Nielsen demographic data reveals that significant gains in minority viewership were contributing factors to Sunday’s record audience of 106.5 million Super Bowl viewers.

There was plenty of buzz about the commercials during Super Bowl XLIV, but many brands also received audience exposure during the game with in-stadium, scoreboard, or other brand placement.

According to preliminary results from The Nielsen Company, CBS’s broadcast of Super Bowl XLIV attracted an average audience of 106.5 million U.S. viewers.

A majority of households will be watching Super Bowl XLIV at home or at a friend or relative’s house instead of watching from a restaurant or bar.

The majority of Super Bowl viewers enjoy the game’s ads more than the action on the field, according to results of a recent survey by The Nielsen Company.

U.S. sports television had a banner year in 2009. Advances in satellite television, high-definition technology and the Internet provided fans with rich, 24/7 access to their favorite teams. Picking winners for 2010? Bet on globalization.

2010 will be huge test, as new realities of consumer expression and cross-platform integration create a powerful new dynamic hovering over the largest single-spot ad spend on record.

According to Nielsen IAG, an ad for the NFL’s female-focues clothing line featuring actress Alyssa Milano was the most liked ad during the time period of September 21-October 18. During that same time frame, and ad for Halls cough drops scored the highest ad recall index with viewers.

Is football more popular than ever? If last weekend was an indication then it very well may be. FOX’s 4pm NFL telecast drew 25.1 million viewers, making it the most-watched opening Sunday NFL game since at least 1987.

F. Scott Fitzgerald wrote “there are no second acts in American lives,” but this past week quarterbacks Michael Vick and Brett Favre embarked on their second and third acts, respectively, and in doing so turned the sports world upside down.
Last Thursday, when the Eagles announced the signing of Michael Vick during a preseason game, it set off a media storm locally and nationally. The game itself was seen by 647,000 viewers in Philadelphia, a 63% increase over the Eagles’ first pre-season game in 2008. Recent online buzz was also high. According …