| | June 5, 2000
ESPN2, which launched in October 1993, has continued its record run, crossing the 70 million U.S. household mark in less than seven years -- faster than any other cable network in history and more than a year ahead of the next fastest network, according to Nielsen Media Research figures. ESPN2, which attained the 70 million mark in 80 months, outpaced the 19 other cable networks that have crossed 70 million.
ESPN2 at 70 million - noteworthy facts
For the first time, the household counts of ESPN and ESPN2 start with the same digit (78 vs. 70 million) Note: it took ESPN 206 months to reach 70 million.
Nine out of every 10 ESPN households also now receive ESPN2.
ESPN2 recently unveiled its new logo (below), reflecting its analogous programming lineup to ESPN.
ESPN2's programming is led by a strong event lineup and the 2Night series, nightly sport-specific
highlights/news programs, a network signature.
In 1999, ESPN2 achieved its highest primetime ratings ever.
ESPN2 specializes in delivering an affluent, young male audience. In 1999, ESPN2 ranked third in men 18-34 viewers-per-household among all ad-supported cable networks in primetime.
ESPN2 also delivered a higher concentration of upper-income households in primetime than any of the top ten cable networks (except ESPN).
"ESPN and ESPN2 are the ?Twin Towers of Sports Television," said ESPN President George Bodenheimer. "This success stems from our fans who wanted more programming from ESPN, the continuing support of our distributors and advertisers, and our employees who developed this high-quality network."
Other ESPN2 facts
Date ESPN2 Reach Date Significance
Oct. 1, 1993 10 million ESPN2 launch date
Sept. 1, 1994 15 million 15 million on ESPN's 15th anniv. (9/7/94)
Jan. 1, 1995 17.3 million Fastest growing network in 1994 (ESPN2's first full year)
Oct. 1, 1995 25.3 million Second anniversary of ESPN2
March 1, 1996 30.8 million Crossed 30 million in less than 30 months
Dec. 1, 1996 40.5 million Fastest growing network in 1996
Sept. 1, 1997 51.4 million 50 million in less than 50 months
Sept. 1, 1998 60.4 million Fastest to 60 million in cable history (60 months)
June 1, 2000 70.3 million Fastest to 70 million in cable history (80 months)
ESPN2 programming
Event lineup anchored by a variety of top leagues, professional tours, college sports and championship events - both mainstream and alternative.
Sports news programming, including the signature 2Night series (NHL 2Night, NFL 2Night NBA 2Night, RPM 2Night, College Hoops 2Night), as well as Baseball 2Day, Baseball Tonight, the Bottom Line2 (score/news scroll), big event news coverage and more. ESPN2's 2Night series, an offshoot of ESPN's signature SportsCenter program, features sport-specific, in-depth coverage with hosts and analysts breaking down the news of the day.
Lifestyle programming such as outdoors and fitness blocks, the National Spelling Bee, World's Strongest Man and the award-winning, commercial-free educational series, SportsFigures. | |
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