ESPN had a very positive June. The network’s 24 hour schedule showed year-over-year ratings growth of 5%. That was carried largely by strong growth in the 7a-7p schedule. That 12-hour window showed 12% growth.
The network averaged over 1 million viewers in prime time for the month of June and continued its dominance with men. The performance was good enough to top all full-time cable networks in total viewers amongst men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. It led all cable networks with men 18-49 and 25-54.
One of the network’s biggest wins over the past year has been the performance of Get Up!. The morning show, led by Mike Greenberg, was shortened to two hours and had the talent lineup retooled. The result was a 21% ratings growth from 2018.
Norby Williamson, ESPN’s Executive Vice President, spoke to Front Office Sports’s Michael McCarthy and said part of what helped Get Up! was ESPN’s efforts to make sure it was distinctly different from First Take.
“First Take is really about Max and Stephen A. and their opinions and thoughts on the world,” Williamson said. “Get Up! has really become more so about hearing from the people, hearing from the newsmakers, hearing from information people, more breaking news.”
Williamson revealed that his goal was always to create a connected block of programming to start the day on ESPN. He told McCarthy that he views that block as beginning with the 7am SportsCenter then going to Get Up! and concluding with First Take going off the air at noon.
ESPN’s ratings growth has kept the gap between it and FS1 wide. Still, Williamson says he doesn’t look at competition between the two brands as being over.
“You have to create compelling content. And give people a reason to watch and to come to your brand. As long as you do that, first and foremost, for the most part, you’ll be OK. But I monitor and look at other competition. So I will never rule out anything or anyone or any show being a competitor to us.”
