Olympic Games a ratings winner

NBC executives can breathe a sigh of relief. The strong viewership patterns that emerged on the third day of the network’s coverage of the Olympics in Athens continued through Sunday’s closing ceremonies, which averaged 19.6 million viewers, up 17% from viewership of the 2000 finale in Sydney.

Data from Nielsen Media Research showed that the entire 17 days of prime-time coverage averaged 24.6 million viewers, a 14% boost from Sydney, and won all 101 half-hours of prime time during the Games.

NBC’s coverage of the 1996 games in Atlanta performed better, but Olympics in American host cities typically do well in the ratings, and cable played less of a competitive role eight years ago.

Jonathan Taylor