USA’s bevy of originals kept the network as the highest-rated cable net in prime for 3Q. It averaged a 2.6 HH ratings/2.57mln HH delivery. Runner up Disney notched a 2.1/2.08mln. It was a three-way tie for third place with TNT, ESPN and Fox News all averaging a 1.8 HH rating.
 
USA’s ratings are more impressive when you consider they are up 18% over 3Q08. Among the top 5 nets, Disney is up 11% in HH prime ratings over the same time last year. ESPN and Fox News’ averages are flat with last year, while TNT slipped 5%.
 
While USA won the quarter, sports dominated the top programming spots. “Mon Night Football” on ESPN accounted for the top 3 programs during the quarter. The only non-sports program in the top 5 was Disney’s “Wizards of Waverly Place” movie, which scored a 7.7 HH rating. Top USA programs included “Burn Notice” and “Royal Pains.”

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