Clippers top Lakers and ratings

Bob Jersey

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Dec 26, 2019, 9:11:15 PM12/26/19

to TVorNotTV

Over, f'rinstance, twice "The Grinch" on NBC (the animated original and the Jim Carrey feature)

The Variety writer forgets that they now share the same venue...

https://variety.com/2019/tv/news/tv-ratings-clippers-lakers-game-tops-christmas-day-1203451949/ (link)

B

Tom Wolper

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Dec 28, 2019, 9:44:19 PM12/28/19

to TV or not TV

In other words a live sports event beat reruns and a special and a movie that are easily available on DVD or through a streaming service. And we have lived long enough to see a broadcast network proclaim dominance with a show that got a 1.8 rating.

PGage

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Jan 2, 2020, 12:30:57 PM1/2/20

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I meant to respond to this initially then forgot, but in the wake of David Stern’s death yesterday, thought I would make this brief note for the record. See LAT obit here:

https://www.latimes.com/obituaries/story/2020-01-01/david-stern-nba-commissioner-dead

The story behind the header that the Lakers (never Clippers) game was the top rated prime time program Christmas Day is really the story of how the NBA went from being in danger of media and mainstream cultural irrelevance as recently as 1981 (when the playoffs were on tape delay on CBS at 11:30 pm) to a major part of mainstream media culture, a significant player on cable TV, and an international brand. This is symbolized by the NBA “owning” Christmas Day, and in many families (mine included) watching at least one NBA game is a deeply entrenched part of the Christmas ritual (we open presents in the morning, go see a movie in early afternoon, get take-out Chinese food on way home and eat it watching the main NBA game, which we have recorded).

While the absolute numbers are relatively modest on the day, given fractured tv model and multiple distractions of the holiday, it symbolizes the success of the Association in the Stern era. I have a number of criticisms of Stern’s legacy, but it would be churlish on the event of his death not to give him his due.

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