Basic-cable-network primetime ratings outscored those of the seven broadcast-television networks in week 12 of the fall TV season, the Cabletelevision Advertising Bureau said Tuesday.
In its analysis of the Nielsen Media Research ratings for the week ending Dec. 15, the CAB said ad-supported cable's average primetime U.S. household delivery increased by 1.7 million, or 5.8 percent, to 31.8 million versus a year ago, as its household rating grew by 1.3 points to 29.8 (up 4.6 percent) and its share gained 1.5 points to 48.7 (up 3.2 percent).
During that week, cable in the aggregate also outperformed the "Big Four" TV networks in primetime by a combined 4.7 million homes, 1.2 rating points and 2 share points, the CAB added.
"At this pace, ad-supported cable viewership will more than meet our projection of exceeding broadcast-audience levels on a season-long basis," CAB CEO Joseph Ostrow said in a prepared statement.
