D-Backs Seeing Massive Jump in TV Ratings for FOX Sports
By Unknown author
The Arizona Diamondbacks’ 2011 run to the playoffs is paying dividends for them this year. Not only is attendance at Chase Field up for the NL West preseason favorites, but their TV ratings have exploded.
According to a report by Maury Brown at Bizofbaseball.com the D-Backs regional FS Arizona coverage has seen a 53% increase in viewers over 2011.
Here’s how the top increase in viewers stack-up:
Team
Network
Increase
(vs. Apr ’11)
Local Ratings / Households
Market
RangersFS Southwest89%7.5 / 194KDallasDodgersPrime Ticket67%2.3 / 128KLos AngelesDiamondbacksFS Arizona53%4.2 / 77KPhoenixRaysSun Sports51%5.3 / 95KTampaTigersFS Detroit50%9.2 / 170KDetroitBravesSportSouth39%2.8 / 64KAtlantaCardinalsFS Midwest15%9.4 / 118KSt. Louis
*table courtesy of Bizofbaseball.com
Not surprisingly, 5 of the 7 teams were 2011 playoff teams. Besides the D-Backs, the Texas Rangers lost in the World Series, the Tampa Bay Rays were a surprise Wild Card contestant who overtook the Boston Red Sox on the last day of 2011’s season, the Detroit Tigers lost in the ALDS and the St. Louis Cardinals won the World Series. The other two teams are thought to be solid contenders for 2012. The Los Angeles Dodgers boast a superstar duo of Matt Kemp and Clayton Kershaw and the Atlanta Braves are off to a 15-11 start.
As no shock to anyone, this report shows us that success sells. It’s a long season, but due to injuries and individual struggles the D-Backs haven’t quite lived up to their preseason billing, starting the season 14-13. Despite the poorer than expected start to 2012, the D-Backs are still treading around .500 and at a minimum keeping themselves in striking distance of the surprising Dodgers who lead the AL West by 4.5 games already. If the D-Backs can get healthy and get themselves back on track, they’re sure to keep themselves up among the teams enjoying increased popularity in 2012.
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