How CBS is spinning the Super Bowl ratings

By MixDex Article may include affiliate links

CBS is spinning the Super Bowl ratings.

• The network’s official ratings figure is 100.7 million.
• However, this figure combines the data from Nielsen with streaming data from CBS Interactive, NFL Digital, Verizon Media, ESPN Deportes, which carried the game in Spanish, and other digital streams.
• Nielsen’s preliminary data showed 98.2 million watch on the CBS broadcast network, which includes traditional cable and satellite TV viewers but excludes streaming and simulcasts.
• Traditionally, Super Bowl ratings have not included streaming numbers.
• By adding in the streaming viewership, CBS “prevented” the broadcast’s ratings from dipping below 100 million — at least in its official press releases.
• Even with the 100.7 number, the telecast was still one of the lowest rated Super Bowls ever.
• The broadcast TV ratings for Super Bowl peaked at 114.4 million in 2015 — and have seen a decline since then.
• Last year’s game, on NBC, drew 103.5 million without including streaming data.