ESPN finished with a 6.6 U.S. rating and 10.1 million viewers for this week's Jets-Titans matchup, marking the least-viewed “MNF” telecast this season. The rating is tied with the Oct. 22 Lions-Bears telecast -- which went head-to-head with Giants-Cardinals NLCS Game 7 -- for the lowest “MNF” rating of the season. With one telecast remaining, ESPN’s “MNF” package is averaging an 8.3 rating and 13.0 million viewers, essentially flat compared to the same period last year (Austin Karp, THE DAILY).
STRIKE ENDED: In L.A., Richard Verrier reported the Int'l Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees has "ended its walkout against the Pac-12 Network ... declaring a 'victory.'" The union represents Hollywood's film and television crew workers, and union President Matt Loeb "called off pickets" scheduled for Pac-12 basketball games this week. The move came after Pac-12 Network reps "agreed to hold negotiations with the union." The IATSE had alleged that the net was "engaged in 'unfair' labor practices by using non-union crews" (
LATIMES.com, 12/18).
BROTHERS IN ARMS: Comedians Randy and Jason Sklar appeared on NBC's "Last Call with Carson Daly" last night, and Daly noted the twins have served as guest hosts on Jim Rome's syndicated radio show. Daly said, “You guys were always great on that show.” Randy Sklar said, “We would fill in for Rome, and the best part about Rome is that he’s got his audience. He’s done a great job ... crafting an audience, building a language with his listeners, getting rabid followers. To us, he’s like the Howard Stern of sports talk radio” ("Last Call with Carson Daly," NBC, 12/19).
