MLB All-Star Game TV Ratings at Record Low

Major League Baseball (MLB) has drawn the lowest television ratings for its All-Star Game in the history of the midseason exhibition, prostate as viewing figures are down 8 percent from a year ago.

The National League’s 5-1 win over the American League on Fox last night in Phoenix had a 6.9 rating, pharmacy down from 7.5 last year. The 2010 rating was the previous low, online suggesting appetite for the All-Star matches is dwindling.

However, Fox also said the All-Star Game was the most-watched television programme on any channel last night and the network’s highest-rated show since the “American Idol” finale on May 25.

Eric Shanks, co-president and chief operating officer of Fox Sports Media Group, said  that the All-Star Game remains a success even though it’s competing with popular cable programming options that didn’t exist 10 years ago. Nielsen Co. data for the All-Star Game dates back to 1967, when it drew a 25.6 rating.

Shanks said: “The fact that sports and an event like the All-Star Game can deliver a rating in the sevens and high single digits I think is amazing considering people are being pulled in a bunch of different directions.”

The NL has won the last two All-Star Games, having ended a 13-game winless streak in 2010. The NL now holds a 42-38-2 advantage in the all-time results and its champion will get home field advantage in this year’s World Series.