Record World Cup TV Ratings
The U.S. Men's National Soccer Team faces The Netherlands tomorrow in the knockout stage in one of the world's most prestigious sporting events that happens every four years—the FIFA World Cup. While a victory on the field for the U.S. is to be determined, one can most surely bet on a victory for TV ratings, as millions of Americans will gather around screens across the country to watch the game. Viewership Soars For the U.S. v England game on November 25, Fox Sports and Telemundo together garnered 20 million viewers across of all their platforms. Fox Sports reported 15.49 million viewers, a
Happy 50th Birthday, HBO
HBO, the first national cable network, turns 50 years old this week. The success of HBO broke barriers and changed the way TV is distributed, produced, and watched. Going Live Since its launch on November 8, 1972 when it aired the NHL game between the Vancouver Canucks and the New York Rangers, HBO has been a pioneer for new TV technologies and bold stories. Behind the Scenes: HBO was the first network to utilize satellite technology to be offered by cable TV nationwide (before this, TV networks had limited regional reaches). HBO is often credited as being the first modern cable network
Cable TV's Efforts to Produce Authentic Native American Stories
With Native American Heritage Month getting started, it's important to not only celebrate Native American culture and history, but to embrace entertainment and programming that continually speak to diversity and inclusion. Why It's Important: As NCTA President & CEO Michael Powell said at the Kaitz Dinner last month, "For too long, we have left Black and Brown people out of our stories, out of our history, or worse, portrayed them as lesser human beings. It is a tragedy we are all working to address as we work towards diversity and inclusion." He added, "We must continue the hard work of
Q&A: How C-SPAN Is Covering the Midterms
This November, Americans will cast their ballots in the midterm elections. For over 40 years, C-SPAN has provided Americans with an invaluable service by providing an unbiased view into not only the governing process, but the campaign process as well. With the election two weeks away, NCTA interviewed Nate Hurst, a Political Editor at C-SPAN, to learn more about how the network plays its important role in the democratic process. How is C-SPAN’s coverage of the 2022 elections different from previous election years? I feel like each cycle builds on the last one – we see that this year with
TV Stats: Live Sports Is a Heavy Hitter
As audience habits around entertainment viewing have changed over the years, with many preferring to watch some shows time-shifted, sports are one arena where live-viewing still has mass appeal. In fact, sports programming continues to set records and draw live audiences.
Cartoon Network Stands Up Against Bullying
Cable TV networks have long used their large reach and influence to move the needle on important issues, and Cartoon Network's commitment to spreading awareness about bullying issues is an example of how powerful storytelling can make a difference for young viewers. In honor of National Bullying Prevention Month this October, Cartoon Network has unveiled a new PSA, "Redraw Your World Without Bullying," which demonstrates how to help someone who is experiencing identity-based bullying because of their race, religion, disability, immigration status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or
Indigenous-Led TV Shows That Are Turning the Tide
With Indigenous Peoples' Day approaching this coming Monday, it's a good time to put a spotlight on three powerful shows that, over the past couple of years, have directed efforts to turning the tide for this underrepresented group in the entertainment landscape by casting Indigenous people as lead characters on the screen and lead writers and producers behind the scenes. TV networks continue to make diversity a priority, and through creating rich and inclusive programming, they strive to evoke an appreciation for people of all cultures, races, ethnicities, and backgrounds. "Dark Winds" AMC's
TV Networks Commemorate Hispanic Heritage Month
Hispanic Heritage Month, which is celebrated between September 15 – October 15, is well underway and a great time to pay tribute to the culture and language of Hispanic Americans, and to continue to embrace diversity and inclusion as an industry. Cable programmers have put together initiatives that not only honor and recognize the contributions of the Hispanic community in America, but ones that also speak directly to their Spanish-speaking audiences and that strive to give Hispanic Americans a strong voice in the entertainment world. Here are just a handful of many that are currently underway
TV Stats: Top Entertainment Draws Big Audiences
As September continues, the fall TV season seems to be off to a strong start. With many new shows premiering and this week’s 74th Primetime Emmy awards celebrating the best on TV, the fall season is a great reminder of how successful the video marketplace continues to be. Since there are more TV shows than ever before, viewers can be sure to find a plethora of stories that speak to them.
New Beginnings at the Hallmark Channel
At the Television Critics Association virtual summer press tour this month, the Hallmark Channel made a big announcement. Crown Media, the parent company of the Hallmark Channel, is now known as Hallmark Media. "This evolution in our own brand's identity is just a no-brainer. It allows us to better align with Hallmark, it makes sense, and resonates with our viewers and business partners. And of course we are now, in name, what we are at our core," said Hallmark Media President & CEO Wonya Lucas. Along those lines, Lucas, together with Executive Vice President, Programming, Lisa Hamilton Daly