Winning teams boost Comcast SportsNet

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Posted by chicagomedia.org on May 06, 2009 at 07:11:31:

Posted by Ed S.
at 5/6/2009 5:54 AM CDT on Chicago Business

In a terrible economy there's only one antidote for a local sports cable network: Winning teams.

Thank you, very much, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs and White Sox. Comcast SportsNet feels much better now after a banner month of April.

The combination of compelling playoff series by the United Center tenants and decent starts by the local 9s gave CSN terrific ratings and a needed boost on the advertising front.

CSN carried a record 44 live professional telecasts in 30 days, a feat in itself. Combined those telecasts drew just under 5 million households in Chicago.

Here's the astounding number: During primetime from 7-10 p.m., Comcast Sports was the most-watched network in the following demos in April: men 18-34, men 18-49, men 25-54. Take that, "American Idol."

"The activity and level of excitement was unbelievable," said CSN President Jim Corno. "If you look at all the live television we did... It's staggering."

Mr. Corno noted the buzz around the teams produced a significant trickle-down effect on CSN's other programming. Ratings for the 10 p.m. edition of "SportsNite" were up 190% in April; "Chicago Tribune Live" increased 78% and "Monsters in the Morning" saw a 50% bump.

"There was a halo effect," Mr. Corno said. "Perhaps somebody tuned into 'SportsNite' for the first time. You hope they liked it and will tune in again. We definitely have some momentum."

The halo effect included advertisers. Companies that had been on the sidelines decided to jump in.

"We have to keep things in perspective because we're a different marketplace now," Mr. Corno said. "We're not setting any records, but we definitely exceeded our expectations in April. Our shows now have more eyeballs watching them. That makes them more attractive to advertisers."

Mr. Corno hopes the run continues. While the Bulls may be done, the Hawks still are very much alive, and baseball season heats up in May and June.

"It's a challenging time," Mr. Corno said. "But it's a fun time too."

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: Winning teams boost Comcast SportsNet : Posted by Ed S. : at 5/6/2009 5:54 AM CDT on Chicago Business : In a terrible economy there's only one antidote for a local sports cable network: Winning teams. : Thank you, very much, Bulls, Blackhawks, Cubs and White Sox. Comcast SportsNet feels much better now after a banner month of April. : The combination of compelling playoff series by the United Center tenants and decent starts by the local 9s gave CSN terrific ratings and a needed boost on the advertising front. : CSN carried a record 44 live professional telecasts in 30 days, a feat in itself. Combined those telecasts drew just under 5 million households in Chicago. : Here's the astounding number: During primetime from 7-10 p.m., Comcast Sports was the most-watched network in the following demos in April: men 18-34, men 18-49, men 25-54. Take that, "American Idol." : "The activity and level of excitement was unbelievable," said CSN President Jim Corno. "If you look at all the live television we did... It's staggering." : Mr. Corno noted the buzz around the teams produced a significant trickle-down effect on CSN's other programming. Ratings for the 10 p.m. edition of "SportsNite" were up 190% in April; "Chicago Tribune Live" increased 78% and "Monsters in the Morning" saw a 50% bump. : "There was a halo effect," Mr. Corno said. "Perhaps somebody tuned into 'SportsNite' for the first time. You hope they liked it and will tune in again. We definitely have some momentum." : The halo effect included advertisers. Companies that had been on the sidelines decided to jump in. : "We have to keep things in perspective because we're a different marketplace now," Mr. Corno said. "We're not setting any records, but we definitely exceeded our expectations in April. Our shows now have more eyeballs watching them. That makes them more attractive to advertisers." : Mr. Corno hopes the run continues. While the Bulls may be done, the Hawks still are very much alive, and baseball season heats up in May and June. : "It's a challenging time," Mr. Corno said. "But it's a fun time too."

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