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Press ReleaseAugust 2, 2021

Spectrum Networks Outpaced Cable News and Broadcast Networks With 8% Month-Over-Month and Year-Over-Year Ratings Increases in July

Spectrum News App Marks One-Year Anniversary Reaching 1.4 Million Downloads and 360,000 Unique Visitors in July, Most of any Month Since Launch

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STAMFORD, Conn. – Spectrum Networks’ recorded 8% month-over-month and year-over-year increases in household ratings in July, outpacing the major cable news and broadcast networks*, which saw ratings drop an average of 4% compared to the previous month, and 20% year-over-year across the 11 metered markets where Spectrum News is available.** Additionally, the Spectrum News App celebrated its first anniversary by reaching 1.4 million downloads, with more than 360,000 visitors in July, the most of any month since launching July 2020.

Spectrum News also cemented its place as the most-watched news network by Spectrum customers in July, averaging more than 2.8 million daily viewing households for an increase of 4% month-over-month across all linear and digital platforms in its nine-state footprint. In six of the networks’ 11 metered markets – Tampa (+31%), Buffalo (+10%), San Antonio (+10%), Los Angeles (+10%), Cleveland (+9%) and Austin (+2%)  – Spectrum News had the largest month-over-month Nielsen household rating increases as compared to all local broadcast stations.*

“Our highly localized objective coverage continues to set us apart as a reliable and respected source for local news,” said Mike Bair, Executive Vice President, Spectrum Networks. “Seeing our ratings and engagement increase on all platforms, month-over-month and year-over-year, is a strong indicator that our reporting and storytelling is trusted, and our networks serve as an essential voice to our communities.” In July, extreme weather dominated viewership numbers and engagement on Spectrum Networks’ linear and digital platforms. Highlights include: 

  • When Hurricane Elsa threatened the west coast of Florida in early July, Spectrum Bay News 9 in Tampa Bay had the market’s highest full-day ratings on July 6 by a 13% margin over local broadcast station WTVT. The network’s full-day ratings (3.05) were nearly four times higher than the previous 30-day average. 
  • In Orlando, as the storm made its way north, Spectrum News 13’s ratings on July 6 increased by 67% compared to the previous 30-day average.
  • More than 70,000 Floridians visited the Spectrum News App on July 6 as users flocked to live blogs, articles and weather updates. Explainer articles drew particularly high engagement, including “Weather Explained: Understanding the Forecast Cone,” which received more than 8,100-page views.
  • Throughout the week of July 5 – 9, the weather radar on the app saw significant engagement, with Florida users averaging 5.9 visits per day that week.
  • Spectrum News 1 in North Carolina’s coverage of the storm drew strong ratings on July 7 across the state, with viewership in Raleigh nearly twice as high as the previous 30 days.   

 
*With the exception of NBC (Olympics).

**Nielsen metrics are based on Live+SD, Total Day household impressions in the following DMAs: Austin, Buffalo, Charlotte, Cleveland, Greensboro, Los Angeles, New York, Orlando, Raleigh, San Antonio and Tampa.

About Spectrum Networks

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on over 30 networks across Charter’s footprint. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com

Media Contact

Stacey Mitch

310-531-1570

Stacey.Mitch@charter.com