Study: NFL Needs to Rediscover Its Heart If It's to Overcome Ratings Slump

ADage ^ | 2-16-2018 | Anthony Crupi

[spintreebob]

the NFL's ongoing ratings slide has been an exercise in highly subjective interpretation. Ask 20 fans why they believe the league's popularity is on the wane, and you'll get 20 responses, ranging from political (players taking a knee during the anthem) to pragmatic (the specter of repetitive brain trauma).

In the interest of trying to get at the heart of what's actually driving the ratings erosion ... Horizon Media began an investigation. While the NFL and its network partners may not find the data terribly reassuring, the good news is that many factors that have alienated fans appear to be remediable.

politics was lower on the list, Hall says. The NFL seems to be losing its connection with fans, who feel the sports has become too much of a business, is less family-friendly and, in a sense, is losing its 'heart.'

Components that went into the study were a proprietary survey of nearly 2,000 sports fans conducted during the final week in December, as well as Nielsen ratings data, social media analysis and insights derived from Magid's EmotionalDNA project.

[cincinnati65]

Not only did they “blow” it, but they DOUBLED DOWN on it. They’ve completely shown their hand, and it was soundly rejected.

[johnthebaptistmoore]

And, get rid of the Commissioner (and all others who are helping him, too), who is, purposefully, doing all that he can do to destroy the entire NFL! Not doing so=The NFL is doomed!

[Tigercap]

I don’t know why the continue to deny it, but from what I see the #1 reason is this kneeling bs and disrespect to the flag.

I never missed a week of NFL for 25 years straight. The past two years, I’ve watched 1 game. And I regret it.

Just like giving up hollywood, I’m happier not participating with these fools.