The Cavaliers’ first preseason game set a local ratings record. In other news, ESPN2’s Olbermann has generated big gains for its new timeslot and ESPN’s 30 For 30 had a decent outing in its return.
Cavaliers’ Preseason Opener Sets Local Mark
- The Cleveland Cavaliers NBA preseason opener drew a 3.5 rating on Fox Sports Ohio Sunday night, the network’s highest ever for a preseason telecast (excluding 2011, when the preseason took place in December due to the owners’ lockout). Cavaliers regular season games averaged a 2.85 on the network over the past two seasons, according to Sports Business Journal. (Nielsen)
Olbermann Lifts Viewership For ESPN2 Afternoon Timeslot
- The ESPN2 talk show Olbermann has averaged 205,000 viewers in its new 5 PM ET timeslot, Sports Business Journal reported Monday, up 61% from College Football Live in same window last year. (Sports Business Journal)
30 For 30 Premiere Nets 1.1 Overnight
- The ESPN documentary Playing For the Mob, the season premiere of the network’s 30 For 30 franchise, drew a 1.1 overnight rating Tuesday night — up 83% from last year’s fall premiere, Hawaiian: The Legend of Eddie Aikau. Versus the doc on the comparable date last year, Free Spirits, the overnight increased 53%. (ESPN)
