- ESPN2 averaged a 0.7 U.S. rating for its two-week coverage of the 2009 U.S. Open, up 17% from a 0.6 for USA Network’s coverage last year. In prime time, ESPN2 averaged a 1.0 U.S. rating — up 25%. In key demographics, ESPN2’s coverage was up 44% among men 18-34 and 57% among men 18-49.
- Last Friday’s Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony drew a 1.1 U.S. rating and 1.7 million viewers on ESPN. To put that in perspective, regular season NBA games averaged the same numbers on ESPN during the 2008-09 season. (Source: ESPN)
- Tuesday’s season finale of Shaq Vs., featuring Shaquille O’Neal swimming against Michael Phelps, drew a series-high 2.9/5 final rating and 4.4 million viewers on ABC — up 16% in ratings and viewers from the previous week. During its five-episode run, Shaq Vs. averaged a 2.6/4 rating and 4 million viewers.
WSJ: Rupert Murdoch spoke to White House about NFL streaming deals
Fox Corporation's campaign against the NFL's streaming deals reportedly reached the highest levels of the company and the government.
