Tuesday, April 21, 2026
    More
    Media

    TV Ads Sink

    By
    Jun 01, 2020 | 09:01 am
    UPDATED Jun 01, 2020 | 09:04 pm
    March Madness Stop
    Photo Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports

    TV ad revenue took a dive in April, dropping 27% to $2.7 billion. Ad spending by travel services, retail, automotive, and restaurant industries all decreased significantly in the face of a “perfect storm” of increasing unemployment and stay-at-home orders.

    A lack of live sports was another major factor in the decline. Standard Media Index estimates advertising commitments to sports dropped 72% from April 2019. Industry analysts believe the pandemic is likely to accelerate the ongoing shift of ads from TV to digital. 

    Ad Dollars Lost In Sports

    • NBA: $240 million
    • NCAA Tournament: $200 million
    • NHL: $40 million
    • Golf: $30 million
    • MLB: $25 million

    April Ad Revenue Numbers:

    • Broadcast TV dropped 33.4% to $907 million
    • Cable TV down 24.8% to $1.66 billion
    • Syndicated TV gained 12.1% to $140.2 million

    This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

    Sign up for
    The Memo Newsletter

    Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

    This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
    Linkedin
    Whatsapp
    Copy Link
    Link Copied
    Link Copied

    What to Read

    Heated Rivalry (L to R) - Connor Storrie as Ilya Rozanov and Hudson Williams as Shane Hollander in Episode 104 of Heated Rivalry. Cr. Sabrina Lantos © 2025
    by

    Hockey Needed Some Virality. Then Came ‘Heated Rivalry’
    No one was prepared for the Canadian show’s smash success.
    Nov 23, 2025; Durham, North Carolina, USA; Duke Blue Devils forward Nikolas Khamenia (14) lays the ball up in front of Howard Bison guard Bryce Harris (34) during the second half at Cameron Indoor Stadium.
    by

    Post-NFL College Hoops Is New Thanksgiving Trend for CBS and Fox
    Two big basketball games will air after football action on Thursday.
    Nov 21, 2021; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) scores against the Dallas Cowboys during the first half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
    by

    Chiefs vs. Cowboys Could Draw Record 50M-Plus Viewers
    One exec describes Thanksgiving showdown as a “perfect storm” for TV ratings.
    Nov 22, 2025; Sunrise, Florida, USA; Florida Panthers center Sam Reinhart (13) celebrates with teammates after scoring against the Edmonton Oilers during the second period at Amerant Bank Arena.
    by

    Sinclair Makes Bid for Rival TV Station Owner Scripps
    The local media giant details its desire for greater scale.

    Featured Today

    Quinnipiac women's varsity rugby
    by

    The Death of Quinnipiac Women’s Varsity Rugby
    The sudden decision at Ilona Maher’s alma mater left players blindsided.
    April 17, 2026

    The Lawyer Steering the NIL Era
    In the new era of college sports, Darren Heitner is everywhere.
    blake griffin
    April 14, 2026

    Inside Blake Griffin’s Rookie Season at Prime Video
    The six-time All-Star was initially hesitant to enter the media space.
    Matthew Schaefer/Front Office Sports
    April 10, 2026

    Matthew Schaefer Has the Hockey World in His Thrall
    The teenage Islanders defenseman cannon-balled into the NHL.

    More in Media
    by

    French Open Limits Cameras Amid Player Privacy Complaints
    The French Open starts next month.
    Feb 25, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots coach Mike Vrabel speaks during the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
    April 21, 2026

    Vrabel: Russini Photos Led to ‘Difficult Conversations’
    Vrabel previously called the interactions ”completely innocent.”
    Apr 18, 2026; Fort Worth, TX, USA; The University of Minnesota gymnastics team poses with their trophy after finishing in fourth place in the 2026 NCAA Women’s Gymnastics National Championships at Dickies Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
    April 21, 2026

    ESPN Defends NCAA Gymnastics Broadcast After Minnesota Backlash
    Minnesota blasted ESPN for showing its routines less than other teams.
    Sponsored

    Why Brandon Marshall Bet on Athlete-Owned Media
    Brandon Marshall on athlete media, life after football, building I AM ATHLETE.
    Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin leaves the field following an AFC Wild Card Round loss to the Houston Texans at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images
    April 21, 2026

    Mike Tomlin Heading to NBC Sports as Studio Analyst
    Tomlin was widely considered the top NFL TV free agent.
    Apr 20, 2026; New York, New York, USA; Atlanta Hawks forward Jalen Johnson (1) reacts after a basket against New York Knicks guard Mikal Bridges (25) during the fourth quarter of game two of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs at Madison Square Garden. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-Imagn Images
    April 21, 2026

    NBC, Amazon Make Crucial Scorebug Errors in NBA Postseason
    Both blunders involved non-existent timeouts.
    Nov 3, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Monday Night Football commentator Joe Buck before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Arizona Cardinals at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
    exclusive
    April 21, 2026

    Joe Buck Expected To Host ‘ESPN Jeopardy!’
    Celebrities and ESPN talent are expected to be contestants.
    Apr 8, 2026; Augusta, Georgia, USA; Kevin Hart reacts after teeing off on the eighth hole during the Par 3 Contest at the Masters Tournament at Augusta National Golf Club. Mandatory Credit: Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
    April 20, 2026

    The Coachella-ization of the Masters Has Golf Purists Concerned
    Some recent changes at Augusta haven’t sat well with traditionalists.