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BY IAN OLGEIRSON, KAGAN
ESPN paid heavily to consolidate its position as the destination channel for pro football fans on Sunday nights during the season, but the move has delivered a steady ratings boost to the network. In 2002, NFL football games took the top ratings spot for ESPN in six months, reigning supreme even during the preseason. Indeed, the Dallas/Houston game delivered a 9.6 rating Sept. 9, reaching a high point for the year at 8.3 mil. households. The success promises to further ratchet up the licensing fees, with early forecasts predicting a 50% hike over the $600 million paid under the last contract.
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