Saturday’s Elite Eight Action from the 2013 NCAA Tournament Up Slightly From 2012

I hope you’re having a good Easter. The CBS/Turner combo tells us that Saturday’s Elite Eight Regional Finals were up slightly from last year. This despite some ugly basketball especially in the first game between Syracuse and Marquette.

Saturday’s two regional finals generated a 5.8 Fast National household rating with a 12 share, up 2% from last year’s 5.6/12. Average viewership for the games averaged 9.4 million which is 6% better than last year’s 8.9 million.

Overall, the NCAA Tournament is averaging a 6.1 rating and a 13 share, better than 5.6/12 last year. And the viewership for the tournament to date is averaging 9.4 million up from 8.6 million last year. Viewership is at its highest since 1993.

Here’s the CBS/Turner press release.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTv Scores as Most Watched Tournament-to-Date in 19 Years, Averaging 9.4 Million Total Viewers

NCAA Tournament Viewership and Ratings Up 9% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging 9.4 million total viewers to date, up 9% from last year’s 8.6 million viewers, and is tied with 1994 as the highest average for the NCAA Tournament through the Saturday Regional Finals in 19 years (10.7 million, 1993).

The 2013 NCAA Tournament to date, is averaging a national HH rating/share of 6.1/13, up 9% from last year’s 5.6/12, and is tied with 2005 as the highest-to-date rating in 15 years (6.3/15; 1998).

Saturday’s Regional Final coverage on CBS averaged 9.4 million viewers, based on Nielsen Fast Nationals, up 6% from last year’s 8.9 million viewers.  

Regional Final coverage on Saturday earned a HH rating/share of a 5.8/12, up 4% from last year’s 5.6/12.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 3/30/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 04/1/12.   2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

That’s all

NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinals Scores on CBS/TBS on Friday

Another press release from CBS/Turner Sports must mean good news for the NCAA Tournament and it does. Friday’s Sweet 16 action which included an exciting overtime Kansas-Michigan game which ended in a Wolverines win, scored in the ratings and in viewership.

CBS and TBS saw a big Fast National household rating of 8.2 and a 16 share, up a whopping 22% from last year’s 6.7/12. And viewership for the four games split evenly among CBS and TBS averaged 13.1 million viewers, again up by 20% from 2012′s 10.9 million.

For the tournament to date, CBS/Turner is averaging 9.4 million viewers which is the most since 1993. As my friend, Amanda Rykoff points out, Michigan was last in the Final Four in … 1993.

So here’s the press release from CBS and Turner Sports.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTv Scores as Most Watched Tournament-to-Date in 20 Years, Averaging 9.4 Million Total Viewers

Friday’s Regional Semi-Finals Deliver 13.1 Million Total Viewers; Most Viewed in 20 Years
NCAA Tournament Viewership and Ratings Up 9% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging 9.4 million total viewers to date, up 9% from last year’s 8.6 million viewers, and is the highest average for the NCAA Tournament through the Friday Regional Semi-Finals in 20 years (10.5 million; 1993).

The 2013 NCAA Tournament to date, is averaging a national HH rating/share of 6.1/13, up 9% from last year’s 5.6/12, and is the highest-to-date rating in 15 years (6.2/14; 1998).

Friday’s Regional Semi-Final coverage across CBS and TBS was the most-watched in 20 years, averaging 13.1 million viewers, up 20% from last year’s 10.9 million viewers. 

Regional Semi-Final coverage on Friday earned a Fast National HH rating/share of  8.2/16, up 22% from last year’s 6.7/12, and the highest average Friday Regional Semi-Final rating in 19 years (8.6/17; 1994).   

*  * * * *

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 3/29/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/31/12.   2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

That is all.

CBS/Turner Posts Highest Friday Night NCAA Tournament Sweet 16 Overnights in 23 Years

From the CBS Sports/Turner Sports consortium, we have Friday’s overnight ratings for the Regional Semifinal action and thanks to a Kansas-Michigan game that went to overtime on TBS, the NCAA Tournament posted the highest overnight ratings for that night since 1990. The ratings resulted in an 8.9 with a 17 share which beat last year’s numbers by a whopping 20%.

CBS/Turner adds that this year’s Tournament is running 6% ahead of last year’s pace averaging a 6.6/14. So overall, going into the Elite Eight today and tomorrow,  CBS/Turner is quite happy with how this year’s tourney is shaping up.

And if Duke advances to the Final Four, you can rest assure that CBS/Turner will be extremely happy. There may be simultaneous cartwheels and summersaults done down the CBS Sports and Turner corridors in New York and Atlanta. In fact, executives may even do a cartwheel and summersault competition, that’s how elated they would be. Ok, I may have gone too far with the elation and joy, but you get the idea.

Here’s the press release.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ Exclusive Coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Nets Highest Rated Friday Regional Semi-finals in 23 Years

Friday Regional Semi-final Ratings Up 20% vs. 2012; Tournament to Date Up 6%

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Regional Semi-finals on Friday, March 29, averaged a metered HH rating/share of 8.9/17, based on Nielsen overnight ratings, to become the highest rated Friday Regional Semi-final in 23 years, when the tournament expanded to its current format. The 8.9/17 is up 20% compared with a 7.4/14 last year.

Exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across the four networks – TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV – is averaging a gross rating/share of 6.6/14, based on Nielsen overnight ratings, up 6% compared with a 6.2/13 tournament to date in 2012.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 03/29/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/23/12. 2013 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2010 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round.

Elite Eight action starts today on CBS with the East Regional Final between soon-to-ex Big East rivals Marquette and Syracuse at 4:30 p.m. ET/1:30 p.m. PT.

2013 NCAA Tournament Viewership Highest in 20 Years

Thanks to the fine people at the CBS Sports and Turner Sports PR departments, we learn that viewership for the 2013 NCAA Tournament is up 8% from 2012. Even with the amount of blowouts we’ve seen, interest in the tournament has increased over last year.

According to Nielsen, the NCAA Tournament is averaging 9 million viewers through Thursday’s Regional Semifinals compared to 8.3 million last year.

And the tournament is averaging a 5.9 rating and a 12 share as compared to 5.5/12 in 2012.

Here’s the joint announcement.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTv is Most Watched in 20 Years, Averaging 9.0 Million Total Viewers

NCAA Tournament Viewership Up 8% and Ratings Up 7% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging 9.0 million total viewers to date, up 8% from last year’s 8.3 million viewers, and is the highest average for the NCAA Tournament through the Thursday Regional Semifinals in 20 years (10.2 million; 1993).

The 2013 NCAA Tournament to date, is averaging a national HH rating/share of 5.9/12, up 7% from last year’s 5.5/12, and is the highest-to-date rating in 15 years (6.1/14; 1998).

Thursday night’s coverage across CBS and TBS averaged 10.4 million viewers, up 4% from last year’s 10.0 million viewers; and earned a Fast National HH rating/share of a 6.7/12, up 3% from last year’s 6.5/12. 

* * * * *

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 3/28/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/22/12.   2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of four telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

That’s all.

CBS/Turner Says Thursday Night’s Sweet 16′s Overnight Ratings Up From Last Year

This from CBS/Turner, overnight ratings for Thursday’s NCAA Tournament Regional Semifinal games are up 4% from 2012. The games on CBS and TBS averaged a 7.3 and a 14 share, up from last year’s 7.0/12. Ratings were up despite the fact that three of four of the games were blowouts.

Overall, the ratings for the NCAA Tournament are up 5% from last year’s Big Dance averaging a 6.4/14.

Here’s the press release from CBS/Turner.

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ Exclusive Coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Regional Semifinals Up 4% vs. 2012

2013 NCAA Tournament to Date Ratings Up 5% vs. Last Year

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship Regional Semifinals on Thursday, March 28, averaged a 7.3/14, based on Nielsen overnight ratings, an increase of 4% over a 7.0/12 last year.  Ratings improved despite three of the four games being decided by 10 points or more.

Exclusive coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across the four networks – TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV – is averaging a gross rating/share of 6.4/14, based on Nielsen overnight ratings, up 5% compared with a 6.1/13 tournament to date in 2012.

Regional Semifinal coverage continues tonight, March 29, with the following slate of games:

Regional Semifinals – Friday, March 29 (7 p.m.-Midnight ET)
Tip (ET)	Network	Site	Game	Play-by-Play/Analyst//Reporter
7:15 p.m.	CBS	Indianapolis I	Oregon vs. Louisville	Jim Nantz/Clark Kellogg//Tracy Wolfson
7:37 p.m.	TBS	North Texas I	Kansas vs. Michigan	Marv Albert/Steve Kerr//Craig Sager
After conc. I	CBS	Indianapolis II	Michigan State vs. Duke	Jim Nantz/Clark Kellogg//Tracy Wolfson
After conc. I	TBS	North Texas II	Florida Gulf Coast vs. Florida	Marv Albert/Steve Kerr//Craig Sager

There you have it.

Habs-Bruins Draws Decent Numbers for NBC Sports Network

Wednesday’s blood rivalry game between the Montreal Canadiens and Boston Bruins that ended in a 6-5 shootout win for the Habs, drew pretty good numbers for the NBC Sports Network. The cable home of the National Hockey League saw a 0.48 household rating and an average of 773,000 viewers for the game. Viewership peaked at just over a million as the Canadiens tied the game with Boston with :08.2 left in regulation time.

Wednesday night’s game is the 6th most watched NHL regular season contest on the network (a.k.a OLN and Versus). Boston drew an 8.51 rating making it the second highest-rated game on NBCSN in the market, just after a B’s-Habs game earlier in the month.

Here’s what NBC is saying about last night’s game.

Montreal Canadiens-Boston Bruins “Wednesday Night Rivalry” Ratings

This week’s Wednesday Night Rivalry game on NBC Sports Network (7:30-10:39 p.m. ET), in which the Montreal Canadiens defeated the Boston Bruins, 6-5, in a shootout, posted a 0.48 HH rating and 773,000 viewers.

The game is the sixth-most watched regular-season game in network history and up 133% vs. last year’s full season average on NBC Sports Network. It peaked with more than one million viewers (1.005 million) from 9:45-10 p.m. ET.

The three Canadiens-Bruins games that have aired on NBC Sports Network this year are the three most-watched games on cable featuring a Canadian team since 2000 (Dec. 27, Tor-Pit, 1.046 on ESPN2).

• Mar. 3              813,000
• Mar. 27           773,000
• Feb. 26            771,000

In Boston, the game received an 8.51 HH rating, making it the second-highest rated regular-season Bruins game ever on NBC Sports Network, behind only the Mar. 3 game against the Canadiens (9.26).

NBC Sports Network was the No. 1 rated network overall in Boston during the 7:30-10:45 p.m. ET time period.

And that concludes this post.

USA-Mexico World Cup Qualifier Draws Good Overnight Numbers for ESPN

This from ESPN PR maven Mike Soltys:

Thanks to a wintry night on Friday for the USA-Costa Rica World Cup Qualifier which the Americans won, 1-0, it drew interest for Tuesday night’s game in Mexico. And as the US managed a scoreless draw which kept them in the third position in their CONCACAF group, the overnight number for a game that began at 10:30 p.m. ET drew a very good 1.6 for soccer as it will becomes the highest rated World Cup Qualifier on the ESPN Family.

From fellow ESPN PR maven Mac Nwulu we learn that US-Mexico smashed the previous high for a World Cup Qualifier.

We’ll get the final ratings later today and I’m sure ESPN will put out a press release.

2013 NCAA Tournament Grabs Most Viewers Since 1993

The ratings and viewership for the NCAA Tournament continue to set records. CBS/Turner Sports note that the average 8.9 million combined viewers for the first week of the NCAA Men’s Basketball Tournament on CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV are the most dating back twenty years. Last year, the first week average was 8.2 million viewers.

The Tournament is to date, averaging 5.8 rating and 12 share which is up 7% from 2012. Sunday’s final average household rating was 7.1/14 for the eight games on Sunday across the CBS/Turner consortium. That’s up an amazing 27% from last year.

Here’s the CBS/Turner press release.

THE 2013 NCAA^® DIVISION I MEN’S BASKETBALL CHAMPIONSHIP ON TBS, CBS, TNT AND truTV SCORES MOST-WATCHED FIRST WEEK IN 20 YEARS

First Week of Tournament Averages 8.9 Million Total Viewers and
Delivers 7 % Ratings Growth
Sunday’s Third-Round Coverage is Highest Rated in 13 Years, Up 27%

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive live coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV combined to deliver the most viewed first week of the NCAA Tournament in 20 years (1993), according to Nielsen Fast National ratings.

The combined coverage averaged 8.9 million total viewers, up 9% over last year’s 8.2 million.

The 2013 NCAA Tournament is averaging a HH rating/share of 5.8/12, up 7% from a 5.4/12 last year, and is the highest average rating for the Tournament’s first week in 15 years (1998; 5.9/15).

Sunday’s coverage averaged 11.1 million viewers, up 29% from last year’s 8.6 million, making it the most watched first Sunday in 15 years.

Third-round coverage on Sunday, March 24 combined to deliver an average fast national HH rating/share of 7.1/14, up 27% from last year’s 5.6/11. The 7.1/14 is the highest rating for the first Sunday of the Tournament in 13 years (7.2/17; 2000).

Third round coverage on Sunday, March 24 scored with ratings increases across all four telecast windows:

• The first daytime telecast window (12:00-2:41 PM, ET) averaged a 5.0/12, up 39% over last year’s 3.6/9, the highest rating for the window in 11 years (5.2/13; 2002).
• The second daytime telecast window (2:57-5:18 PM, ET) averaged a 6.8/14, up 26% over last year’s 5.4/12, the highest rating for the window since 2006 (7.0/16).
• The first primetime telecast window (5:18-9:20 PM, ET) averaged a 10.9/20, up 31% over last year’s 8.3/16, the highest rating for the window in 20 years (12.6/27; 1993).

The second primetime window (8:01 PM-12:12 AM, ET) averaged a 5.9/10, up 4% vs. a 5.7/9 in 2012.

Social Buzz
Additionally, according to Bluefin, the opening week of the NCAA Tournament generated over 6.3 million comments across social media with comment volume up 154% over the same period last year.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 03/24/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/18/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round. Social Media data based on Bluefin for the same dates of the Tournament.

That’s it.

CBS/Turner Crows About Sunday Overnights for NCAA Tournament

I’m out and about today. CBS/Turner are happy about Sunday’s overnight numbers. The day averaged a 7.6 rating with a 15 share, up a whopping 19% from last year, the highest for the first Sunday of the NCAA Tournament since 1993, and the first week is averaging a 6.3/14, the highest average in 23 years.

Thanks to the storyline of Florida Gulf Coast capturing America’s imagination, plus some compelling games for the most part, interest in the Tournament has been high.

We have the joint press release fom CBS and Turner Sports.

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ Exclusive Coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is Highest Rated in 23 Years

Sunday’s Third Round Coverage Highest Rated in 20 Years; Up 19% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive live coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV is averaging a 6.3/14 overnight rating/share, the highest rating for the opening week of the NCAA Tournament in 23 years, when the tournament expanded to its current format, according to Nielsen metered market ratings.

The networks’ combined coverage, from the NCAA First Four to the completion of the third round, is up 5% vs. last year’s comparable 6.0/13 rating.

Turner Sports and CBS Sports’ exclusive third round coverage on Sunday, March 24 – across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV – averaged an overnight household rating/share of 7.6/15, the highest rating for the first Sunday of the NCAA Tournament in 20 years (8.5/20 in 1993). This year’s rating/share is up 19% compared with a 6.4/13 in 2012.

Sunday’s coverage showed audience increases in all four telecast windows including more than 20% in three of the four:

• The first daytime telecast window (12:00-2:45 p.m. ET) averaged a 5.4/13, the highest rating for the window since 2002 (5.8/13) and an increase of 26% over last year’s 4.3/11.
• The second daytime telecast window (3:00-5:15 p.m.) averaged a 7.2/15, tied with 2007 as the highest rating for the window since 2006 (7.5/16) and up 20% over last year’s 6.0/13.
• The first primetime telecast window (5:15-9:15 p.m.) averaged an 11.8/22, the highest rating for the window since 1991’s 12.1/24 and a 26% increase over a 9.4/18 in 2012.
• The second primetime window (8:00 p.m.-12:15 a.m.) averaged a 6.5/11, up 2% vs. a 6.4/10 in 2012.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 03/24/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/18/12. 2013 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2010 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round.

There you have it.

CBS/Turner Deliver Most Viewers to 1st Thursday of NCAA Tournament Since 1991

This from CBS/Turner Sports. The final ratings are in for the first Thursday of the 2013 NCAA Tournament and they are good. This CBS/TBS/TNT/truTV combination combined for an overall 5.5 household rating with a 12 share. That is up 4% from 2012 and it’s the highest rating dating back to 1994 when CBS was in the early days of airing the Tournament solo.

The viewership numbers are also good. CBS/TBS/TNT/truTV received an average viewership of 8.1 million which is the highest since 1991.

The NCAA Tournament is averaging a 5.0/11 thus far.

Here’s what CBS/Turner want you to know about all this.

2013 NCAA^® Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTv is Most-Watched First Thursday Since 1991

Thursday’s NCAA Tournament Coverage Delivers a 5.5 U.S. HH Rating and 8.1 Million Total Viewers
NCAA Tournament to Date is Most Watched in 20 Years

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive second round coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV on Thursday, March 21, combined to deliver the most viewed (8.1 million total viewers) first Thursday of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship since 1991, when the tournament expanded to four telecast windows, according to Nielsen Fast Nationals.

Thursday’s coverage earned a Fast National U.S. household rating/share of a 5.5/12, +4% vs. 2012, 5.3/13, the highest average rating for the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament in 19 years (5.6/14, 1994).

The 2013 NCAA Tournament to date, including the First Four, is averaging a 5.0/11, +6% from last year’s 4.7/11, and is tied with the highest-to-date rating since 2006 (5.0/11).

Overall, the 2013 NCAA Tournament to date is the most-watched in 20 years (1993). The First Four and Thursday’s coverage averaged 7.4 million viewers, +7% vs. 6.9 million viewers last year.

• The first telecast window of the day combined to earn a 4.0/13, +14% vs. last year’s 3.5/13.
• The second telecast window of the day combined to earn a 5.1/13, +6% vs. last year’s 4.8/13.
• The third telecast window of the day combined to earn a 7.1/12, +11% vs. last year’s 6.4/12.
• The fourth telecast window of the day combined to earn a 5.9/11 vs. last year’s 6.4/12.

Source: Nielsen Media Research, based on Fast National Data, Live +SD data stream. 3/19/13 to 03/21/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/15/12. 2013, 2012 and 2011 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV. Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data. 2006 through 2012 based on Live + SD. 2003 based on CBS/ESPN average of First Round.

There it is.

NCAA Tournament Overnight Ratings for 1st Thursday Best in 22 Years

The CBS/Turner Sports partnership for the NCAA Tournament is working. Having all of the games available nationally and no regionalization has led to higher ratings for the first Thursday of the Big Dance. CBS/Turner says the Tournament garnered a 5.8 overnight rating and a 14 share for the 16 games played last night. That’s up 4% from last year’s 5.6/13. And yesterday’s numbers were the highest for the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament dating back to 1991. That’s quite impressive.

Here’s what CBS/Turner has to tell us about the Thursday overnight rating for the NCAA Tournament on CBS/TBS/TNT/truTV. Check it all out below in black and white.

2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV Scores Highest Rating for First Thursday of Tournament in 22 Years

Thursday’s NCAA Tournament Coverage Earns 5.8 Overnight Rating, Up 4% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive second round coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV on Thursday, March 21, averaged an overnight household rating/share of 5.8/14, the highest rating for the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament in 22 years.  The 5.8/14 is up 4% compared with a 5.6/13 in 2012.

Thursday’s coverage showed significant audience increases in three of the four telecast windows, including several record setters.

• The first daytime telecast window (12-4:15 p.m. ET) averaged a 4.1/14 to deliver the second highest rating for the time slot since 1991, when the tournament expanded to four telecast windows for the entire day (trailing only 2011’s 4.4/15).  The telecast window is up 5% compared with a 3.9/13 last year.
• The second daytime telecast window (2:30-7:15 p.m.) averaged a 5.5/15 to garner the highest rating ever for the time slot.  The window is up 6% over last year’s 5.2/14.
• The first primetime telecast window (7-10:15 p.m.) averaged a 7.4/14 to register the highest rating ever for the time slot.  The window is up 9% over a 6.8/13 in 2012.
• The second primetime window (9:30 p.m.-12:45 a.m.) averaged a 6.4/11, which included a pair of lopsided victories (VCU’s 46-point win vs. Akron and Syracuse’s 47-point triumph vs. Montana), vs. a 6.8/12 in 2012.

Tournament to date, including the NCAA First Four, the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is averaging a 5.2/12, up 2% compared with a 5.1/12 at this same time last year. For the third consecutive year, Turner Sports and CBS Sports are providing exclusive live coverage of all 67 games from the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across the four national television networks.

Source:  Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream.  3/19/13 to  03/21/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/15/12.  2013 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV.  Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data.  2006 through 2010 based on Live + SD.  2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round. 

That’s it.

2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship on TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV Scores Highest Rating for First Thursday of Tournament in 22 Years

Thursday’s NCAA Tournament Coverage Earns 5.8 Overnight Rating, Up 4% vs. 2012

CBS Sports and Turner Sports’ exclusive second round coverage of the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV on Thursday, March 21, averaged an overnight household rating/share of 5.8/14, the highest rating for the first Thursday of the NCAA Tournament in 22 years.  The 5.8/14 is up 4% compared with a 5.6/13 in 2012.

Thursday’s coverage showed significant audience increases in three of the four telecast windows, including several record setters.                               

§  The first daytime telecast window (12-4:15 p.m. ET) averaged a 4.1/14 to deliver the second highest rating for the time slot since 1991, when the tournament expanded to four telecast windows for the entire day (trailing only 2011’s 4.4/15).  The telecast window is up 5% compared with a 3.9/13 last year.

§  The second daytime telecast window (2:30-7:15 p.m.) averaged a 5.5/15 to garner the highest rating ever for the time slot.  The window is up 6% over last year’s 5.2/14.

§  The first primetime telecast window (7-10:15 p.m.) averaged a 7.4/14 to register the highest rating ever for the time slot.  The window is up 9% over a 6.8/13 in 2012.

§  The second primetime window (9:30 p.m.-12:45 a.m.) averaged a 6.4/11, which included a pair of lopsided victories (VCU’s 46-point win vs. Akron and Syracuse’s 47-point triumph vs. Montana), vs. a 6.8/12 in 2012.

Tournament to date, including the NCAA First Four, the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship is averaging a 5.2/12, up 2% compared with a 5.1/12 at this same time last year. 

For the third consecutive year, Turner Sports and CBS Sports are providing exclusive live coverage of all 67 games from the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across the four national television networks. 

-30-

Source:  Nielsen Media Research, based on Metered Market data, Live +SD data stream.  3/19/13 to  03/21/13 vs. 03/13/12 to 03/15/12.  2013 averages based on weighted average of 4 telecast gross across CBS, TBS, TNT and truTV.  Historical audiences, CBS 1991 through 2005 based on Live data.  2006 through 2010 based on Live + SD.  2003 based on CBS / ESPN average of First Round. 

truTV Sees Higher Ratings For NCAA First Four

We’re still getting used to the concept of the four NCAA Tournament play-in games. And while the NCAA tries to make it sound nice with “First Four™”, they still have a long way before they’re engrained into the national consciousness. However, truTV which airs the games can hang its hat on higher ratings from the year before.

Total viewership reached 4.477 million people. That’s up from 3.937 million last year. Average rating for the four games was a 2.9 household rating up 12% from last year.

In addition, Wednesday night’s doubleheader saw a 22% hike in viewership from 2012.

Let’s take a look at what CBS/Turner is saying about the First Four™ numbers.

NCAA First Four™ on truTV Delivers 14 Percent Audience Growth

The NCAA First Four™ on truTV grossed 4,477,000 total viewers, an increase of 14 percent over 3,937,000 total viewers for last year’s comparable telecasts, based on Nielsen Fast Nationals. The corresponding 2.9 U.S. HH rating for the four telecasts this year is up 12 percent over a 2.6 U.S. HH rating in 2012.

Wednesday night’s doubleheader on truTV (March 20) grossed 2,250,000 total viewers to become the most-watched second day of the First Four™. Wednesday’s coverage – LIU-Brooklyn vs. James Madison at 6:30 p.m. ET, followed by  Boise State vs. La Salle at 9:15 p.m. – grossed a 1.5 U.S. HH rating, up 25 percent compared with last year’s 1.2 U.S.HH rating. Viewership was up 22 percent when compared with last year’s 1,840,000 total viewers.

Tuesday’s First Four™ doubleheader on truTV (March 19) grossed 2,227,000 total viewers, up six percent when compared with an average of 2,097,000 total viewers for last year’s comparable telecasts. The Tuesday night doubleheader – North Carolina A&T vs. Liberty at 6:30 p.m., followed by Middle Tennessee vs. St. Mary’s (Calif.) at 9:15 p.m. – grossed a 1.5 U.S. HH rating, which was even with last year’s first two telecasts.

For the third consecutive year, Turner Sports and CBS Sports are providing live coverage of all 67 games from the 2013 NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Championship across four national television networks – TBS, CBS, TNT and truTV.

Source: Nielsen Media Research. Based on Live+SD.  2013 NCAA First Four on truTV based on Nielsen Fast National data (03/19/2013 to 03/20/13) compared 2012 and 2011 game dates of the First Four on truTV . 

That’s all.

Big Ten Network Crows About Its February Primetime Ratings

Big Ten Network, the cash cow that continues to be a huge success story for the Big Ten Conference and the Fox Sports Media Group, has some news to crow about.

It says February was its highest rated-month in primetime. Men’s basketball grew 33% in February 2013 from a year ago. And the Hockey City Classic, the outdoor college hockey game at Wrigley Field in Chicago, gave BTN its highest-rated hockey event ever. Some good news as the Big Ten prepares to launch hockey next season.

Here’s the blurb from Big Ten Network.

February Primetime Ratings are BTN’s Highest Ever, Up 20 Percent Over February 2012

 Basketball continues to fuel growth; Hockey City Classic most-watched hockey game ever on BTN

CHICAGO – As BTN prepares to air the first of four games in the Big Ten Men’s Basketball Tournament at noon ET today, the network is celebrating another ratings record.

February 2013 was BTN’s highest-rated month ever in primetime, according to Nielsen metered market data,* up 20 percent over February 2012 and surpassing January’s record ratings.

Fueling the growth was a 33 percent increase in Big Ten Men’s Conference Basketball in February 2013 versus February 2012, with a .88 HH rating versus a .66 rating in BTN’s metered markets.

Also contributing to the growth were significant ratings increases for BTN’s signature series, The Journey: Big Ten Basketball 2013, as well as the Hockey City Classic at Soldier Field, the most-watched hockey game on BTN. Wisconsin defeated Minnesota, then ranked No. 2 in the nation, 3-2.

*Source: Nielsen Arianna Overnights. Metered Markets: Chicago, Cleveland, Columbus, Dayton, Detroit, Indianapolis, Milwaukee, and Minneapolis 6P-Midnight, Mon-Sun

That is all.