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Cable Overtakes Major Broadcast Networks For US Prime Time Share

Cable Overtakes Major Broadcast Networks For US Prime Time Share

The majority share of US prime time television viewing went to the cable networks for the first time in the 2001/2 season, according to data reported by Jack Myers Report.

The basic cable networks took a 46% share against the four major broadcast networks’ 45%, according to figures compiled by Discovery Communications. Previously the four broadcast networks have always taken the larger share.

The data forecast until the 2004/5 season, by which time cable is predicted to have extended its lead over broadcast by 52% to 38%. Cable’s share is expected to grow at 5% points per year, whilst the four major broadcaster networks’ share declines at much the same rate.

US Share Of Prime Time Viewing 
         
  4 Broadcast Networks  Basic Cable 
  Share (%)  % Point change  Share (%)  % Point change 
1994/95 65 28
1995/96 61 -6% 31 11%
1996/97 57 -7% 35 13%
1997/98 55 -4% 38 9%
1998/99 52 -5% 40 5%
1999/00 51 -2% 41 2%
2000/01 47 -8% 44 7%
2001/02 45 -4% 46 5%
2002/03 42 -5% 48 5%
2003/04 40 -5% 50 5%
2004/05 38 -5% 52 5%
Source: Jack Myers Report, May 2002 

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