NHL's TV ratings a disaster already

[Shell]

Stanley's a bust in the U.S.
May. 7, 2003. 08:25 AM
NHL's TV ratings a disaster already
Vancouver-Ottawa final a nightmare
Chris Zelkovich
SPORTS MEDIA COLUMNIST

When ABC shelled out $600 million (U.S.) for the rights to NHL games four years ago, it was aware that this was no sure thing.

But even in its executives' worst nightmares, the Disney-owned network never imagined the horrifying possibility of a Vancouver-Ottawa Stanley Cup final.

With ratings already at record lows, this year's Stanley Cup could challenge the late, unlamented XFL as the lowest-rated prime-time sports broadcast ever.

While the XFL's 1.6 rating (each point represents about 1 million households) is a long way from last season's Stanley Cup final average of 3.6, an all-Canadian match-up could threaten that.

ABC is averaging a 1.1 rating for its Saturday afternoon broadcasts, down 21 per cent from last season.

"Vancouver-Ottawa would be a very difficult rating," U.S. television consultant Neal Pilson said.

A Canadian industry source says simply, "It would be a disaster."

That doesn't bode well for the league, which will face a cool market when its contract with ABC expires after the 2004 season. While one season of poor ratings won't sound the death knell for the NHL, it won't help.

Even if both Canadian teams fall by the wayside, ratings could still take a fall.

None of the American-based teams still alive — Anaheim, New Jersey and Minnesota — is among the top 10 television markets.

"The great thing about sports is that it's unpredictable," ABC spokesman Mark Mandel said.

"The other side is that sometimes things don't turn out the way you want them to. We would have preferred the markets that are traditionally most supportive of hockey, but there's nothing we can do about that."

This spring has been rough for the NHL and its U.S. broadcast partners. ESPN's ratings are off 14 per cent, so low that the network dropped national coverage of last Friday's Minnesota-Vancouver game to accommodate the NBA.

Contrast that with the ratings picture in Canada. While CBC's 1.7 million first-round average is off 11 per cent from last season, that's still the second-highest average in the past decade.

TSN's 384,000 first-round average is up 29 per cent over what Sportsnet did last year, although some of that is attributed to TSN's larger subscriber base. Its second-round average is a healthy 570,000.

"If either Ottawa or Vancouver makes it to the final, we'll be looking at bigger numbers overall," CBC senior executive producer Joel Darling said.

The largest Stanley Cup audience in history, more than 5 million, watched the seventh game of the 1994 series between New York and Vancouver.

"There are a lot of great stories around all the remaining teams and if the hockey gods smile on us and give us some great series, viewership will rise," Jon Litner, the NHL's chief operating officer, said.

Litner said the league has faith that the promotional power of ABC and ESPN can overcome Americans' lack of familiarity with Canadian teams. But there's little to indicate a ratings hit in the Cup final.

Regular-season ratings are less than half of what they were when they peaked at 2.4 in 1995-96 on Fox. Now they are in the same neighbourhood as pro bowling, which actually outdrew the NHL on ESPN this season.

During the first round of the playoffs, the NHL's 1.2 rating barely beat the Arena Football League and The World of American Indian Dance, which scored 0.9 each.

Mandel said Disney is still bullish on hockey, both for ABC and sister cable operation ESPN.

"Hockey is extremely important for Disney," he said. "We call ourselves the network of championship television ... and the Stanley Cup final is a very integral part of what we are."

[Turbulence]

Great...One more reason to move to the Great White North. At least its stil popular there...

I really don't understand why hockey is failing in the States when sports like NASCAR and soccer are gaining momentum. Are they really that much more fan-friendly and fun to watch? Sheesh...as bad as the XFL. :roll:

[tommy]

No offense to either team, but that would be just about the worst TV matchup ever... I'm praying for New Jersey vs. Anaheim.

But the XFL? Wow... that little interest?? I feel like I'm in a cult or something.

[Stormbringer]

I really don't understand why hockey is failing in the States when sports like NASCAR and soccer are gaining momentum. Are they really that much more fan-friendly and fun to watch? Sheesh...as bad as the XFL. :roll:

You and me Turby...I have never understood how racing can be better than hockey. IMHO, racing's getting to be more like pro wrestling every day with the drivers pulling off all sorts of crap like taunting each other in rude manners.

Of course, it doesn't help that ESPN and other sports networks except Canadian ones are showing how much they truly care about hockey through not only not showing as much highlights from it as both NBA and college basketball and football, but also immediately cutting to NBA games during intermissions and/or in the middle of games.

If only ESPN had just let NBC keep their NBA coverage rights...hockey's ratings would not be hurting as bad. (sighs)

[Guyute]

I had this conversation a few weeks back (about the popularity of hockey vs soccer) with someone. He couldn't totally get what I was saying... so I'll try again here. :)

It all starts with organized youth sports. I'd venture a guess that probably somewhere in the neighborhood of 90% of young kids have the opportunity (whether or not they actually take it) to play soccer as a young pup. So, you're starting kids off around 6-7 (I started at 6) playing soccer. The entire family gets involved. Even if they don't like the sport, they're going to game after game, watching their kid.

Flash to hockey. I'd say the opportunity for young kids (of the same age as above) to start playing hockey is more like 10%-20%. There are major factors involved here, it costs a lot of money, and you must be near a rink. Soccer you buy cleats, shinpads, and a cup. That's about it.
I was very lucky to start playing (street) hockey when I was 5 years old. It made me learn how to skate so I could be like the guys I watched on tv.

anyway... getting back to the point. Without families having kids who play hockey, they're not forced into the sport, as they are with something like soccer. Yes, adults learn to love hockey, without it having anything to do with kids. But, hockey will never be a MAJOR sport in this country until it's more accessible to the youth.
and I don't see that happening any time soon.

that's my theory on why hockey's not so popular in the States.

And I just can't explain NASCAR. :crazy: lol.

[Shell]

wasn't his fault.. (and YAY, can't he leave now??)

Canadian PM Preferred Hockey to Rivals Debating
Wed May 7, 9:13 AM ET Add Oddly Enough - Reuters to My Yahoo!

OTTAWA (Reuters) - Among the Canadians who switched over to a hockey game after becoming bored with a recent televised debate among contenders to be the country's next prime minister was Canada's current prime minister.

"I watched the TV. Sometimes I switched to the hockey and came back. You know, I'm like any other citizen," Prime Minister Jean Chretien told reporters on Tuesday, prompting someone to ask whether it had been boring.

"The hockey? No," Chretien replied in a deadpan voice before walking away.

Chretien is stepping down in February 2004, leaving Finance Minister John Manley, Heritage Minister Sheila Copps and former finance minister Paul Martin to fight for his job.

Saturday's debate -- which many agreed afterwards had been exceedingly dull -- was on TV at the same time as a playoff match between the National Hockey League's Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers.

The contenders are due to hold five more televised debates in the run-up to a November convention of the governing Liberal Party, at which a replacement for Chretien will be chosen.

[Kat]

I completely agree with guyute.

I will even take it a step further... all the "major" sports (football, baseball, basketball, even soccer) have high school and college teams (for the majority of the US at least). For a lot of high schools/colleges, at least one of those sports becomes the thing to do... gets cheerleaders, fans, etc. Ice hockey (if it even exists at that school) is generally played really early in the morning or really late at night due to the expensive ice time, so it doesn't gain as many spectators at the high school and college levels.

Plus kids play little league, or basketball in the street, or football in their backyards, even if they don't wind up playing in high school or college. Without exposure either as a fan or as a player, it is much less likely you will become a fan of pro hockey. And with 80+ games a year for each team, you almost have to have a cult-like worship to follow it all.

Also, as guyute said, hockey is very expensive. You are talking a minimum of a $300-500 investment on equipment that you will have to replace yearly as your child grows, then exorbitant team and league fees, plus practice and ice time. It is probably as expensive (or more so) than something like figure skating.

-Kat

[SouthernHockeyChick]

I think Ottawa-Vancouver would be a freakin' awesome series! An all Canadian SCF....it would be about time. Of course, this is coming from a hockey fanatic and not your normal, average American, I guess.

[talkingcanes]

I think Ottawa-Vancouver would be a freakin' awesome series! An all Canadian SCF....it would be about time. Of course, this is coming from a hockey fanatic and not your normal, average American, I guess.

I think it would be great too, but the truth is I will be watching no matter which 2 teams are playing so I guess I'm not typical either.........I can live with that ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

It is hard to imagine that other folks don't love hockey like WE ALL do...but I think maybe the lateness of the Western games cut down on the viewing too...I know lots of nights I was struggling to stay away from "eyelid theater" and I love hockey better than anything!! Hopefully the next round will bring in more interest! :roll:

[SouthernHockeyChick]

It is hard to imagine that other folks don't love hockey like WE ALL do...but I think maybe the lateness of the Western games cut down on the viewing too...I know lots of nights I was struggling to stay away from "eyelid theater" and I love hockey better than anything!! Hopefully the next round will bring in more interest! :roll:

That's a good point. I've been having a hard time staying up lately myself. If we go to OT tonight I'm gonna die....I really don't think I can make it past about 11:30. :eek2:

[1Irbegirlforever]

And I just can't explain NASCAR. :crazy: lol.

Man, i totally agree with you on that one. No offense to anyone who may like Nascar, but I can't stand it.

I agree with the rest of what you said too. In Canada, hockey has been around for years and years and has a big history there, whereas in the states, it's a fairly new concept with the exception of cities such as Detroit and Boston.

Personally, i can't get enough of hockey and unless you have Center ice, cable's coverage of the sport is horrible. NHL 2night is great, but you have much more coverage during prime time hours of golf, soccer, football, basketball, baseball, racing, etc, etc. My aunt and uncle live in Toronto and i must say, i do envy them for living in a city that is so organized around hockey.

Getting Center Ice will definitely be on the top of my list of priorities come this October. :D

[talkingcanes]

an article on TSN said CBC ratings were down too for Saturday with the great weather and ABC having the coverage. guess a Saturday afternoon game on a great day won't be the biggest ratings draw, but I was still surprised.

I am not a NASCAR fan myself and don't quite get the thrill of watching people drive in a circle for hours, but I'll defend it because I am SO sick of being bashed over the head with it by people who don't think hockey belongs in the south or columnists who lack the imagination to come up with something new. They could just as easily taunt Ducks fans about NASCAR since there are several BIG racetracks in California that sell out every race. :roll: end rant here :)

[StormShaman]

Oh gawd...

I've come to hate NASCAR and despise college hoops because of all the crap that we've taken (and still take) over it. It's to the point where I'd rather watch Ultimate Aussie Rules Texas Hold-'em Tiddlywinks before I'll watch racing or hoops.

[tommy]

Oh gawd...

I've come to hate NASCAR and despise college hoops because of all the crap that we've taken (and still take) over it. It's to the point where I'd rather watch Ultimate Aussie Rules Texas Hold-'em Tiddlywinks before I'll watch racing or hoops.

Watch it Cam... the NUARTHT (you can figure it out) is REALLY gaining popularity, especially in the Northeast!

I actually enjoy NASCAR... I've been to a few races at Darlington, and watch on TV... but here is a HUGE POINT: You have to be rooting for a driver to enjoy a race... you can't just think of it as watching cars go around in circles... it's the same with hockey... of course it's not going to gain popularity if people just think of it as a bunch of Canadians bumping into each other... hate to sound mean, but those of you who say "I don't see the fun in watching cars go around in circles" are doing the exact same thing to NASCAR that many people do to the NHL. This all plays a huge role in fan development.

[nccanes]

Great thread folks!

I agree with what Kat and Guy have said, but I'd be curious to know what the MLS soccer ratings are. Are they really gaining? I have a kid who has been playing soccer for 6 years, plays competitively statewide and has gone out of state for tourneys and even he isn't really keen on sitting down to watch soccer on TV - he'd prefer to watch hockey (any team). I think both sports are enjoyed more when seen live.

One of the reasons I loved the "you'll know when you go" slogan the Canes used to use is because it is SO accurate. You simply cannot become a hockey fan if the only time you get to see it is on TV, imo. So, in addition to the youth participation thing, I think unless you get to a game or two, the likelihood of you deciding to watch it on TV, is pretty much nil.

I have a rather sports oriented family (and a large one) and none of my siblings have picked up on hockey viewing. I'm certain that if I didn't start going to games in G'boro and then here in Raleigh, I wouldn't give a rip about the playoffs.

Just my 2 cents.

You'll Know When You Go

[talkingcanes]

I don't see the fun of watching cars drive in circles. That's the way it is. I know who the drivers are and members of my extended family are HUGE fans. just because I don't enjoy it doesn't mean I don't respect those who do love it. That's my point. I am so tired of NASCAR being used to bash southerners. It also doesn't mean I would never go to a race. After all, if I'd refused my brother's offer of a hockey ticket several years ago, I wouldn't be the Canes maniac I am............and I'd have more money.........hmmmmm ;)

And I love college basketball. It is a side effect of being a native of this area, I guess.

and I agree that to go to a hockey game is to really see it. TV enjoyment comes later, at least for me it did. the more I understood, the more I enjoyed and could follow the game on TV. And if you can go to a playoff game and not get hooked, then I really don't understand that!

[tommy]

I don't see the fun of watching cars drive in circles. That's the way it is. I know who the drivers are and members of my extended family are HUGE fans. just because I don't enjoy it doesn't mean I don't respect those who do love it. That's my point. I am so tired of NASCAR being used to bash southerners. It also doesn't mean I would never go to a race.

Oh, I understand that completely, but I'm saying, that none of the fans of NASCAR just wander aimlessly between liking drivers. Just like nobody randomly decides to root for the Chicago Blackhawks or Los Angeles Kings.

We just have to realize that lots of people take the same view to hockey, and understanding is the key.

I wasn't implying that you don't respect them; I know you do, and I know that you don't like NASCAR; there are plenty of people who don't. I was just stressing the point that if everyone were like you; that is, even if they aren't a fan, they still maintain respect, then more of those "respecters" would become fans. See what I'm getting at maybe?

[AbNormal27]

Why are the ratings down even up here? Simple. WHO WANTS TO WATCH A GAME ON A SATURDAY AFTERNOON? The folks in Calgary may have been responsible for the yeomen's share of those ratings as they are still snowed in! They have nothing better to do!

As far as I'm concerned, the fact that ABC has so much interest in who is in the games and when the games are played are the biggest problem. Put the games back to their traditional evening start times, and the ratings will fix themselves. Honestly, who wants to be inside when you could be outside in shorts and a t-shirt? Heck, even I'D rather be working in my flower beds instead of PLAYING!

IMHO, the best thing that could happen for the NHL, would be for Ottawa and Vancouver to make it to the finals. Why? they are both Canadian teams that are battling the out of control spending in the league and would be BIG pluses going into a CBA year as the finalists from the season before. Think about it, 2 "small market" teams (by which I mean teams that don't have the deep pockets of the Rangers) make it to the Finals through the draft and prudent spending. PLUS. Both are Canadian teams and would be big assets to getting the league back to its traditonal roots (ie. history, rivalries vs playing a team with no hate, etc.). Both are young teams that won't crumble like some of the older teams in the league and could become dynasties (remember the 80's Oilers, 80's Islanders, and 70's Canadiens). I could go on, but I think my point is made.

If the "Powers That Be" with the NHL would stop trying to cater to markets that haven't shown interest the way that thought they would have, and worry about marketing their product better, the problem will fix itself. I use our team from last year to illustrate my point. Better hockey showcased at a time when people might ACTUALLY be watching TV, instead of trying to become a catchy fad is all that I think is needed. I could be wrong, but I don't think so, I have grown up in this sport.

Aaryn

[RIO]

Never fear! The RIO knows a sure-fire way to makes the ratings climb! Even in light of an all-Canadian play-off final match-up, my idea will still work.

Naked.

Naked hockey.

Heck, everyone can be naked. Not just the players.

You are all :eek2: *stunned* by the sheer brilliance of it.

I know I'D watch. :D

Then again, this would just make it easier for the Canadian clones to spread their insidious spores. So if you don't mind that, then it's a great idea. ;)

[Stormbringer]

ROTFLMAO!! http://smilies.networkessence.net/s/otn/realhappy/xxrotflmao.gif

[Canesluver]

Naked hockey, huh.. . . .
It's pretty cold in the arenas -- poor guys would have some serious "shrinkage" goin' on! :eek2:

okay. . . now back to our regularly scheduled topic ;)

[Jeff O Rocks]

Never fear! The RIO knows a sure-fire way to makes the ratings climb! Even in light of an all-Canadian play-off final match-up, my idea will still work.

Naked.

Naked hockey.

Heck, everyone can be naked. Not just the players.

You are all :eek2: *stunned* by the sheer brilliance of it.

I know I'D watch. :D

Then again, this would just make it easier for the Canadian clones to spread their insidious spores. So if you don't mind that, then it's a great idea. ;)

Nekkid hockey?? with all those ugly players the Canes have on the team??? No thanks!! :eek2: :evil: :vamp: ;)

[Stormbringer]

Naked hockey, huh.. . . .
It's pretty cold in the arenas -- poor guys would have some serious "shrinkage" goin' on! :eek2:

okay. . . now back to our regularly scheduled topic ;)

That certainly would freak George Costanza out... :D ;)

God, that reminds me how I'll never forget about John and Tripp somehow ending up talking about shrinkage during one game... :eek2:

[Shell]

They'd be hoping for as much shrinkage as they could get if they had no cup!

What's the topic here??? :eek:

[Jeff O Rocks]

They'd be hoping for as much shrinkage as they could get if they had no cup!

What's the topic here??? :eek:

ummmmmmm...cold nekkid hockey players???????? no..that ain't it...oh low ratings..yeah..that's it!! :D :p ;)

[SouthernHockeyChick]

They'd be hoping for as much shrinkage as they could get if they had no cup!

What's the topic here??? :eek:

ummmmmmm...cold nekkid hockey players???????? no..that ain't it...oh low ratings..yeah..that's it!! :D :p ;)

I'd guess the ratings would be pretty low if there was a lot of shrinkage goin' on. :evil: ;) :p

[Canesluver]

Yeah -- I bet little Martin St. Louis'd probably not even make it out of the locker room!! :D

[Shell]

beer out of the nose is a painful thing! ;)

[Kat]

Uhh.... :eek2:

And Aaryn, I would rather be playing than out in my garden. But I am addicted.

-Kat

[Alicia]

I have to partially agree with Aaryn here. The playoff scheduling has been atrocious. ABC really sucked....all games aired by one network at the same time (3 in the afternoon), not to mention depending on your location, you probably didn't get the game you wanted to see, unless you had CI. *shakes head in disgust*

[talkingcanes]

while we would watch hockey year round and would like to see every game, until ratings are up, it won't happen. it's a vicious cycle and it's all about business. I wish ABC would have a more reasonable schedule, but I can't blame them for being hesitant if they know it's not going to be profitable. didn't they spend $600 million dollars on this contract?
that's a lot of $$$$$$$ if you get little return.

Our mission is to convert the NBA and baseball fans to hockey so they'll ALL see it our way :D :beatup:

[Guyute]

yes, a HUGE part of these "ratings" (or lack of) is because of ABC, and when THEY want the games to be played. Saturday afternoon, and then Sunday at 10pm? give me a break. if you want an afternoon game, make that one on sunday. Give me a saturday night game back!

and um... I'm all for a nekkid arena (not players), but would have to re-evaluate some of the folks we sit near. :eek: :crazy:

[rkbrasse]

uh ... untill hockey is played by playboy bunnies it should never be a "nude" sport.

I have to wonder why the brilliant hockey execs scheduled the season and playoffs to go head to head with the NBA????? Unfortunitley the NBA will trounce the NHL playoffs. Why not try to schedule the playoffs/season to avoid such things???

Just my two cents.

[AbNormal27]

Uhh.... :eek2:

And Aaryn, I would rather be playing than out in my garden. But I am addicted.

-Kat

I'm addicted too, but I play several times a week, and don't necessarily want to be playing on a Saturday at 3PM when I could be consuming "pops" or something else. ;)

Aaryn

[Jeff O Rocks]

Yeah -- I bet little Martin St. Louis'd probably not even make it out of the locker room!! :D

LMAO Shawn..he is already so little..he would disappear completely.. :D

...and on the subject of the NBA...I personally don't know a soul that watches NBA hoops anymore...I don't mean to criticize cause I know there are fans in here, but to watch 5 individuals who care about nothing other than how many points they can score and their paycheck....means nothing to me...that is what I love about our Canes and hockey in general..there are a few "high profile" players that command a huge salary, but for the most part, these guys care if they win or lose...if non-hockey fans don't believe that, have them take a look at some of the Canes' playoff win pics from last year..in particular the OT game when Bates won it and Erik was picking him up....and Ozo when he won that game for the Ducks...pure elation... :D IMHO...no contest..

[1Irbegirlforever]

Our mission is to convert the NBA and baseball fans to hockey so they'll ALL see it our way :D :beatup:

I'm with you on that idea! ;) I've already converted my family from basketball and soccer to hockey, so several down, millions more to go! :)

[talkingcanes]

Yeah -- I bet little Martin St. Louis'd probably not even make it out of the locker room!! :D

LMAO Shawn..he is already so little..he would disappear completely.. :D

...and on the subject of the NBA...I personally don't know a soul that watches NBA hoops anymore...I don't mean to criticize cause I know there are fans in here, but to watch 5 individuals who care about nothing other than how many points they can score and their paycheck....means nothing to me...that is what I love about our Canes and hockey in general..there are a few "high profile" players that command a huge salary, but for the most part, these guys care if they win or lose...if non-hockey fans don't believe that, have them take a look at some of the Canes' playoff win pics from last year..in particular the OT game when Bates won it and Erik was picking him up....and Ozo when he won that game for the Ducks...pure elation... :D IMHO...no contest..

I'm with you on the NBA. I wouldn't go to a game if they were playing in my backyard. I love college basketball, but the pro game is not at all entertaining to me. But there are lots of people who are addicted. We need to put them on a "convert to NHL fan" list :spin: They don't know what they are missing.

[RIO]

... when I could be consuming "pops" or something else. ;)

Aaryn

Kat, this is clone-speak for "human souls." :vamp:

[AbNormal27]

Sorry, RIO, by "pops" I meant those beverages of an alcoholic nature. I'm sorry, but I have no need to consume souls unless it's on the ice ;).

Aaryn

[Shell]

Sorry, RIO, by "pops" I meant those beverages of an alcoholic nature. I'm sorry, but I have no need to consume souls unless it's on the ice ;).

Aaryn

oh, I thought you were trying to talk like a southerner, and meant soda lol

[RIO]

Sorry, RIO, by "pops" I meant those beverages of an alcoholic nature. I'm sorry, but I have no need to consume souls unless it's on the ice ;).

Aaryn

oh, I thought you were trying to talk like a southerner, and meant soda lol

lol!!!

Aaryn thinks he's a very suave sort of clone and that he speaks our "common language" flawlessly like they taught him in Clone College (not to confused with Clown College). But we're on to him. Not that it matters. We're all doomed anyway. It's only a matter of time before every last one of us gets covered in Canadian spores.

Just humor him until the inevitable happens. Maybe if we're really nice to him he won't use the ether on us when they come to harvest us for their breeding colonies.

:smoke:

[AbNormal27]

You know, RIO's comments kind of make SHC's trip up here a little suspicious, doesn't it? ;)

Aaryn

[SouthernHockeyChick]

You know, RIO's comments kind of make SHC's trip up here a little suspicious, doesn't it? ;)

Aaryn

THAT'S what I was thinking!!! I don't want to be covered in Canadian spores....or do I? :D

And ether is always a good idea! ;)

[RIO]

You know, RIO's comments kind of make SHC's trip up here a little suspicious, doesn't it? ;)

Aaryn

THAT'S what I was thinking!!! I don't want to be covered in Canadian spores....or do I? :D

And ether is always a good idea! ;)


mmm..... tasty ether. http://www.smilies.org/basesmilies3/1040738546.gif

[Jeff O Rocks]

You know, RIO's comments kind of make SHC's trip up here a little suspicious, doesn't it? ;)

Aaryn

all I have to say about that comment is if she wears camoflage and shoe polish on her face..and wants to drive by Jeff O'Neill's house...DON'T GET INVOLVED!! :evil: :p ;)

[Romney]

I have to agree with Stormbringer and Turby, neither NASCAR nor hockey are very viewer friendly. Much of the best stuff happens away from what the focus of the camera. Which is too bad, because many fans are not able to attend games/races in person.

Perhaps, part of NASCAR's commerical and ratings success can somewhat be attributed to the sponsorship of race teams. Drivers and their teams are huge advertisements for the corporations by which they are sponsored. Every time they open their mouth, they have to try to get in all of their majors contributors during their few seconds on mic time. Imagine postgame interviews if this were true in hockey.

[nccanes]

From the Globe and Mail:

William Houston
By WILLIAM HOUSTON
From Friday's Globe and Mail

Win or lose, the Ottawa Senators will probably set a record. But this is a record they don't need — the Canadian team to produce the lowest television ratings for a National Hockey League conference final.

The numbers are astonishing. Last year, the CBC's average audience for the two conference finals was 2.26 million viewers a game. This year, the average is shaping up to be fewer than 1.25 million, a decline of roughly 80 per cent.

Each of the first two games in the Eastern Conference final between the Senators and the New Jersey Devils pulled in fewer than 1.5 million viewers — 1.465 million for Game 1 and 1.478 million for Game 2.

Last year's Eastern Conference final between the Toronto Maple Leafs and the Carolina Hurricanes drew audiences twice as large, roughly three million a game. The Leafs are Hockey Night in Canada's big producer, but consider the ratings for the Montreal Canadiens when they advanced to the Eastern Conference final in 1993 against the New York Islanders. The Habs and the Isles averaged 2.531 million viewers a game.

Why the decline this year?


An inconsistent schedule, specifically the absence of the traditional Saturday prime-time games, which, for the most part, have been replaced by Saturday afternoon match-ups for ABC Sports. (If the Anaheim Mighty Ducks sweep the Minnesota Wild, the CBC will not have a prime-time game until Monday.)

The CBC's decision to reduce its NHL playoff content in the third round has caused the telecasts to lose momentum. Without a game aired almost every night, viewers are not in the habit of tuning in.

Arguably, Hockey Night has not done enough to market the Senators during the regular season. The Leafs, because of their popularity and high ratings, are a fixture on the first telecast. But the league and the CBC could do more for the Senators, for example, scheduling their western road games for the second half of the doubleheader.

Unlike the other Canadian teams, all of which have enjoyed some success in the past and evoke memories, the Senators have no history (unless you can remember the 1920s).

The Senators play in a small market and have a small national following.

The Senators are handicapped by resentment, especially in the West, toward Central Canada and the nation's capital. At least, that's the theory.

The team has talent, but no pizzazz.

-Bob Cole, Hockey Night's lead announcer, missed John Madden's goal for the Devils in Tuesday's Game 2. Analyst Harry Neale had to tell Cole it had been scored.

-TSN's ratings for the NHL playoffs "have exceeded even internal expectations" an executive said. TSN drew its largest playoff audience of the season last Monday — 770,000 viewers for Game 2 of the Ducks-Wild Western Conference final.

-ESPN's NHL playoff ratings are down marginally, to .6 a game (524,000 U.S. households) from .7 last year.

[Jeff O Rocks]

I'd be willing to bet that ratings will be up tonight..as everyone watches the Ducks and Mr. Giguere in action!! :spin: I think the Wild will be eliminated tonight..it may take an OT to do it, but I think they will be golfing tomorrow..

[Turbulence]

I sure hope you're right on both accounts, JOR. The NHL needs viewers...and the Quack needs a good defensive victory. (I won't jinx it... ;) )

[nccanes]

There is/was a thread on ch.com that in part talked about ratings. I dug up some stuff from Zap2It, and in a word, they suck (not that this isn't what this whole thread is pointing out).

Here is the info about last night's overnight ratings.

LOS ANGELES (Zap2it.com) - Fast National ratings for Saturday, June 7, 2003.

Ah summer. Summer is the time when a special episode of "The Price is Right" can be the highest rated show of the night and where hockey's Stanley Cup can give ABC ratings that would normally make The WB blush.

For the night, CBS won with a 5.1 rating/10 share. FOX was competitive with a 4.2/8. NBC would have been better off airing more "Law & Order" repeats to improve on a 3.4/7, while ABC could have improved its ratings by airing a test pattern, as the Stanley Cup scored a 2.2/4.

Among adults 18-49, FOX was easily on top with a 2.5. NBC led the trailing back with a 1.7. CBS' 1.5 still beat ABC's 1.5.

Due to the nature of live events, ratings are especially subject to change.

At 8 p.m., CBS' "The Price is Right Million Dollar Spectacular" earned a 5.7/12 to with the hour and pace the night. FOX was second with two episodes of "Cops," averaging a 3.5/8. The first hour of the reairing of the NBC miniseries "Carrie" was third with a 3.0/6 and Game 6 between the Ducks and Devils was last.

CBS help tough at 9 p.m., with the 5.1/10 for "The District." Close behind of "America's Most Wanted," scoring a 4.8/10 on FOX. NBC stayed in third with the second hour of "Carrie," while the middle of the Stanley Cup scored a 2.2/4 on ABC.

A 10 p.m. win for "The Agency" (4.7/9) gave CBS a nightly sweep, though the final hour of "Carrie" perked up to a 4.1/8 for NBC. The pucksters were last again for ABC.



Moreover - the NHL playoffs don't even show up on the top 20 sports for the week of 5/18-25, outdrawn by Arena Football, WNBA, and NFL Europe:

http://tv.zap2it.com/news/ratings/sports/030525sport.html

[SouthernHockeyChick]

Well, it's good to see the WNBA doing so well! :sad:

[hyena]

sometimes i wish i could knock some sense into the collective head of the american viewing public. :roll: :mad: it sucks for us because this is not the trend we want to see, but it also sucks for all those people that don't know what they're missing.

[Jeff O Rocks]

sometimes i wish i could knock some sense into the collective head of the american viewing public. :roll: :mad: it sucks for us because this is not the trend we want to see, but it also sucks for all those people that don't know what they're missing.

So true Amanda....these folks need to see ONE game in person and they would be hooked...having to live on a "hockey IV" like us!! ;)

I hate it for the league. :roll:

[talkingcanes]

sometimes i wish i could knock some sense into the collective head of the american viewing public. :roll: :mad: it sucks for us because this is not the trend we want to see, but it also sucks for all those people that don't know what they're missing.

So true Amanda....these folks need to see ONE game in person and they would be hooked...having to live on a "hockey IV" like us!! ;)

I hate it for the league. :roll:

Yep, JOR you're right, if people saw a game live just once, they'd be hooked! I was talking with someone at the mall yesterday who said he just wasn't into hockey, but had never been to a game. I told him to drag himself to a game in the fall and he'd be hooked!

My best friend, who is not a big hockey fan, but who has been to a couple of games with me, called me Saturday night and asked a question about what she had just seen (a penalty call).......I was floored! She is moving to Colorado Springs in a month so I told her now that she was watching, be ready to get hooked on the Avs! and to find tickets and clean the guest room if the Canes appear on the Av's schedule :D

[Jeff O Rocks]

and to find tickets and clean the guest room if the Canes appear on the Av's schedule :D

How many will her guest room hold??? :D ;)

[talkingcanes]

and to find tickets and clean the guest room if the Canes appear on the Av's schedule :D

How many will her guest room hold??? :D ;)

I figure they will have friends with guest rooms to hold the overflow from their house :D I'll clue her in on how many guests to expect once the schedule is released and they're in their house ;) She doesn't need TOO much information yet :angel:

[Jeff O Rocks]

I figure they will have friends with guest rooms to hold the overflow from their house :D I'll clue her in on how many guests to expect once the schedule is released and they're in their house ;) She doesn't need TOO much information yet :angel:

I can imagine that there might be "one or two" of us that will keep a bag packed, just in case!! and no..don't give her TMI, she might decide to move again and not tell you!! :D

[folgersnyourcup]

I really cannot believe that these games are not being watched by more people....It makes zero sense.

[AbNormal27]

All it took was the words Game 7 and a trophy for people to realize this was even on down there!

Aaryn

http://sports.yahoo.com/nhl/news?slug=ap-stanleycup-game7ratings&prov=ap&type=lgns

[Shell]

has anyone seen an ABC promo for the games other than during other games? I have seen the commercials for their other shows 18 times a day but never one for hockey. My brother is a new fan, and if I didn't call him to let him know the game was on he would have missed most of them.

[Stormbringer]

has anyone seen an ABC promo for the games other than during other games? I have seen the commercials for their other shows 18 times a day but never one for hockey. My brother is a new fan, and if I didn't call him to let him know the game was on he would have missed most of them.

Well, I actually saw a promo for one of the Stanley Cup Final games on, of all things, a NBA game my brother (He's a big basketball nut, even to the point where he'll watch the "pros". :roll: I don't argue as long as he turns back to hockey...) kept flipping back to one evening. You know those ad things they have on the sidelines? Every few minutes, an ad saying "Stanley Cup Finals Game 1 (or 2) tomorrow night on ABC" (Something like that.) would come up.

[nccanes]

Good news on the Game 7 ratings!!

This is a little hard to read, but it's for the week ending 6/1 and shows how the Game 3 on ABC on Saturday night pulled some decent ratings. And hockey beats the Arena football playoffs this week (thankfully).

RANK PROGRAM NAME NETWORK DAY RATING AUDIENCE
1 WWE SMACKDOWN! UPN Thu 3.4 3,648,000
2 MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT SUN(S)-06/01/2003 CBS Sun 3.1 3,336,000
3 MEMORIAL TOURNAMENT SAT(S)-05/31/2003 CBS Sat 2.7 2,931,000
4 FOX SATURDAY BASEBALL FOX Sat 2.4 2,584,000
5 ABC STANLEY CUP FINAL-GM3(S)-05/31/2003 ABC Sat 2.0 2,167,000
6 FRENCH OPEN TENNIS SUN(S)-06/01/2003 NBC Sun 1.9 2,009,000
7 FRENCH OPEN TENNIS SAT(S)-05/31/2003 NBC Sat 1.5 1,589,000
8 MEMORIAL TRNMENT HLITE-TH(S)-05/29/2003 CBS Thu 1.4 1,465,000
9 MEMORIAL TRNMENT HLITE-FR(S)-05/30/2003 CBS Fri 1.3 1,334,000
10 NBC AFL PLAYOFF-SUN.(S)-06/01/2003 NBC Sun 1.0 1,021,000
11 PGA TOUR 2003(S)-06/01/2003 CBS Sun 0.9 936,000
11 THIS WEEK IN BASEBALL FOX Sat 0.9 960,000
11 NBC AFL PLAYOFF-SAT.(S)-05/31/2003 NBC Sat 0.9 947,000
14 NBA INSIDE STUFF-ABC ABC Sat 0.8 821,000
14 GLOBAL EXTREMES-5/31(S)-05/31/2003 ABC Sat 0.8 879,000
14 NFL EUROPE FOX Sun 0.8 896,000
17 WNBA ON ABC-SAT ABC Sat 0.7 784,000
18 WUSA SOCCER PAX Sat 0.1 132,000

[Jeff O Rocks]

IMHO, Game 6 was the best in excitement terms...and the outcome....the ones that had the good sense to tune in weren't disappointed!! And hopefully they got hooked and will return to view next season!! :spin:

[hyena]

i'm making a pledge for this upcoming season that i will get at least two people that have never been to a game and drag them to one if i have to. http://www.electrichyena.com/other/redthumb.gif

[Shell]

TV ratings up, share down in Game 7
June 10, 2003

NEW YORK -- Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals Monday night on ABC drew the highest rating for an NHL game since broadcast networks began carrying the finals in 1998.

The New Jersey Devils' 3-0 victory over the Anaheim Mighty Ducks garnered a 4.6 rating with an 8 share.

The previous rating high was 4.2, earned by three games including Detroit's Cup-clinching Game 5 win over Carolina last season, which also had an 8 share. Colorado's Game 7 defeat of New Jersey in 2001 got a 4.2 with a 9 share, while New Jersey's clinching Game 6 win over Dallas in 2000 got a 4.2 rating with a 10 share, the network said.

Monday night's Game 7 also produced the highest rating -- 3.4 with a 10 share -- for male viewers aged 18-49 since 1998.

The rating is the percentage of all homes with TVs, regardless of whether they are in use. The share is the percentage of televisions in use tuned to a program.

[nccanes]

NHL Outlook Chilly; NBA Off Its Game
Sunday June 22 9:16 PM ET

In television, like in life, timing is everything. The National Hockey League and National Basketball Association would certainly agree.

If you're going to flame out, the best time to do it is in the first year of a six-year deal, not the final year of a grossly inflated five-year $600 million contract. The NBA has four years to recover before it's time to renegotiate its television deal, while the NHL will soon stand for National (In) Hock League.

With franchises losing money and Stanley Cup Finals ratings off by 19%, the NHL is poised for a contract negotiation this year in which it will have no leverage and few options. ESPN paid four times what Fox Sports had ponied up for the NHL, partly because it needed programming for ESPN2 and partly because it thought Fox would bid aggressively to keep its package.

"(ESPN) doesn't need hockey like it did five years ago," one network source said.

If there's one lesson that has hit home following the postseason, it is the critical importance for most sports of having a strong cable partner and the dual revenue stream it carries from cable operator license fees.

Observers say that has given ABC/ESPN and, to a smaller degree, Fox Sports advantages over NBC and CBS in recent years in bidding for packages. While NBC has been able to exploit its cable networks successfully in order to make aggressive bids for the Olympic Games, it lacks the strong partner to do so week in and week out for major sports leagues, observers noted.

"That is a very significant development in our industry and is one both organized sports and the cable programming channels have to watch closely," said Neal Pilson, a consultant who formerly ran CBS Sports and advised the International Olympic Committee on its recent bidding auction for the 2010 and 2012 Olympic games.

Moreover, CBS' newly rebranded TNN would fall off after the league's departure from NBC because the bulk of the playoffs were on cable and ABC is a weaker network in primetime. He also blamed the "unattractive matchup from a national TV perspective" of the New Jersey Nets and San Antonio Spurs.

Moreover, said John Rash, senior vp at media marketing firm Campbull-Mithun in Minneapolis, the declining NBA and NHL ratings are not surprising "in a cluttered marquee-event schedule. ... It's increasingly challenging in a fractured viewing environment to engage audience attention even with the NBA Finals."

Added Mark Wyche, managing director of sports consultancy Bortz Media & Sports Group in Denver: "(With) the economics of this ... you can't just look at the broadcast side. In many of these cases, the distributor has both cable and broadcast companies, and therefore it's the overall package you're looking at."

What's the upshot for future rights deals after the NHL? Not much, executives and observers agreed, because the next deal on the table is the National Football League, which is a noted exception to the trend.

"As much as anything, the NFL has been successful in transcending sports into a social event," Rash said.

Reuters/Hollywood Reporter