Comments on: Kentucky Derby TV Viewership, 1975-2008 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526 Nielsen TV Show Ratings, Data and More Sat, 21 Nov 2009 22:18:59 -0800 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.8.6 hourly 1 By: Flip Sal: The Barbaro of 1974 - The Rail Blog - NYTimes.com http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-34700 Flip Sal: The Barbaro of 1974 - The Rail Blog - NYTimes.com Sun, 16 Nov 2008 07:49:56 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-34700 [...] how public perception of racing has changed since 1974. Horse racing was far more popular in 1974. Nielsen ratings for the Derby for the late 1970s show that the Derby enjoyed a 50 percent share of the TV audience. Given the [...] [...] how public perception of racing has changed since 1974. Horse racing was far more popular in 1974. Nielsen ratings for the Derby for the late 1970s show that the Derby enjoyed a 50 percent share of the TV audience. Given the [...]

]]> By: Jake http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11625 Jake Mon, 05 May 2008 17:47:29 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11625 I "watched" the Derby this year, in that I had the TV on while I was definitely not watching and working on remodeling my house. I “watched” the Derby this year, in that I had the TV on while I was definitely not watching and working on remodeling my house.

]]> By: Jake http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15859 Jake Mon, 05 May 2008 17:47:29 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15859 I "watched" the Derby this year, in that I had the TV on while I was definitely not watching and working on remodeling my house. I “watched” the Derby this year, in that I had the TV on while I was definitely not watching and working on remodeling my house.

]]> By: Mikey http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11609 Mikey Mon, 05 May 2008 16:00:07 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11609 Oh. Also, the ratings that Nielsen has provided you are misleading. The ABC ratings include the entire pre-race. The NBC ratings do not. They split their pre-race into two program titles and you are only seeing the second, higher-rated portion of the show. NBC has increased Derby ratings but not by as much as this chart indicates. Oh. Also, the ratings that Nielsen has provided you are misleading.

The ABC ratings include the entire pre-race.

The NBC ratings do not. They split their pre-race into two program titles and you are only seeing the second, higher-rated portion of the show.

NBC has increased Derby ratings but not by as much as this chart indicates.

]]> By: Mikey http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15858 Mikey Mon, 05 May 2008 16:00:07 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15858 Oh. Also, the ratings that Nielsen has provided you are misleading.<br><br>The ABC ratings include the entire pre-race.<br><br>The NBC ratings do not. They split their pre-race into two program titles and you are only seeing the second, higher-rated portion of the show.<br><br>NBC has increased Derby ratings but not by as much as this chart indicates. Oh. Also, the ratings that Nielsen has provided you are misleading.

The ABC ratings include the entire pre-race.

The NBC ratings do not. They split their pre-race into two program titles and you are only seeing the second, higher-rated portion of the show.

NBC has increased Derby ratings but not by as much as this chart indicates.

]]> By: Mikey http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11608 Mikey Mon, 05 May 2008 15:57:04 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11608 NBC moved the post time of the race from roughly 5:30 to about 6:10. Made all the difference. NBC moved the post time of the race from roughly 5:30 to about 6:10. Made all the difference.

]]> By: Mikey http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15857 Mikey Mon, 05 May 2008 15:57:04 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15857 NBC moved the post time of the race from roughly 5:30 to about 6:10. Made all the difference. NBC moved the post time of the race from roughly 5:30 to about 6:10. Made all the difference.

]]> By: David Gibbs http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11605 David Gibbs Mon, 05 May 2008 14:53:08 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11605 Where was the sound technician during the race? That microphone in the crowd during the race was so noisy we could not tell what the announcer or the man calling the race was saying. Who ever was in charge of that, should be given a new responsibility for the Preakness. Put him or her in charge of the shovel following behind the horses. That was the worst TV coverage of a Triple Crown race that I have seen, and I have watched regularly since 1955. Give the races back to ABC if NBC can't do a better job than this. Where was the sound technician during the race? That microphone in the crowd during the race was so noisy we could not tell what the announcer or the man calling the race was saying.
Who ever was in charge of that, should be given a new responsibility for the Preakness. Put him or her in charge of the shovel following behind the horses.
That was the worst TV coverage of a Triple Crown race that I have seen, and I have watched regularly since 1955. Give the races back to ABC if NBC can’t do a better job than this.

]]> By: David Gibbs http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15856 David Gibbs Mon, 05 May 2008 14:53:08 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15856 Where was the sound technician during the race? That microphone in the crowd during the race was so noisy we could not tell what the announcer or the man calling the race was saying. <br>Who ever was in charge of that, should be given a new responsibility for the Preakness. Put him or her in charge of the shovel following behind the horses.<br>That was the worst TV coverage of a Triple Crown race that I have seen, and I have watched regularly since 1955. Give the races back to ABC if NBC can't do a better job than this. Where was the sound technician during the race? That microphone in the crowd during the race was so noisy we could not tell what the announcer or the man calling the race was saying.
Who ever was in charge of that, should be given a new responsibility for the Preakness. Put him or her in charge of the shovel following behind the horses.
That was the worst TV coverage of a Triple Crown race that I have seen, and I have watched regularly since 1955. Give the races back to ABC if NBC can't do a better job than this.

]]> By: Angie http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11520 Angie Sun, 04 May 2008 03:58:05 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11520 Wasn't Eight Belle's Unbridaled's daughter? Explains the lineage. Poor horse had some very speedy genes. Anyways. I wonder if the uptick is as simple as there being a slightly different viewing audience on another network? Wasn’t Eight Belle’s Unbridaled’s daughter? Explains the lineage. Poor horse had some very speedy genes.

Anyways. I wonder if the uptick is as simple as there being a slightly different viewing audience on another network?

]]> By: Angie http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15855 Angie Sun, 04 May 2008 03:58:05 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15855 Wasn't Eight Belle's Unbridaled's daughter? Explains the lineage. Poor horse had some very speedy genes.<br><br>Anyways. I wonder if the uptick is as simple as there being a slightly different viewing audience on another network? Wasn't Eight Belle's Unbridaled's daughter? Explains the lineage. Poor horse had some very speedy genes.

Anyways. I wonder if the uptick is as simple as there being a slightly different viewing audience on another network?

]]> By: Kentucky Derby TV Viewership, 1975-2007,Kentucky Derby - DAYUP http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11507 Kentucky Derby TV Viewership, 1975-2007,Kentucky Derby - DAYUP Sun, 04 May 2008 00:27:52 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11507 [...] Rob on Apr 28, 2008 | [...] [...] Rob on Apr 28, 2008 | [...]

]]> By: jamessampson http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11494 jamessampson Sat, 03 May 2008 21:09:26 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11494 I AM SO SAD TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY. THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY THE RACE FIND THE ENTIRE BILL BUSH THING AWASTE OF TIME. I AM SO SAD TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY. THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY THE RACE FIND THE ENTIRE BILL BUSH THING AWASTE OF TIME.

]]> By: jamessampson http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15854 jamessampson Sat, 03 May 2008 21:09:26 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15854 I AM SO SAD TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY. THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY THE RACE FIND THE ENTIRE BILL BUSH THING AWASTE OF TIME. I AM SO SAD TO SEE WHAT YOUR DOING TO THE KENTUCKY DERBY. THOSE OF US WHO ENJOY THE RACE FIND THE ENTIRE BILL BUSH THING AWASTE OF TIME.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11489 Robert Seidman Sat, 03 May 2008 20:11:55 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11489 Dave, fair point though I doubt that people flock to the bars for the Derby as they do for Football or NCAA games. Still, it's well documented that they don't count those viewers, however they ARE testing out of home viewing for live events. they did some tests during the NCAA BBall tourney and it added about 1 ratings point. Dave, fair point though I doubt that people flock to the bars for the Derby as they do for Football or NCAA games. Still, it’s well documented that they don’t count those viewers, however they ARE testing out of home viewing for live events. they did some tests during the NCAA BBall tourney and it added about 1 ratings point.

]]> By: Robert Seidman http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15853 Robert Seidman Sat, 03 May 2008 20:11:55 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15853 Dave, fair point though I doubt that people flock to the bars for the Derby as they do for Football or NCAA games. Still, it's well documented that they don't count those viewers, however they ARE testing out of home viewing for live events. they did some tests during the NCAA BBall tourney and it added about 1 ratings point. Dave, fair point though I doubt that people flock to the bars for the Derby as they do for Football or NCAA games. Still, it's well documented that they don't count those viewers, however they ARE testing out of home viewing for live events. they did some tests during the NCAA BBall tourney and it added about 1 ratings point.

]]> By: dave http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11481 dave Sat, 03 May 2008 19:16:20 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-11481 Big Brown has some decent hype this year so that should help ratings. I love watching the kentucky derby. problem is I only watch the race, not the entire telecast. I wonder how viewership spikes during the actual race time. Note: neilson doesn't count viewers at bars (or otbs) so sports ratings are always under reported. Big Brown has some decent hype this year so that should help ratings. I love watching the kentucky derby. problem is I only watch the race, not the entire telecast. I wonder how viewership spikes during the actual race time.
Note: neilson doesn’t count viewers at bars (or otbs) so sports ratings are always under reported.

]]> By: dave http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15852 dave Sat, 03 May 2008 19:16:20 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15852 Big Brown has some decent hype this year so that should help ratings. I love watching the kentucky derby. problem is I only watch the race, not the entire telecast. I wonder how viewership spikes during the actual race time.<br>Note: neilson doesn't count viewers at bars (or otbs) so sports ratings are always under reported. Big Brown has some decent hype this year so that should help ratings. I love watching the kentucky derby. problem is I only watch the race, not the entire telecast. I wonder how viewership spikes during the actual race time.
Note: neilson doesn't count viewers at bars (or otbs) so sports ratings are always under reported.

]]> By: Karen http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10966 Karen Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:12:31 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10966 Horse racing gets SO little network coverage anymore its amazing the Derby is getting the ratings it does. Unless one has satellite, you are out for the count of many prep races. Racing is fun IF you get to follow the horses up to an event. This year was the least I can remember so it will be interesting to see the ratings. ESPN has taken over the Breeders' Cup and while their coverage is OK, the technical end of things have had many snafus of late. I believe that the horseracing channels and ESPN have to sign off during the big race coverage so viewers migrate. That probably also helps. Horse racing gets SO little network coverage anymore its amazing the Derby is getting the ratings it does. Unless one has satellite, you are out for the count of many prep races. Racing is fun IF you get to follow the horses up to an event. This year was the least I can remember so it will be interesting to see the ratings. ESPN has taken over the Breeders’ Cup and while their coverage is OK, the technical end of things have had many snafus of late. I believe that the horseracing channels and ESPN have to sign off during the big race coverage so viewers migrate. That probably also helps.

]]> By: Karen http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15851 Karen Tue, 29 Apr 2008 00:12:31 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15851 Horse racing gets SO little network coverage anymore its amazing the Derby is getting the ratings it does. Unless one has satellite, you are out for the count of many prep races. Racing is fun IF you get to follow the horses up to an event. This year was the least I can remember so it will be interesting to see the ratings. ESPN has taken over the Breeders' Cup and while their coverage is OK, the technical end of things have had many snafus of late. I believe that the horseracing channels and ESPN have to sign off during the big race coverage so viewers migrate. That probably also helps. Horse racing gets SO little network coverage anymore its amazing the Derby is getting the ratings it does. Unless one has satellite, you are out for the count of many prep races. Racing is fun IF you get to follow the horses up to an event. This year was the least I can remember so it will be interesting to see the ratings. ESPN has taken over the Breeders' Cup and while their coverage is OK, the technical end of things have had many snafus of late. I believe that the horseracing channels and ESPN have to sign off during the big race coverage so viewers migrate. That probably also helps.

]]> By: E http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10943 E Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:45:28 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10943 NBC is airing an NHL playoff game at 1pm et on Saturday. The Derby coverage is scheduled to begin at 4pm. Anyone know what would happen if the NHL game goes to overtime? I hope there will not be the same debacle as last year when they moved the overtime to cable so NBC could show the 2 hour pre-race show? NBC is airing an NHL playoff game at 1pm et on Saturday. The Derby coverage is scheduled to begin at 4pm.
Anyone know what would happen if the NHL game goes to overtime? I hope there will not be the same debacle as last year when they moved the overtime to cable so NBC could show the 2 hour pre-race show?

]]> By: E http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15850 E Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:45:28 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15850 NBC is airing an NHL playoff game at 1pm et on Saturday. The Derby coverage is scheduled to begin at 4pm.<br>Anyone know what would happen if the NHL game goes to overtime? I hope there will not be the same debacle as last year when they moved the overtime to cable so NBC could show the 2 hour pre-race show? NBC is airing an NHL playoff game at 1pm et on Saturday. The Derby coverage is scheduled to begin at 4pm.
Anyone know what would happen if the NHL game goes to overtime? I hope there will not be the same debacle as last year when they moved the overtime to cable so NBC could show the 2 hour pre-race show?

]]> By: Rob http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10937 Rob Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:59:36 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-10937 My only guess is that NBC had the NBA playoffs in 2001. They might have heavily promoted it during the games. My only guess is that NBC had the NBA playoffs in 2001. They might have heavily promoted it during the games.

]]> By: Rob http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/06/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15849 Rob Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:59:36 +0000 http://tvbythenumbers.com/2008/05/01/kentucky-derby-tv-viewership-1975-2007/3526#comment-15849 My only guess is that NBC had the NBA playoffs in 2001. They might have heavily promoted it during the games. My only guess is that NBC had the NBA playoffs in 2001. They might have heavily promoted it during the games.

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