Recent sports TV ratings notes, including big increases for the NBA on TNT, record ratings for the Oklahoma City Thunder, and a double-digit rise for Capitals/Penguins on NBC.
- NBA Ratings Still Up Big on TNT: Through Thursday, coverage of the 2011-12* NBA regular season has averaged a 1.9 U.S. rating and 2.930 million viewers on TNT, up 27% in ratings and 26% in viewership from last season (1.5, 2.325M, 32 telecasts), and up 58% and 65%, respectively, from the 2009-10 season (1.2, 1.774M, 29 telecasts). Keep in mind this season started on Christmas Day due to the owners’ lockout of players. TNT’s numbers are up 46% in ratings and 50% in viewership from the comparable time period — December 30 to January 27 — last year (12 telecasts). (Turner Sports)
- Despite Late Start, Thunder Set Local Ratings Record: Monday’s Thunder/Clippers NBA regular season game earned an 8.8 rating on Fox Sports Oklahoma in the Oklahoma City market, the highest rating ever for a regular season Thunder telecast on the network. The record rating comes despite a 9:30 PM CT local start time. (The Oklahoman)
- NBC’s Caps/Pens Game Up From Last Year: The January 22 Captials/Penguins NHL regular season game drew a 0.9 final rating and 1.340 million viewers on NBC, up 13% in ratings and 11% in viewership from the game on the comparable date last year (PHI/CHI: 0.8, 1.207M), but down 10% and 21%, respectively, from the comparable game in 2010 (PIT/PHI: 1.0, 1.704M). The game outdrew the EPL Manchester United/Arsenal match on FOX earlier in the day (0.8, 1.258M). (Media Life Magazine)
* The 2011-12 NBA regular season was shortened due to the owners’ five-month lockout of players. The 2011 NBA lockout was the fourth work stoppage in NBA history, with all four being owner-imposed lockouts.
