Recent sports TV ratings news, including a big drop for the Independence Bowl, record ratings for the NBA’s Spurs, and a decline for CBS’ New Year’s Eve Louisville/Kentucky game.
- The December 27 Air Force/Georgia Tech Independence Bowl drew a 1.4 U.S. rating and 2.234 million viewers on ESPN2, down 30% in ratings and 32% in viewership from last year (UGA/TAMU: 2.0, 3.276 mil). Though down from last year, the 2.234 million viewers marked an 85% increase from 2008 (NIU/LATECH: 1.207 mil). (pifeedback.com)
- Fox Sports Southwest averaged a 9.7 rating for regular season Spurs telecasts through January 5, up 54% from last year, and the highest local average in the league. FS Southwest has earned its five biggest regular season Spurs ratings ever this season, with Lakers/Spurs on December 28 (17.8) and Spurs/Celtics on January 5 (14.3) taking the top two spots. The Spurs have earned nine of the ten highest local ratings in the NBA this season. Spurs ratings on San Antonio’s CBS and CW affiliates are up 22% and 31%, respectively. (nba.com/spurs)
- CBS drew a 1.7 final rating and 2.784 million viewers for the Kentucky/Louisville college basketball game on New Year’s Eve, down 11% and 7%, respectively, from the same matchup on January 2 last season (LOU/UK: 1.9, 2.995 mil). (Sports Business Daily)
