The Marlins recent run into playoff contention has given a "surge in viewership of their games" on FS Florida, according to Craig Davis of the South Florida SUN-SENTINEL. Marlins games on FS Florida rank No. 1 for "prime-time cable television viewing" in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market. July was the "most watched month" for Marlins games on the RSN since July '12. Marlins telecasts in July averaged a 2.1 local rating. Monday night's game against the Cubs earned a 2.5 rating. Three of the top five highest-rated games had Marlins P Jose Fernandez starting. Average viewership "has been up" nearly 20% when Fernandez pitches. The Fernandez factor may also be "evident in average viewership among Hispanic households in the market" increasing by 30% compared to '15 (South Florida SUN-SENTINEL, 8/3).
STILL ROYALTY: In K.C., Pete Grathoff noted Royals games on FS K.C. were the "No. 1 program on all six nights" in the market up against the RNC and DNC. On all six of those nights, Royals games "beat the combined ratings for Fox News, MSNBC and CNN." Five of those Royals games had "better ratings" from 9:00-10:00pm CT than the ABC, CBS and NBC affiliates. The Royals are "averaging a 12.0 rating, which is the best local-market in baseball" (K.C. STAR, 8/2).
