Coming off of a third-straight season of record low regular season ratings, FOX is looking to move two MLB telecasts into primetime this season.
A FOX spokesman told USA Today that the network is looking into moving two regular season telecasts to primetime during the 2010 season. One primetime telecast would take place in May, with the other one airing in June.
FOX has only aired two primetime regular season games since acquiring MLB rights in ’96 — Cubs/Cardinals in September ’98 (when admitted steroid user Mark McGwire hit his then-record 62nd home run of the season), and Yankees/Red Sox in April ’04 (months after the teams’ 7-game clash in the ALCS).
Cubs/Cardinals drew a 12.9/21 rating, while Yankees/Red Sox drew a 3.6/7.
May and June are particularly busy months for primetime sporting events on network television. Two NASCAR races will air in primetime on FOX, at least two Stanley Cup Final telecasts will air on NBC, and at least four NBA Finals games will air on ABC. Additionally, the final round of U.S. Open is scheduled to conclude in primetime.
