• by November 5, 2002

Ad-supported cable scored double-digit percentage gains in primetime viewership in Week #6 (October 28–November 3), in addition to recording its highest delivery of the new season.

“This being the third straight week of primetime gains for ad-supported cable, we are now seeing the momentum building for what has traditionally been an exceptional holiday season for our medium ,” said CAB President & CEO Joe Ostrow.

According to a Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau analysis of Nielsen data, ad-supported cable’s average primetime U.S. household delivery in Week #6 rose by 3.3 million homes to 29.7 million (+12.6% compared to the same period a year ago). Its primetime rating climbed 2.8 points to 27.8 (+11.2%); and share increased by 5.9 points to 45.2 (+15.0%).

Collectively, the seven broadcast networks took a nosedive in Week #6—their steep slide in primetime viewership due primarily to FOX being up against last year’s World Series telecasts, which had been delayed by the events of 9/11.

Even so, six of the seven broadcasters experienced decreased or flat ratings in the latest reporting period. Comparing World Series Week 2002 (10/21-10/27) to 2001(10/29-11/4), FOX was down more than 25% in all primetime audience measures (delivery, rating and share) this year.