Viewing figures at the Food Network have been dropping since the decision not to renew the contract of celebrity host Paula Deen.
The 66-year-old was dropped after 11 years with the cable network after a former employee filed a lawsuit against her claiming she used racial epithets which has since been dropped.
Deen’s contract ended in June and the move angered her fans who launched a boycott against the network.
Since then viewing figures have dipped across the network, although her viewing figures were already decreasing before the scandal broke.
Overall Food Network’s numbers were decreasing during the first half of the year – and losing Deen has not significantly made the situation better, but it has contributed to the loss.
‘Food Network’s overall numbers were weakening during the first half of the year. A look at the network’s ratings in the months since reveals that cutting Deen loose hasn’t made the situation dramatically worse—but nor has it helped,’
Bloomberg reported that according to Nielsen (NLSN) data: ‘In the period from June 24 to Oct. 6, ratings at Food Network were down in several key categories vs. the same period in 2012. Among total viewers, Food Network’s audience dipped 6 percent during prime time and 3 percent between the hours of 10 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Among the key 18-to-49 demographic, the network’s audience decreased 13 percent during prime time and 10.8 percent between 10:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m.’
