The Nationwide Series race from Daytona had big declines in ratings and viewership on ESPN Saturday. In other news, ESPN attracted decent enough NBA numbers opposite the Academy Awards, and NBA TV says it had its most-viewed NBA All-Star Weekend.
Double-Digit Declines For Nationwide Series From Daytona
- Saturday’s NASCAR Nationwide Series DRIVE4COPD 300 earned a 2.2 U.S. rating and 3.4 million viewers on ESPN, down 24% in ratings and viewership from last year (2.9, 4.4M), but up 5% and 4%, respectively, from 2011 (2.1, 3.2M). Last year’s race was the most-viewed Nationwide Series telecast ever on cable. (ESPN)
ESPN Gets Over 1 Million For NBA Opposite Oscars
- ESPN earned 1.4 million viewers for Grizzlies/Nets and 1.6 million for Bulls/Thunder opposite the Academy Awards Sunday night. On Friday, Timberwolves/Thunder scored 1.3 million and Spurs/Warriors earned 1.6 million. There were no games on the comparable weekend last year due to the NBA All-Star festivities. (The Futon Critic [1], [2])
NBA TV Has Most-Watched All-Star Coverage
- NBA TV averaged 101,000 total-day viewers during NBA All-Star Weekend (February 15-18), which the network says was its highest average ever for All-Star coverage. On February 18, “All Star Monday” — a line-up of three one-on-one interviews the night after the NBA All-Star Game — averaged 348,000 viewers. Not surprisingly, the Ahmad Rashad interview of Bobcats owner Michael Jordan attracted the largest audience (416K). (Turner Sports via The Futon Critic)
