Overnight ratings for the U.S. Figure Skating Championships were among the lowest since NBC acquired rights.
Coverage of the ladies’ free skate at the U.S. Figure Skating Championships drew a 2.3 overnight rating on NBC Saturday night, down 23% from last year (3.0) and down 8% from the last non-Olympic year in 2013 (2.5). The 2.3 overnight is the lowest for primetime coverage of the event since NBC acquired rights in 2008, falling below the previous mark in 2010.
Despite the lower numbers, the telecast topped competing coverage of the UFC on FOX (2.0). This is the second straight year that the ladies’ free skate has topped the UFC head-to-head in the overnights.
Earlier in the day, coverage featuring the pairs’ free skate and free dance drew a 1.3 overnight — down 32% from last year (1.9) and down 19% from 2012 (1.6). The 1.3 is the lowest for any telecast of the U.S. Figure Skating Championships since NBC acquired rights, falling below the previous mark of 1.4 for coverage opposite the NFL Playoffs in 2010.
Rounding out the weekend, coverage of the men’s free skate on Sunday drew a 1.6 overnight — down 11% from last year (1.8) but up a tick from 2013 (1.5).
(Wknd. numbers from Sports Business Daily)
