Disney Tops Nielsen’s Media Distributor Rankings for September 2024

Published on 10/22/24 by Craig Smith

Disney has reclaimed the top position in Nielsen’s Media Distributor Gauge for September 2024, driven by a strong surge in viewership due to NFL and NCAA football broadcasts.

The media giant accounted for 11.3% of TV usage during the month, marking a 17% increase from August. This growth was primarily fueled by ESPN’s 101% viewership increase and ESPN2’s staggering 165% rise. ABC’s broadcast affiliates also contributed with a 25% bump.

Image credit Nielsen

This marks Disney’s return to the number one spot after two months, with YouTube (10.6%) and NBCUniversal (9.3%) trailing behind. Other media distributors, like FOX, also saw gains, increasing their share by 18%. The shift in viewing habits highlights the significant impact of live sports, with football driving major growth across platforms.