Canes' TV ratings decline
The Carolina Hurricanes' television ratings in the Raleigh-Durham market remain lower than they were last year at this point in the season, according to Nielsen Research.
The Canes drew a 1.0 rating, or 1 percent of local TV households, through Jan. 18, Nielsen reports. They drew a 1.3 through Jan. 20, 2008, meaning they're down 23 percent. The hockey team is one of eight in the NHL with lower ratings.
The biggest decline — 50 percent — was recorded by the Florida Panthers, the team with the lowest local rating, 0.1.
The biggest increases — 150 percent and 140 percent — have come from the Chicago Blackhawks and Washington Capitals, who are up to 1.5 and 1., respectively. By far, the most loyal local TV audiences belongs to the Buffalo Sabres, who drew an 8.4. Pittsburgh is next at 6.0.
Comments
Inconsistent schedule creating confusion?
Sat, 01/31/2009 - 12:02 — wxray1There were a lot of games not televised in the first half. I think that could lead to viewer confusion. They may have given up. Could be part of the story. The rest of the story has to be a let down after another apparent bad year shaping up.
As for Tripp, he can be odd, but it is no biggie to many viewers. If anything, it is comedic relief and distraction from some pretty bad games. Any new color guy will toe the company line anyway. That's what irritates me most about Tripp.
And that comment that Cam didn't get was because Tripp was not using the "SuperBowl" word, a word that the NHL apparently won't let anyone use without paying. Because the teams are teams so many people don't care about, it wasn't obvious to Cam what he was talking about. If it had been NY vs Dallas or something, Cam would have gotten it and remembered what was happening Sunday afternoon.
New commentator?
Sat, 01/31/2009 - 10:10 — sjm784The poor play is certainly the number one reason for the decline, at least in my household. If they let up 2 softies early in the game I go fold laundry rather than get aggravated watching more.
I also get really tired of the same commercials over and over, would be nice if they could get more variety.
I like John, but Tripp seems to be getting wackier by the day. Even Cam had no idea what he was trying to say during the post-game interview Thursday. Maybe a new color commentator or alternate a few guest commentators to keep folks tuning in?
Lower TV Ratings
Fri, 01/30/2009 - 22:59 — abramsdougIt would be helpful to know if the decline were a straight slope or if there were statistically significant positive changes since Paul Maurice and Ron Francis took over. For me, there were times this year under Laviolette that the Hurricanes were painful to watch. Since the coaching change (and it is not possible to say for certain that the coaching change was responsible for the difference), I find it more enjoyable to watch the Hurricanes due to a more intense effort by the team. I suspect that merely increasing the number of victories will cause some increase interest in the team. If the Hurricanes can find their scoring touch while still showing a commitment to defense, the audience ought to return in force.