The NFL is currently experiencing a sharp decline in television ratings this season and according to one poll, Americans may be tuning out because of the growing number of national anthem protest across the league.
A new Rasmussen Reports national telephone and online survey finds that nearly one-third (32%) of American Adults say they are less likely to watch an NFL game because of the growing number of Black Lives Matter protests by players on the field. Only 13% say they are more likely to watch a game because of the protests. Just over half (52%) say the protests have no impact on their viewing decisions.
It is worth noting that while television ratings are down, NFL viewership is actually up. People are just watching fewer games overall for less amount of time.
Number of people who have watched any NFL through Week 4:
2016 – 149.5 million
2015 – 149.1 million— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 5, 2016
This means that NFL viewership declines aren't about fewer people watching.
It's basically the same pool of people spending less time.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 5, 2016
The average number of games watched per person thru Week 4 is -8%.
The average number of minutes watched per game is down -6%.
— Michael Mulvihill (@mulvihill79) October 5, 2016
It’s hard to say whether national anthems protests are currently negatively impacting NFL ratings but the poll does seem to indicate that a good portion of American viewers are bothered by the protests which should make the NFL a bit uneasy.