• by Wayne Friedman , June 9, 2011

Network program ratings may be getting smaller, and cable ratings may be getting bigger, but programs from the broadcast networks still were dominant this past season.

The TV/media trade group, TVB, with Nielsen Media Research analysis, says broadcast shows accounted for 89 of the top 100 shows when it came to 18-49 viewers, and 93 of the top 100 shows among viewers 25-54.

Top broadcast shows included "Modern Family," "Glee" and "Dancing With The Stars."

Research has shown that on average, broadcast network shows were down 8% in 18-49 ratings from a year ago. While cable ratings have been generally climbing, many top established cable networks such as USA Network and TNT have seen similar broadcast-like ratings erosion recently.

Of the 11 cable shows to make it into the top 100 among 18-49 viewers, all were sports-related.

Among 18-49 viewers, ESPN tallied the 8th-best-rated show -- the BCS Championship Game, which pulled in 10.1 rating. In 18th place was the ESPN "Monday Night Football" series, which averaged a 5.9 rating. In 22nd position was the Sugar Bowl game televised by ESPN, at a 5.0 rating.

TNT's airing of the NBA All Star Game was next, in 37th place, with a 4.0 rating among 18-49 viewers. In 45th place was the NBA's pre-All Star game event, getting to a 3.7 number.