- Viewership for the Tour de France has declined somewhat this year. So far, live broadcasts are averaging 230,000 viewers, compared to 343,000 last year. Including taped broadcasts, Versus is averaging 143,000 viewers for 35 telecasts, compared to 171,000 for the entire 2007 Tour de France.
- The AFL Conference Championships drew strong ratings over the weekend. The National Conference Championship, which featured Philadelphia defeating Cleveland 70-35, drew a 0.6 cable rating on ESPN Saturday, the best rating for an AFL telecast on ESPN since the network regained rights last year. Meanwhile, the American Conference Championship between San Jose and Grand Rapids drew a 0.5 cable rating, up 67% from last year.
- On the local level, the Cleveland Gladiators saw good ratings for their playoff run. The Gladiators’ first two playoff games drew the two highest local ratings of any Arena Football broadcasts on ESPN. Their Wild Card game against the Orlando Predators drew a 2.5 rating locally, while their Divisional Round game against the Georgia Force drew a 3.5. The Gladiators are in their first season in Cleveland.
