TNT, ESPN See Massive Increases For Conference Finals Game Ones

TNT Earns 4.1 Coverage Rating For Wednesday's Spurs-Lakers Western Conference Final Game One

ESPN ALSO SEES INCREASE: ESPN's coverage of Pistons-Celtics Eastern Conference Finals Game One Tuesday night earned a 4.4 coverage rating, up 57% from a 2.8 for last year's coverage of the comparable Spurs-Jazz Western Conference Finals Game One. Meanwhile, ESPN's coverage of the '08 NBA Draft Lottery on Tuesday earned a 2.1 coverage rating with 2,010,000 household impressions, up 5% from a 2.0 with 1,858,000 impressions for the '07 lottery. The '08 event was ESPN's highest-rated and most-viewed draft lottery ever (ESPN).

PERFECT STORM OF EVENTS: In Milwaukee, Bob Wolfley writes while the NBA ratings increases do not “mean NBA viewing has returned to its apex,” it does "buck a trend where many sports television properties have seen steady audience erosion in recent years.” Turner Sports President David Levy: “It’s like a perfect storm with young stars, strong matchups, great trades and big brands. I think one of the key elements here is that big brands are back. Lakers, Celtics. If the Lakers and Celtics get into the Finals, I guarantee you will see that momentum of ratings continue” (MILWAUKEE JOURNAL SENTINEL, 5/23).

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