Kentucky Derby draws highest television ratings in 17 years, up 7 percent from 2008

October 6th, 2009 Favre's matchup with Packers draws record audienceBRISTOL, Conn. — Brett Favre's matchup with his former team has attracted the largest cable television audience ever.

October 1st, 2009 NFL TV ratings off to strong startNEW YORK — Television ratings for NFL games are off to a strong start this season. Fox has posted its highest average rating for the first three weeks since the network started televising the league in 1994.

September 11th, 2009 NBC scores well with Titans-SteelersNEW YORK — Pittsburgh's 13-10 overtime victory against Tennessee on Thursday night drew the biggest TV audience for the NFL's season opener in seven years. The game, televised on NBC, scored a 13.8 overnight rating and a 23 share, beating the 2003 mark of 14.5 and equaling the share, according to Nielsen Media Research.

August 17th, 2009 PGA tourney, Vick interview get viewers for CBSNEW YORK — Y.E. Yang's upset win over Tiger Woods in the PGA Championship was a television hit that even picked up extra viewers for CBS's interview with quarterback Michael Vick.

July 23rd, 2009 Armstrong's return boosts Tour TV ratings in USNEW YORK — Each morning of the Tour de France, an average of more than half a million Americans are tuning in to watch. Not surprisingly, Lance Armstrong's return after missing the past three Tours has sent television ratings in the United States soaring.

July 6th, 2009 TV ratings for AT&T National triple from last yearNEW YORK — Tiger Woods' win at the AT&T National drew an overnight rating more than three times higher than last year, when he was injured. CBS said on Monday that Sunday's final round of the tournament Woods hosts earned a 4.6 rating and 11 share, up from the 1.5/3 a year ago.

June 29th, 2009 Strong ratings for BET Awards and Jackson tributeNEW YORK — The BET Awards turned into an impromptu Michael Jackson tribute and preliminary ratings show that it will have the event's biggest audience ever. Nielsen Media Research says the ratings from its 56 biggest markets showed Sunday's BET Awards were up 61 percent over last year.

June 16th, 2009 TV ratings for NBA finals down from last yearNEW YORK — Television ratings for the NBA finals are down from last year. The five games on ABC between the Los Angeles Lakers and Orlando Magic averaged an 8.4 rating.

June 11th, 2009 TV ratings for Game 6 down slightly from 2008NEW YORK — The Stanley Cup finals are going to a Game 7 for the first time since 2006, giving the series a chance to build on strong television ratings. NBC said Wednesday that the Pittsburgh Penguins' 2-1 win over the Detroit Red Wings in Game 6 on Tuesday night earned a 4.1 overnight rating and 7 share.

June 11th, 2009 MLB TV ratings hold steady as attendance declinesNEW YORK — One bright side to all those empty seats behind home plate visible on television at the new Yankee Stadium: At least there are plenty of people seeing them from home. Viewership for the Yankees' YES Network is off to a record start.

June 9th, 2009 Game 4 earns highest cable TV rating since 2002NEW YORK — Game 4 of the Stanley Cup finals has earned the series' highest cable television rating since 2002. The Pittsburgh Penguins' 4-2 win over the Detroit Red Wings on Versus on Thursday night drew a 2.8 rating and averaged 3.45 million viewers.

June 9th, 2009 TV ratings for Game 2 of NBA finals down slightlyNEW YORK — Television ratings for Game 2 of the NBA finals are down slightly from last year. ABC said Monday that the Los Angeles Lakers' 101-96 overtime win over the Orlando Magic on Sunday night earned an 8.2 fast national rating.

June 5th, 2009 Leno's last 'Tonight' draws 11.9 million viewersLOS ANGELES — Jay Leno's final "Tonight" show drew nearly 12 million viewers but fell well short of his most-watched night or Johnny Carson's farewell. Leno wrapped up his 17-year run on "Tonight" on May 29, with new host Conan O'Brien and James Taylor as guests.

June 2nd, 2009 TV viewership is up for NBA playoffsNEW YORK — TV viewership is way up for the NBA playoffs. Ratings for the Western Conference finals on ESPN increased 32 percent from the network's conference finals coverage last year.

June 2nd, 2009 TV ratings for finals off to best start since '02NEW YORK — Television ratings for the Stanley Cup finals are off to their best start since 2002. NBC said Tuesday that Games 1 and 2 averaged a 2.8 rating and 5 share.