.png&width=42&height=42&type=webp)
University of Minnesota Athletics
Big Ten Network Football Ratings Increase
12/2/2009 12:00:00 AM | Football
Ratings for Big Ten Network national football telecasts dramatically increased across the board in 2009, based on Nielsen metered-market data. The average for the network's afternoon telecasts improved by 28 percent over the comparable period last year, while the average ratings for the network's eight primetime games increased by a whopping 183 percent.
In just its third season on the air, the network averaged a 2.3 household (HH) rating for its 12-week afternoon football window in its nine metered markets.* The rating exceeded all other sports cable networks airing football during the same noon ET time period.
The network also had significant ratings increases for its eight primetime games. In prime time, the network averaged a 1.7 rating in the nine metered markets, 183 percent higher than last year's rating. In addition, the network's post-game shows in both the afternoon and in prime time also showed ratings increases, with the Saturday Wrap-Up show up 20 percent and the Wrap-Up following the primetime games up 163 percent.
"These season-long ratings show that the Big Ten Network is establishing itself as a top destination for college football fans," network President Mark Silverman said. "We look forward to carrying this momentum into the Big Ten basketball season, with the network airing two-thirds of all conference games."
The network's final game telecast of the season is at 12:30 PM ET on Saturday when Illinois hosts Fresno State.
-UM-
