Jim Williams: World Series puts up big numbers for FOX; NBC and Comcast are near a deal
By: Jim Williams
Examiner Sports Columnist
November 4, 2009
The World Series has scored huge numbers for FOX. Game 4 continued the upward ratings trend for the network as they scored an impressive 13.5/22 average household rating/share with an average audience of 22.8 million viewers. Thus far, through five games, the Phillies-Yankees matchup has led FOX to some great primetime wins.
This year’s World Series has been a dominant force in primetime. The first four games of the 2009 Fall Classic have averaged an 11.5/19, which is 19.1 million viewers and a 6.1 in the 18-49 age group. The Series is up 42 percent in household ratings and 45 percent in audience over last year (8.1/14, 13.2 million). It is the highest-rated, most-watched World Series since 2004. If we compare the first four games of the World Series to top-rated season-to-date primetime shows, the World Series would rank No. 2 in households, and No. 4 among the 18-49 age group.
The new numbers continue the roll of good news for Major League Baseball after a record ratings playoff run for both TBS and FOX.
Sports ratings across the board are up. VERSUS had an all-time record for opening night for the NHL. ESPN and TNT racked up record numbers for their NBA openers last week.
Comcast, NBC near deal
Reports in the New York Times and Sports Business Journal have Comcast and NBC Universal near a deal.
As the deal stands now, Comcast would own about 51 percent of NBC Universal, contributing several billions of dollars in cash and its own stable of cable networks to the new venture.
NBC could use Comcast backing, as they begin another run at the Olympics rights efforts for 2016. ESPN/ABC is thought to be serious contenders to jump back into the Olympic business.
Sports-wise this has many implications, starting with VERSUS being an instant sports arm to NBC, where a number of programs could go, including Notre Dame football games, extreme sports and, of course, the Olympics. The Golf Channel -- also a part of the Comcast Network -- would be able to work even closer with NBC to share broadcasters like Dan Hicks and Johnny Miller on more projects.
There has been conversation in Philadelphia, Chicago, San Francisco, New York and Washington -- where NBC owns TV stations and Comcast owns regional sports networks -- that there could be consolidation.
Sports Business Journal reports we are close in this development.
On a local level, CSN Washington could work closely with NBC 4, perhaps serving as an "uber sports department" rolling the talented team of Lindsay Czarniak and Dan Hellie into the regional network family.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
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