NFL Draft NFL Excuses Run Out After Ratings Declines Continue - Page 27

Eleazar · 11-03-2017, 05:07 AM

NFL's Litany of Excuses Runs Out After Ratings Fall for Second Year

By Lucas Shaw
Bloomberg.com
November 2, 2017, 11:30 AM CDT

TV networks are running out of excuses for the dwindling popularity of the National Football League.

They blamed the election for ratings declines last year, and hurricanes for a soft week one in September. Protests during the national anthem, and President Donald Trump’s criticism of the league, have faded from the headlines.

Advertisers are starting to believe a different explanation: the viewers aren’t coming back. Audiences are down an average 7 percent from a year ago through the first eight weeks of the season, excluding last Monday. That’s on top of a decrease of about 8 percent last season that spurred numerous changes in the broadcasts, from shorter commercials to better matchups earlier in the year.

“There’s just not as many people watching TV the way they used to watch TV,” said Jeremy Carey, managing director of Optimum Sports, a sports marketing agency. “It’s going to be an issue for advertisers when they can’t reach a large-scale audience the way they have.”

With CBS Corp., 21st Century Fox Inc. and Walt Disney Co. set to report earnings in the next few days, analysts are bound to raise questions. These companies have used the popularity of the games to extract additional fees from cable operators, promote other shows on their networks and sell lots of commercials. Pro football games drew about $3.5 billion in ad spending last year, including the postseason, according to SMI Media Inc.

Media companies have spent billions of dollars on the right to air football games, which had been immune to the erosion of viewership for other TV programming. Audiences for TV networks have diminished for years as the growing popularity of online alternatives Netflix and YouTube and the availability of most shows on-demand have reduced the appeal of dramas and comedies. Live TV, like sports, was supposed to be immune, but that theory looks highly questionable now.

Ratings for the NFL suggest the same societal trends are now affecting the league, even if the declines aren’t as dramatic. The drop in game viewership ranges from 5 percent for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” to 11 percent for the CBS Sunday package. “Monday Night Football,” on Disney’s ESPN, has attracted more fans this year than a year ago, but the numbers are still down from 2015.

Viewership of the four main broadcast networks fell 8.7 percent last year, and 12 percent among adults 18 to 49, an important demographic for advertisers.

CBS’s 11 percent slump for NFL games is the steepest of the networks. Its parent company, which reports earnings after the close Thursday, is more vulnerable than rivals to the trend because the vast majority of its earnings come from the broadcast network. The declines at CBS reinforce a complaint that has gotten louder and louder in recent weeks: The league got greedy in adding the Thursday night game on broadcast.

Reserving top games for Thursday night robbed other time periods of good match-ups. After a nosedive in ratings at “Monday Night Football” last season, the league has scheduled better games for that time period, further damaging Sunday afternoon.

“Ratings declines on both general entertainment and NFL programming could be the single biggest point of focus for investors this quarter, and we’re not sure what media companies can say about the health and tone of the ad market to assuage fears,” Steven Cahall, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, wrote in a note last month.

Viewership is dropping fast among people under 54 -- a key demographic for advertisers -- and even faster among those 18 to 34. Audiences for games on CBS, NBC and Fox have slid at least 10 percent among that younger cohort.

Advertisers aren’t abandoning the NFL, one of the only places they can still reach more than 10 million people at once. But they are growing concerned. John Schnatter, who appears in TV spots on behalf of his Papa John’s Pizza International Inc., laid into the league on a conference call this week, blaming the ratings for his company’s slow revenue growth and calling for the league to put an end to player protests.

Networks and other advertisers identify a wide range of reasons for the NFL’s struggles. The league has overexposed itself by making highlights available on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Snapchat. Identifiable stars like Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have either retired or gotten hurt. The quality of play has deteriorated. Player protests and concussions have driven away some fans.

Some executives argue viewership of the league has still improved over the long term while dropping for every other show. Yet the amount of time people have spent watching football this season is at the lowest point since 2011, back when there were fewer televised games, according to Mike Mulvihill, Fox Sports’ head of research.

“The cumulative effect of everything happening in the world at large is having an impact on NFL viewership,” Mulvihill said. “ The league was defying the laws of gravity.”

**ChiefGator** · 02-15-2018, 01:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by cosmo20002

Last four years average total penalties per regular season game is about 14.2.
Last four Super Bowls, penalties have been (13, 18, 12, 15) 14.5 average

That is surprising.. it seemed like the playoffs and super bowl had less penalties. Maybe better officiating crews just move through the penalties quicker so it slows the game down less.. :: shrug ::

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 01:52 PM

Everyone saying the NFL is getting killed or dying or whatever realize that the declines that people are talking about are SOLELY for NFL games measured agaisnt THEMSELVES, right? Because if you compare the NFL to literally anyone or anything else, it completely dominates.

It's literally like saying King Kong is dying because he can only bench 99,000 pounds, not 100,000 pounds like he could last year, or whatever. I mean, really...

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-15-2018, 02:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Everyone saying the NFL is getting killed or dying or whatever realize that the declines that people are talking about are SOLELY for NFL games measured agaisnt THEMSELVES, right? Because if you compare the NFL to literally anyone or anything else, it completely dominates.

TV ratings are down across the board.

College Football took a huge hit this year, not only in the TV ratings, but in attendance as well, with the largest attendance drop in 34 years.

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 02:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

TV ratings are down across the board.

College Football took a huge hit this year, not only in the TV ratings, but in attendance as well, with the largest attendance drop in 34 years.

I knew TV ratings were down across the board. Obviously, people -- especially the younger generations -- are obtaining news/content in very different ways, and have far more options/platforms they can use to receive that content.

I didn't know that college football was down. That actually is VERY telling and a direct blow to those who are claiming that the NFL is down to too many penalties, removal of big hits, or players taking a knee for the anthem or whatever. Pretty obvious that it isn't those things, and just broader societal trends.

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 02:12 PM

Dane -- off-topic but related question for you -- is the movie industry as we know it going to survive? Can it still make just as much money just by delivering its content in a different fashion or something? I'm thinking that in 20 years or whatever, my kids will be telling their kids about movie theaters the way I tell them now about Blockbuster...

BigCatDaddy · 02-15-2018, 02:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Dane -- off-topic but related question for you -- is the movie industry as we know it going to survive? Can it still make just as much money just by delivering its content in a different fashion or something? I'm thinking that in 20 years or whatever, my kids will be telling their kids about movie theaters the way I tell them now about Blockbuster...

Take this shit to the Media Center!

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 02:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BigCatDaddy

Take this shit to the Media Center!

Yeah, cuz we're really strict about not having threads derailed around here!

Randallflagg · 02-15-2018, 02:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Dane -- off-topic but related question for you -- is the movie industry as we know it going to survive? Can it still make just as much money just by delivering its content in a different fashion or something? I'm thinking that in 20 years or whatever, my kids will be telling their kids about movie theaters the way I tell them now about Blockbuster...

Just as a casual observer, Hollywood is having a hard time because they are constantly making "remakes" now. Not much that is "new"....That, plus a lot of the B movies are going straight to Netflix or even DVD. Streaming is starting to gain a HUGE foothold in most households, as well.

Look at it this way - I "used" to think I was the shits because I had a 27" Television back in the day. Now? 80" flat screen HD television. most everything is in 1080i or p. Why the hell would I go to a theater and pay $30-40 bucks to watch a movie when it will be out later?

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-15-2018, 03:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Dane -- off-topic but related question for you -- is the movie industry as we know it going to survive? Can it still make just as much money just by delivering its content in a different fashion or something? I'm thinking that in 20 years or whatever, my kids will be telling their kids about movie theaters the way I tell them now about Blockbuster...

I've been hit by the mods in the past for taking threads off topic so it's probably best to start a thread in the Media Lounge, no offense.

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiStateNo

Just as a casual observer, Hollywood is having a hard time because they are constantly making "remakes" now. Not much that is "new"....That, plus a lot of the B movies are going straight to Netflix or even DVD. Streaming is starting to gain a HUGE foothold in most households, as well.

Look at it this way - I "used" to think I was the shits because I had a 27" Television back in the day. Now? 80" flat screen HD television. most everything is in 1080i or p. Why the hell would I go to a theater and pay $30-40 bucks to watch a movie when it will be out later?

Wrong. Like, so completely off base it's ridiculous.

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I've been hit by the mods in the past for taking threads off topic so it's probably best to start a thread in the Media Lounge, no offense.

You have? Geez, I never interact with them. Guess I shouldn't look a gift horse in the mouth.

Anyway, I started a new thread in the media lounge. No offense taken of course!

Eleazar · 02-15-2018, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Amnorix

Everyone saying the NFL is getting killed or dying or whatever realize that the declines that people are talking about are SOLELY for NFL games measured agaisnt THEMSELVES, right? Because if you compare the NFL to literally anyone or anything else, it completely dominates.

It's literally like saying King Kong is dying because he can only bench 99,000 pounds, not 100,000 pounds like he could last year, or whatever. I mean, really...

It's a bit weird to see over and over the hard numbers about the NFL's ratings declining, and people questioning whether the NFL is as popular as it once was, only to have others respond with "No, because the NFL still has high ratings". Yes, obviously it's still more popular than other things on TV, but that wasn't really the point. It's a non sequitur to the argument being made, which refers to a trend and not to prominence.

It's sort of like reading a story wherein people express concern about the stock market falling by saying "There's nothing wrong, look at where it is compared to where it was in 2009". Yes, that's true, but that's not the point. There could definitely be something wrong, and there could be a prolonged downward trend in store, even though the Dow isn't at a historic low at the present moment.

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-15-2018, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleazar

It's a bit weird to see over and over the hard numbers about the NFL's ratings declining, and people questioning whether the NFL is as popular as it once was, only to have others respond with "No, because the NFL still has high ratings". Yes, obviously it's still more popular than other things on TV, but that wasn't really the point. It's a non sequitur to the argument being made, which refers to a trend and not to prominence.

It's sort of like reading a story wherein people express concern about the stock market falling by saying "There's nothing wrong, look at where it is compared to where it was in 2009". Yes, that's true, but that's not the point. There could definitely be something wrong, and there could be a prolonged downward trend in store, even though the Dow isn't at a historic low at the present moment.

This is bullshit.

ALL TV RATINGS ARE DOWN.

Amnorix · 02-15-2018, 03:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eleazar

It's a bit weird to see over and over the hard numbers about the NFL's ratings declining, and people questioning whether the NFL is as popular as it once was, only to have others respond with "No, because the NFL still has high ratings". Yes, obviously it's still more popular than other things on TV, but that wasn't really the point. It's a non sequitur to the argument being made, which refers to a trend and not to prominence.

It's sort of like reading a story wherein people express concern about the stock market falling by saying "There's nothing wrong, look at where it is compared to where it was in 2009". Yes, that's true, but that's not the point. There could definitely be something wrong, and there could be a prolonged downward trend in store, even though the Dow isn't at a historic low at the present moment.

The problem is that TV ratings measure ONLY that, TV ratings. The rise of the internet means that content can be consumed in a vast number of ways, and I don't think there is any way to quantify whether the NFL overall is less popular than it was.

If the question is "are the NFL's tv ratings down", then the answer is yes.

If the question is "are the NFL's TV ratings lower IN PROPORTION TO overall TV ratings, then the answer is no.

If the question is "is the NFL less popular than it used to be", the only real answer is "insufficient data".

Perhaps there IS sufficient data, but I certainly haven't seen it, as TV ratings alone are nowhere near enough.

Randallflagg · 02-15-2018, 04:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

I've been hit by the mods in the past for taking threads off topic so it's probably best to start a thread in the Media Lounge, no offense.

Wrong. Like, so completely off base it's ridiculous.

Who the hell are you, Harvey Weinstein?

**DaneMcCloud** · 02-15-2018, 04:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BiStateNo

Who the hell are you, Harvey Weinstein?

No, but you're clearly a butt ****ing moron.

11-03-2017, 05:07 AM
Eleazar Beyond the Rapids Join Date: May 2003 Location: Langley, VA Casino cash: $-370000	NFL Excuses Run Out After Ratings Declines Continue NFL's Litany of Excuses Runs Out After Ratings Fall for Second Year By Lucas Shaw Bloomberg.com November 2, 2017, 11:30 AM CDT TV networks are running out of excuses for the dwindling popularity of the National Football League. They blamed the election for ratings declines last year, and hurricanes for a soft week one in September. Protests during the national anthem, and President Donald Trump’s criticism of the league, have faded from the headlines. Advertisers are starting to believe a different explanation: the viewers aren’t coming back. Audiences are down an average 7 percent from a year ago through the first eight weeks of the season, excluding last Monday. That’s on top of a decrease of about 8 percent last season that spurred numerous changes in the broadcasts, from shorter commercials to better matchups earlier in the year. “There’s just not as many people watching TV the way they used to watch TV,” said Jeremy Carey, managing director of Optimum Sports, a sports marketing agency. “It’s going to be an issue for advertisers when they can’t reach a large-scale audience the way they have.” With CBS Corp., 21st Century Fox Inc. and Walt Disney Co. set to report earnings in the next few days, analysts are bound to raise questions. These companies have used the popularity of the games to extract additional fees from cable operators, promote other shows on their networks and sell lots of commercials. Pro football games drew about $3.5 billion in ad spending last year, including the postseason, according to SMI Media Inc. Media companies have spent billions of dollars on the right to air football games, which had been immune to the erosion of viewership for other TV programming. Audiences for TV networks have diminished for years as the growing popularity of online alternatives Netflix and YouTube and the availability of most shows on-demand have reduced the appeal of dramas and comedies. Live TV, like sports, was supposed to be immune, but that theory looks highly questionable now. Ratings for the NFL suggest the same societal trends are now affecting the league, even if the declines aren’t as dramatic. The drop in game viewership ranges from 5 percent for NBC’s “Sunday Night Football” to 11 percent for the CBS Sunday package. “Monday Night Football,” on Disney’s ESPN, has attracted more fans this year than a year ago, but the numbers are still down from 2015. Viewership of the four main broadcast networks fell 8.7 percent last year, and 12 percent among adults 18 to 49, an important demographic for advertisers. CBS’s 11 percent slump for NFL games is the steepest of the networks. Its parent company, which reports earnings after the close Thursday, is more vulnerable than rivals to the trend because the vast majority of its earnings come from the broadcast network. The declines at CBS reinforce a complaint that has gotten louder and louder in recent weeks: The league got greedy in adding the Thursday night game on broadcast. Reserving top games for Thursday night robbed other time periods of good match-ups. After a nosedive in ratings at “Monday Night Football” last season, the league has scheduled better games for that time period, further damaging Sunday afternoon. “Ratings declines on both general entertainment and NFL programming could be the single biggest point of focus for investors this quarter, and we’re not sure what media companies can say about the health and tone of the ad market to assuage fears,” Steven Cahall, an analyst with RBC Capital Markets, wrote in a note last month. Viewership is dropping fast among people under 54 -- a key demographic for advertisers -- and even faster among those 18 to 34. Audiences for games on CBS, NBC and Fox have slid at least 10 percent among that younger cohort. Advertisers aren’t abandoning the NFL, one of the only places they can still reach more than 10 million people at once. But they are growing concerned. John Schnatter, who appears in TV spots on behalf of his Papa John’s Pizza International Inc., laid into the league on a conference call this week, blaming the ratings for his company’s slow revenue growth and calling for the league to put an end to player protests. Networks and other advertisers identify a wide range of reasons for the NFL’s struggles. The league has overexposed itself by making highlights available on Facebook, YouTube, Twitter and Snapchat. Identifiable stars like Peyton Manning and Aaron Rodgers have either retired or gotten hurt. The quality of play has deteriorated. Player protests and concussions have driven away some fans. Some executives argue viewership of the league has still improved over the long term while dropping for every other show. Yet the amount of time people have spent watching football this season is at the lowest point since 2011, back when there were fewer televised games, according to Mike Mulvihill, Fox Sports’ head of research. “The cumulative effect of everything happening in the world at large is having an impact on NFL viewership,” Mulvihill said. “ The league was defying the laws of gravity.”
Posts: 80,659

02-15-2018, 01:52 PM	#392
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	Everyone saying the NFL is getting killed or dying or whatever realize that the declines that people are talking about are SOLELY for NFL games measured agaisnt THEMSELVES, right? Because if you compare the NFL to literally anyone or anything else, it completely dominates. It's literally like saying King Kong is dying because he can only bench 99,000 pounds, not 100,000 pounds like he could last year, or whatever. I mean, really... __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington
Posts: 43,125

02-15-2018, 02:12 PM	#395
Amnorix In BB I trust Join Date: May 2003 Location: Boston, Mass. Casino cash: $10029808	Dane -- off-topic but related question for you -- is the movie industry as we know it going to survive? Can it still make just as much money just by delivering its content in a different fashion or something? I'm thinking that in 20 years or whatever, my kids will be telling their kids about movie theaters the way I tell them now about Blockbuster... __________________ "I love signature blocks on the Internet. I get to put whatever the hell I want in quotes, pick a pretend author, and bang, it's like he really said it." George Washington
Posts: 43,125