Updated throughout the day with quick takes from staff.
MLB Network launched January 1 of last year, and saw immediate success. It opened to 50 million subscribers, making it the best channel launch in the history of cable. Fans seem to like it, because it shows nothing but baseball, including full games, live look-ins every night and more highlights than you could ever need or want. Even the critics approved, awarding the network with four Sports Emmy Awards (which was a record for a channel in its first year).
And now, the numbers are available after the network's first month of being involved with the Nielsen Ratings. So how good are they? Uh ... they're not.
... MLB Network is averaging less than 100,000 viewers in prime time, making its viewership more comparable to channels like Logo and Military Channel than to ESPN or Versus.
How bad is it? MLB Network was beat in ratings by the Golf Channel, Speed and Versus. In fact, "of the Nielsen-rated sports channels, only Fox Soccer Channel averaged fewer viewers in prime time and single day in April."
Might we suggest less Dan Plesac?
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Its early in the season trying to compete with NBA and NHL playoffs, both of which are shown on ESPN and Versus.
I think the time to worry is when Versus is beating MLB Network in July and August.
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by Zachary Zielonka on May 11, 2010 9:51 PM EDT reply actions
I would think prime time is not their strength
the core watchers of MLB network are probably watching the actual game of their team. I never flip to MLBN during the Rangers game…but as soon as it’s over, it’s over to MLBN
by kevinkinsler on May 11, 2010 10:00 PM EDT reply actions
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