• by Wayne Friedman , April 20, 2010

Sanford C. Bernstein analyst Michael Nathanson said in a report on Tuesday that first quarter ratings weren't too kind to the cable networks â€" versus broadcast networks.

While broadcast primetime networks viewership slipped 1.6% in C3 ratings during the period, cable dropped more â€" 2.5%. Much of this was due to broadcasters which had big rated sports events â€" NBC's Winter Olympics, CBS' Super Bowl, NFL playoffs and the like.

The problem is that cable's share keeps growing -- closing in at a 60% to 40% share advantage over broadcasters. What does that mean for media investors? Time to re-valuated your media assets, says Nathanson.