Press Release – LOS ANGELES, CA – The summer ratings heat wave continues at FUEL TV, as the network recorded its highest peak audience and most-watched Ultimate Fighting Championship® (UFC®) Prelims ever in the month of August, according to Nielsen Media Research.
FUEL TV continues to be the industry’s fastest growing ad-supported cable network in year-to-year percentage growth among households, total viewers, and men 18-49 during total day and prime time, thanks in part to continued programming from UFC® and live Lucas Oil Pro Motocross Championship races telecast during the month. In 2012, FUEL TV’s ratings have outperformed the corresponding week in 2011 for 35 weeks and eight months straight since the beginning of the year.
In August, FUEL TV telecast the second-most hours of UFC® programming in a month with 408, compared to July’s record-setting 480 hours. (Note: July’s ratings included five weeks, while August only included four weeks.)
FUEL TV August 2012 Audience Highlights:
· August 2012 was up +50% in Total Viewers and +150% in M18-49 vs. August 2011;
· Prime time finished up +157% in Total Viewers and +189% in M18-49 vs. August 2011;
· Live UFC Prelims on FUEL TV on Saturday, August 4 was the network’s most-watched prelims ever with 194,000 Total Viewers;
· On August 4, the UFC Prelims on FUEL TV viewership peaked from 7:45 PM ET – 8:00 PM ET with 328,000 Total Viewers, the network’s largest peak ever;
· It was the network’s second most-watched show among M18-49 and fifth most-watched program of all time;
· On August 4, the UFC Prelims on FUEL TV contributed to the network’s most-watched Saturday prime on both Total Viewers and M18-49;
· August 4 was the network’s second most-watched Saturday among M18-49 and third most-watched Saturday on Total Viewers;
· For the first eight months of 2012, prime time viewership is +164% vs. 2011;
· Since January 1, the network’s total day viewership is up +91% compared to 2011;
“It’s been exciting to see eight consecutive months of incredible ratings growth at FUEL TV,” says George Greenberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager, FUEL TV. “We’re thrilled with our partnership with the UFC and the power its programming has to attract huge and loyal audiences on a daily basis. With more live fights coming up in September and through the end of the year, we’re confident our viewership growth will continue.”
Extensive UFC® coverage continues in September, with FUEL TV telecasting the live Weigh-in and Postfight shows for UFC® 152: JONES VS. BELFORT on Saturday, September 22; and the Weigh-in, Prefight, Fight Night and Postfight shows for UFC® ON FUEL TV: STRUVE VS. MIOCIC Saturday, September 29.
In this year, FUEL TV offers more UFC® programming than any network has ever offered, with more than 100 hours of live fights, weigh-ins, preliminary bouts, and pre- and postfight shows, and significant shoulder programming.
For a complete listing of FUEL TV shows, go to: http://www.fuel.tv/schedule/. For more information, go to www.fuel.tv, www.fuel.tv/ufc, on Facebook at: www.facebook.com/fueltv, and on Twitter at: @fueltv, #UFConFUELTV
To find FUEL TV on your television, go to www.fuel.tv/getfueltv, or call 877-4 FUEL-TV.
FUEL TV
FUEL TV is the only cable and satellite television network that features the exciting world of adrenaline and thrill-seeking sports as well as high energy entertainment programming. This includes UFC®, surfing, motocross, BMX and more. With more hours of UFC® coverage than any other network, FUEL TV is the ultimate destination for live fights, weigh-ins, prelims, pre- and postfight coverage, results and more. This new generation of sports provides a rich landscape of some of the most vibrant and action-packed television entertainment in the world. See why adrenaline sports fans call FUEL TV the channel they never turn off. FUEL TV, part of FOX Sports Media Group, was launched July 1, 2003 and is seen in more than 36 million U.S. homes and can be accessed by broadband, mobile devices and other digital platforms such as iTunes®. FUEL TV programming is available in more than 50 countries around the world with 24/7 channels operating in Australia and Europe. To subscribe to FUEL TV, call 877-4 FUEL-TV. For program times and other information, visit www.fuel.tv.
FOX Sports Media Group
FOX Sports Media Group (FSMG) is the umbrella entity representing News Corporation’s wide array of multi-platform US-based sports assets. Built with brands capable of reaching more than 100 million viewers in a single weekend, FSMG includes ownership and interests in linear television networks, digital and mobile programming, broadband platforms, multiple web sites, joint-venture businesses and several licensing partnerships. FSMG includes FOX Sports, the sports television arm of the FOX Broadcasting Company; Fox’s 20 regional sports networks, their affiliated regional web sites and FSN national programming; SPEED and SPEED2; FOX Soccer, FOX Soccer Plus and FOX Soccer 2Go; FUEL TV; FOX Deportes and FOX College Sports. In addition, FSMG also encompasses FOX Sports Interactive Media, which includes FOXSports.com on MSN, Whatifsports.com Scout.com and Yardbarker.com. Also included in the Group are Fox’s interests in joint-venture businesses Big Ten Network, BTN 2Go and STATS, LLC, as well as licensing agreements that establish the FOX Sports Radio Network and FOX Sports Skybox restaurants.