Associated Press
The XFL’s first telecast on UPN outdrew the NHL All-Star game and pulled in twice the TV ratings that the network’s affiliates averaged during the same time slot last month.
The 4.2 preliminary overnight rating for the XFL game Sunday on UPN followed the 10.3 produced by the fledgling league’s debut on NBC on Saturday night — far higher than advertisers were promised.
The UPN broadcast won its time period in three of the country’s largest markets, and was second in 11 others.
On a busy sports weekend, ABC’s telecast of the 51st NHL All-Star game — which set a record for total goals with 26 — drew a 2.4 overnight rating, down 8 percent from last season.
That game was followed on ABC by the NFL Pro Bowl, which had a 5.8 overnight rating, 33 percent below last year.
"It’s not unexpected, because, unlike last year, we didn’t have the benefit of the Super Bowl being on ABC with significant promotion of the Pro Bowl," NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said.
[back to top] |
