- The NHL and Versus have agreed to a three year extension of the current television contract. Versus will air NHL games through the 2010-11 season. So far this season, NHL telecasts are averaging a 0.3 rating on Versus, up 50% from last year.
- Speaking of the NHL, executives were not lying about the importance of HDTV. According to Nielsen Media, ratings for sporting events in homes with HDTV are 30% higher than in homes with standard definition television. Sports is “by far the most popular genre in HD“; events averaged an 8.9 rating last year, compared to a 6.8 in homes with standard definition television.
- ESPN is going all out for its Your NBA Destination promotion. In addition to creating the website yournbadestination.com (much like last year’s bewatchingwhen.com), ESPN will have an tour featuring the RV from the Your NBA Destination ads. The tour begins in Orlando this Sunday for Celtics/Magic; fans will be able to “tour the RV, participate in interactive games, have photos taken, possible talent appearances and see ESPN Radio remote broadcasts.”
