UFC Programming Continues to Propel Fuel TV Growth With Strongest Ratings Ever

There may still be a significant portion of the American viewing audience that doesn’t have immediate access to Fuel TV on their satellite or cable systems, but that hasn’t stopped the action sports network from continued record-setting growth with its UFC-centric programming.

Fuel TV on Monday revealed that third quarter 2012 was its most-watched ever, fueled by nine consecutive months and 40 straight weeks of audience growth.

Throughout 2012, the network has been the fastest growing ad-supported cable network in percentage year-over-year growth among households, total viewers, and men 18-49 during total day and prime time, according to Nielsen Media Research.

Needless to say, Fuel TV executives are gushing over the growth propelled primarily by its UFC programming.

“As we enter into the fourth quarter of the year, we’re delighted that the ratings success we’ve had so far in 2012 continues,” said George Greenberg, Executive Vice President and General Manager, Fuel TV. “To string together nine months of ratings growth in the television business is an incredible feat. We’re grateful for our partnership with the UFC and excited to have become the first place fans come to find live UFC fights, weigh-ins, post-fight shows and live specials.”

Fuel TV posted its best September ever in terms of total day audience, and was up +171 percent in Total Viewers and +167 percent in M18-49 vs. September 2011. Prime time finished up +227 percent in Total Viewers and +160 percent in M18-49 vs. last year.

Additional Audience Highlights:

· The prime time encore of UFC on Fuel TV 5: Struve vs. Miocic peaked at 262,000 Total Viewers from 12:45 AM to 1:00 AM;

· On Sept. 29, Fuel TV had its most-watched late night in network history, up +1100 percent vs. the September 2011 Saturday average and +168 percent vs. the 2012 YTD Saturday daypart average;

· Since Jan. 1, Fuel TV’s prime time viewership is up +185 percent vs. 2011;

· For the first nine months of 2012, Fuel TV’s total viewership is up +110 percent compared to 2011.

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