Best May Ever for ESPN2 & ESPNEWS, ESPN Up 21%

ESPN2 and ESPNEWS each posted its best May ever, averaging more households on a total-day basis than any previous May.  In addition, ESPN’s 24-hour audience grew 21% over last year, and was the second largest for the month in the network’s history.

ESPN averaged 699,000 homes on a total-day basis, up 21 percent from May 2007 (576,000) and the second-most ever for the month (702,000 in 2006).  The network was boosted by larger audiences for the NBA playoffs, Major League Baseball and SportsCenter.

In addition, ESPN also set viewership marks in all key male demos (Men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54). 

ESPN2 averaged 229,000 homes, its best ever for May and up nine percent from last year (210,000).  The network also set marks for the month in all key male demos (Men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54).  The live weekday morning lineup – ESPN Radio’s Mike & Mike in the Morning (6 – 10 a.m. ET) and FirstTake (10 a.m. – noon) – continues to grow its audience.  That six-hour block averaged 221,000 homes, up 37 percent from May a year ago (161,000).  Other strong performers in the month:  NASCAR’s Nationwide Series, NHRA drag racing and the live UEFA Champions League final which was ESPN2’s highest-rated and most-watched UEFA telecast in history, totaling 218 matches. 

In May, ESPNEWS averaged a record 58,900 homes, up from a year ago (58,700). It was the 25th consecutive month of household growth for ESPNEWS.

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