ESPN Tops Cable Networks in Key Demos in 2019

In 2019, fourth quarter and in December, ESPN maintained its leadership position among cable networks in delivering the valuable young male audience, according to a press release.

For 2019 (December 31, 2018 - December 29, 2019):

• ESPN aired cable's biggest 10 audiences and 13 of the top 14.
• In Total Day, ESPN ranked as the #1 full-time cable network among Men and Adults 18-34, 18-49, and 25-54. This marks the sixth straight year that ESPN has claimed the top spot for all six of those demos, and the 14th straight year of being #1 among the three male demos. Among total viewers, ESPN ranked third, behind only FOXNC and MSNBC.
• In prime time, for the sixth straight year, ESPN led cable among Men and Adults 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54. This marks the 18th consecutive year ESPN has been #1 among those male demos.
• In addition, in 2019 ESPN "won the night" among all networks - broadcast and cable - 47 times. In another 23 instances, ABC won the night with sports programmed and produced by ESPN.

Throughout the year, many events enjoyed audience increases. Starting with the NFL Wild Card Game, other events seeing an increase this year included men's and women's regular-season college basketball, the women's Final Four, all three of ESPN's Grand Slam tennis events (Australian Open, Wimbledon, US Open), the NFL Draft, the NBA Draft Lottery, the NCAA Softball Tournament, MLB Sunday Night Baseball, Formula One, WNBA, MLS, college football and Monday Night Football.

For the fourth quarter of 2019 (September 30 - December 29):
In total day:

• ESPN was the #1 cable network among Men 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 for at least a 20th straight year.

In prime time:

• ESPN led all cable networks among the key adult and male demos - 18-34, 18-49 and 25-54, as well as Men 18+ and has done so in each year for at least 20 years.
• ESPN led cable among total viewers and Adults 18+ for the 19th year out of 20.

The quarter also was the 26th consecutive in which ESPN has been the No. 1 full-time cable network in total day among Men18-34, 18-49 and 25-54 (starting in Q3 2013). Looking at the streak in terms of years, ESPN has been No. 1 for 14 straight (since 2006) and 18 consecutive in prime time (since 2002).