Audience cable ratings for Rockies games on Root Sports were down 18 percent at the all-star break compared with the same period in 2014. Yet the team had a slightly better first-half record this season (39-49) compared with a year ago (40-56).
Statistics compiled by the Sports Business Journal show the Rockies were among the bottom five teams in cable audience losses in year-over-year ratings. Other major audience losers: Milwaukee Brewers (27 percent lower), Cleveland Indians (30 percent) , Atlanta Braves (32 percent) and Chicago White Sox (43 percent). At the positive end of the audience chart were the American League champion Kansas City Royals, showing an astounding 119 percentage gain over 2014. Second in the growth area were the St. Louis Cardinals, up 23 percent.
The survey showed that 13 out of 29 teams showed local viewing growth, while 14 had decreases. Coverage for two teams was flat. Viewing statistics of the Toronto Blue Jays were not included in the survey.
Goodbye for Colin Cowherd
Colin Cowherd confirmed on air Wednesday what had been widely reported for more than a week. He’s leaving his three-hour national weekday ESPN radio talk show (105.5 FM).
Cowherd, in his 10th year as a morning host (10 a.m-1 p.m.) told his nationwide audience that “money is not an issue. ” (Some will dispute that claim.)
“I need a new challenge … a new mission.”
Cowherd, saying his departure is “amicable,” thanked his ESPN bosses for their support through the years.
While indicating he would do a podcast and simulcast on Sirius Radio, Cowherd made no mention of numerous reports that he will sign a lucrative contract with Fox Sports, where he would be involved in the sports network’s increased NFL TV coverage this fall.
Cowherd will remain at ESPN through July 31.
While often controversial, he has offered a high-energy (bombastic?), opinionated radio style that has drawn a huge national — and local — audience. His replacement will face a tough challenge.
Chris Fowler, Joel Klatt bound for college football play-by-play
The Colorado Buffaloes may be having trouble producing stars on Pac-12 football fields, but they have alumni winners in broadcasting booths.
Chris Fowler, who worked in Denver television before moving on to ESPN, is the network’s major play-by-play man in college game coverage. He’s joined by Arvada native Joel Klatt, who has been named the main analyst for Fox Sports 1 college coverage.
Perhaps their paths will cross at some point this fall and they can compare life on the Boulder campus.
Longtime Denver journalist Dusty Saunders writes about sports media each Friday in The Denver Post. Contact him at tvtime@comcast.net.
Weekend attractions for armchair fans
Major League Baseball Hall Of Fame induction ceremony, 11:30 a.m. Sunday on MLB Network. Ceremonies will honor Pedro Martinez, John Smoltz, Craig Biggio and Randy Johnson.
RBC Canadian Open, 1 p.m. Saturday and Sunday on CBS. The golf field includes Bubba Watson, Jason Day, Scott Piercy and Jim Furyk in competition from the Glen Abbey Golf Club in Oakville, Ontario, which is noted for its tough rough.
NFL Playoffs Rewind, 11 a.m. Sunday on NFL Network. Taped highlights of the 2014 NFL playoff games, including the Super Bowl, are bundled together in half-hour increments. Included is Denver’s loss to Indianapolis (2:30 p.m.), hardly a highlight for Broncos fans.
