Recent TV ratings news, including big increases for the NBA on TNT, recent declines for the NBA on ESPN, and low numbers for the debut of Versus’ new NHL studio show.
- TNT is averaging a 2.1 U.S. rating and 3.259 million viewers through eight NBA telecasts, up 31% in ratings and 37% in viewership from last year (1.6, 2.373 mil), and up 75% and 87%, respectively, from 2008 (1.2, 1.745 mil). (Turner press release from TV By The Numbers)
- Friday’s Jazz/Hawks game on ESPN drew a 1.0 U.S. rating and 1.440 million viewers, down 17% and 20%, respectively, from last year (ATL/BOS: 1.2, 1.801 mil). In the nightcap, Trail Blazers/Thunder drew a 1.2 and 1.669 million viewers, down 25% and 29%, respectively, from last year (LAL/DEN: 1.6, 2.334 mil). After increases for its first eight telecasts, ESPN had declines in ratings and viewership for three of its four games last week (comparisons for a fourth were unavailable). (pifeedback.com)
- The series debut of Versus’ nightly NHL studio show, NHL Overtime, drew 31,000 viewers on Versus Monday night, significantly lower than the already low 53,000 viewers predecessor The Daily Line averaged. The game was down 64% from the 20-minute edition of Hockey Central that preceded it. Earlier in the night, a live Blues/Avalanche game drew 148,000 viewers. (pifeedback.com via Puck The Media)
