This week, Sports Business Daily released the national rankings for regional sports networks. Neither CSN Mid-Atlantic nor MASN made the cut.
According to data compiled by SBJ and Nielsen research, the Yankees-owned YES Network was the overall most watched regional sports network. The Red Sox-owned NESN finished second, but the Boston-based network finished with the best numbers in primetime — measured during weeknights between the hours of 7 p.m. and 11 p.m.
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So why didn’t local outlets CSN Mid-Atlantic and MASN make the top 10 list?
In the case of CSN Mid-Atlantic, the network focuses on the winter sports, with the Capitals and the Wizards as the anchor teams. So CSN’s ratings are strongest from October-April when the NHL and NBA seasons are in full force. You also can factor the Redskins into that equation from September-January. But the summers are largely filled with D.C United and theme-rated shows with fewer live events.
MASN is a baseball-oriented network that is at its best between the months of April and September when it airs the Orioles and Nationals. In the fall and winter it follows the Ravens, college football and basketball.
MASN announced the spring training schedule yesterday. The Nats get underway March 12 at 1 p.m. against the New York Yankees in Viera, Fla. They face the Atlanta Braves on March 15 at 7 p.m., also in Viera. Washington again faces the Yankees on March 24 — this time in Tampa. The Nats end spring training April 3 at 4 p.m. at Nationals Park against the Boston Red Sox.
Jim Williams is a seven-time Emmy Award-winning TV producer, director and writer. Check out his blog, Watch this! on washingtonexaminer.com.
