Viewership Highest in 23 Years and Ratings Highest in 16 Years Through 10 Weeks

Through 10 weeks of the 2010 season, THE NFL ON CBS is averaging 18.382 million viewers (Persons 2+), a 15% increase over 2009's 15.949 million viewers.  This year's 18.382 million viewers is the highest number of average viewers for the first 10 weeks of the season for the AFC television package in 23 years. (As far back as CBS records go; 1987).

Through 10 weeks of the 2010 NFL regular-season, THE NFL ON CBS has earned an average national household rating/share of 11.1/23, up 13% from last year's 9.8/21.  This year's 11.1/23 is the highest average rating for the first 10 weeks of the AFC television package in 16 years (1994). 

CBS Sports pre-game studio show, THE NFL TODAY, is averaging 4.329 million viewers for the first 10 weeks of the 2010 season, up 24% over 2009's 3.481 million and is the highest number of average viewers for THE NFL TODAY at this point in the season in 12 years (1998).

In addition, through 10 weeks of the season, THE NFL TODAY, has earned an average national household rating/share of 2.9/7, up 21% from last year's 2.4/6 and is the highest average rating through 10 weeks in the season since 1998.

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CBS Sports Contacts:             

Robin Brendle              212/975-1533              rlbrendle@cbs.com

Jerry Caraccioli            212/975-7466              gwcaraccioli@cbs.com