Very interesting. Not surprised at Scandal's drop. But Fear the Walking Dead ... damn!

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Oooh, numbers. Thanks Bat! We were guessing last year how much the falling ratings would cost them in ad $$ and -14.5% is actually pretty decent considering the live ratings fell by more than that. Someone did some great negotiations.

I don't recall who was arguing that the ad budget wouldn't fall but the calc is pretty standard. Year over year live ratings feed the formula.

This also may factor in to fewer eps, less ad dollars means a lower budget (unless Shonda or ABC rob from other budgets to feed Scandal production.)

PROGRAM NETWORK DAY 2016 COST 2015 COST CHANGE Y/Y
17. Scandal ABC Thursday $177,213 $207,255 -14.5%
11. Grey’s Anatomy ABC Thursday $219,152 $160,415 +36.6%
12. How Get Away Murder ABC Thursday $215,055 $229,794 -6.4%
4. The Walking Dead* AMC Sunday $470,410 $502,500 -6.4%
5. Empire Fox Wednesday $442,413 $521,794 -15.2%

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