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Press ReleaseJune 16, 2021

Spectrum Networks Once Again Most Watched Broadcast and Cable Network Amongst Spectrum Customers Averaging 2.75 Million Daily Viewing Households in May

The Spectrum News App Reached 1.2 Million Downloads and Grew Authenticated Users to 227,000 

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Stamford, Conn. – Spectrum Networks averaged more than 2.75 million daily viewing households in May, ranking as the most watched broadcast and cable news network by Spectrum customers across the networks’ nine-state footprint. Additionally, the Spectrum News App, Spectrum Networks’ mobile-first local news app, grew its authenticated users to 227,000, and has reached a total of 1.2 million downloads through June 2.

“Our linear and digital audiences continue to grow, underscoring the value of local journalism that is accessible, reliable and trusted,” said Mike Bair, Executive Vice President of Spectrum Networks. “Month-over-month, day-in-and day-out, our customers rely on us to foster a deeper dialogue and connection with their communities, and these ratings are a strong indicator that our coverage is valuable and we are an essential part of their lives.”

In May, unbiased, issues-based coverage of politics continued to set Spectrum Networks apart from other cable and broadcast news networks.  On May 13, Spectrum News NY1 hosted the first Democratic New York City mayoral primary debate, which drew record linear and digital viewership. The debate recorded a 0.92 Nielsen HH rating, the highest 7-9 p.m. household rating for the network since 2011.* The debate also was NY1’s most-watched Democratic mayoral primary debate in recent years, recording significantly higher ratings than its mayoral primary debates held October 10, 2017 (0.59 HH) and August 21, 2013 (0.67 HH). Live streaming of the debate in the app led to a ten-fold increase in downloads (1,153) as compared to the previous 30-day daily average in New York City, with average time spent in the app up more than 20% on the day of the debate.  

Spectrum News May Highlights

Across the country, local politics, weather and events continue to drive record viewership numbers and engagement amongst Spectrum customers on Spectrum Networks’ linear and digital platforms. Highlights for the month include: 

  • Spectrum News 1 in Texas: During major storms in Austin on May 4, Spectrum News 1’s ratings peaked at 2.31 HH from 4-6 p.m., over four times the previous month’s weekday average from 4-6 p.m.**
  • In North Carolina, during the week of the Colonial pipeline hack and resulting gas shortages (May 10-14), average time spent per day in the Spectrum News App increased by 10% from the previous week’s full-day average.
  • In Florida, an article in the app on Spectrum Bay News 9’s special “To the Point Already” podcast episode about marijuana legalization in the state drew nearly 3,000 article views, the most of any podcast article read in Florida since launching the app last July. 
  • NY1’s Election Hub, launched in April, has over 10,000 total views in the Spectrum News App through the end of May, the most of any New York City section in the app to date.

*Nielsen data not available prior to 2011. 

**Nielsen metrics are based on Live+SD, Total Day household impressions in the following DMAs: Charlotte, Greensboro, Orlando, Raleigh, and Tampa.

About Spectrum Networks

Spectrum Networks is a series of 24/7 news and sports networks owned and operated by Charter Communications, Inc. (NASDAQ:CHTR), a leading broadband connectivity company and cable operator serving more than 31 million customers in 41 states. Spectrum Networks carry distinct, comprehensive, and exclusive local programming on over 30 networks across Charter’s footprint. More information on Spectrum Networks is available at spectrumlocalnews.com

Media Contact

Stacey Mitch

310-531-1570

Stacey.Mitch@charter.com