Ad-supported cable amassed an all-time high primetime share of viewing in Week #37 of the 2001/2002 TV season as well as its largest-ever lead over the seven national broadcast networks combined.
According to a Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau analysis of Nielsen data for the seven-day reporting period from June 3-9, ad-supported cable recorded a 54 primetime U.S. household share—a gain of
7.6 points (+16.4 percent) over the same period a year ago. With the seven national broadcast networks (ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX, UPN, WB, PAX) collectively posting a 40.3 primetime share for the week, the
resulting 14 point share differential gave ad-supported cable its largest-ever lead over broadcast. In other audience measures for Week #37, ad-supported cable’s average primetime U.S. household
delivery was up by more than 5.1 million homes (+19.5 percent) versus last year; and rating rose by 4 points (+15.5 percent). The seven broadcast network, on the other hand, had an aggregate primetime
delivery loss of more than 4.1 million homes (–15.1 percent) and 4.8 rating points (–17.8 percent). This is the second consecutive week that ad-supported cable has tallied a 50+ primetime share.