New research from FOX Sports, titled The 5th Network: Regional Sports Network Passion Index, a Nielsen Media Analytics Primary Research study, discovered that sports fans rate RSNs as their most essential non-broadcast channels. The data looked at more than 1,500 pay TV subscribers around the country who identify as sports fans, and found that on average respondents rate their RSNs as the fifth most essential channel in their entire television packages, ranking only behind the four broadcast networks. More details can be found here.
“We have long known that our RSNs are akin to the fifth broadcast network in their markets in terms of ratings, and Nielsen’s research confirms the remarkable importance of these networks to viewers,” said FOX Sports Regional Networks President Jeff Krolik. “Local sports are tribal, and RSNs inspire the same loyalty and connection as the hometown teams they bring to fans.”