MLB clubs enter the all-star break this week with most teams seeing local ratings increases for their over-the-air and regional cable coverage.
| TOPS ON TV |
| The following clubs have had the biggest gains in local TV ratings this season. A rundown of each team’s ratings compared with ratings in 2003 is available in the chart below. |
| |
| |
| Click image to enlarge |
Through late last month, 19 of MLB’s 28 U.S. clubs had posted an increased average rating for regional cable coverage. Four clubs were flat with last year’s average; only five clubs had seen a decline.
On broadcast television, 17 of the 23 clubs with over-the-air deals in place both this year and last had seen a ratings increase.
Ratings for Toronto and Montreal were not available.
MLB officials cite the excitement of last year’s postseason and an offseason of both high-profile trades (Alex Rodriguez) and signings (Andy Pettitte) as sparking the early local gains. An increasingly level playing field also was cited. As of last Thursday, 19 teams were within seven games of first place in their respective divisions.
| MLB monthly attendance |
| |
| |
| Click image to enlarge |
“The commissioner’s efforts at competitive balance are showing,” said Jacqueline Parkes, MLB senior vice president of advertising and marketing. “Baseball is strong and getting stronger, and the local product is at a peak. It’s positioning us very well to have a strong postseason.”
Expected strong performers like the Red Sox and Cubs have continued to show dramatic growth in television viewing, but it’s clubs like the Tigers and Brewers that have most helped boost the overall television picture this year.
“Having teams … that have not been very strong get off to great starts really spreads the wealth a little bit,” said Dan Novak, vice president of programming and communications for Cox Communications, whose Channel 4 San Diego broadcasts the Padres.
Both San Diego and Philadelphia, with new ballparks and winning teams, had posted double-digit increases in their midseason ratings.
