Snowstorms = More TV

The recent rash of snow storms along the northeastern seaboard have shut down transportation, closed businesses, and in general wreaked major havoc for residents. But one group of people who have become overjoyed with the piling up of the white stuff are the television network executives.

With everyone cooped up inside, adults and children alike have taken refuge in front of the television set. Several networks reeled in double digit viewer increases during the big storm earlier in January.

In times of weather difficulties and disaster, the Weather Channel always sees increases as viewers tune in to get the latest “scoop” on the disaster at hand.

During the storm January 10-13, Nielsen recorded significant increases and programming changes at the Weather Channel – whose viewership increased 62% - and the children’s network Nickelodeon. During a normal day Nickelodeon broadcasts programming aimed at pre-schoolers but on January 11, the network cut that programming short to air shows older children – normally in school – would more likely be willing to watch. As a result; the network saw a 43% increase in viewership.

Other channels also reaped in the reward of snow days with large increases in viewers; MTV saw a 32% increase, BET’s viewership nearly doubled, Bravo saw a 60% increase, SyFy 42%, and the Travel Channel 57% increases on days during the first snowstorm in January.

As the strange winter season continues, television executives are no doubt hoping for more “snow days” and increased numbers in viewers.