An MLB analysis of ratings for their entire postseason
showed that 10% more baseball was watched this year than in '95.
MLB Enterprises CEO Greg Murphy: "Any brand in America would be
pleased with a 10% increase in consumption." The World Series
final ratings: Game One, 15.7; Game Two, 14.0; Game Three, 17.5;
Game Four, 17.9; Game Five, 20.0; and Game Six, 21.0 [Game Six
based on overnights] (MLB).
POST-MORTEM: The six-game average, out today, will likely
make '96 the third least-watched Series in history, after the '89
A's-Giants and '93 Blue Jays-Phillies. Last year's Braves-
Indians averaged a 19.5 (Michael Hirsley, CHICAGO TRIBUNE,
10/29)....Sunday's debut of "The X-Files" on Fox earned a 14.2/21
rating and "handily beat the competition." The show was promoted
heavily during Fox's World Series coverage (HOLLYWOOD REPORTER,
10/29)....CBS Sports President David Kenin, on Fox making a
profit on their $120M annual MLB investment: "Not a chance. We
know that from (Fox's) sales commitments. They couldn't give
[MLB] away in the regular season." Fox Sports President David
Hill: "I'm just sad for CBS" (USA TODAY, 10/29).
