Comet Fest 2024 TV Fan Festival Sees a 40% Audience Increase Year-Over-Year

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08/12/2024 - 11:31 AM

Driven by Viewership Growth from Key Younger Demographics; Persons 18-49 Ratings increased by 102%

Free Over the Air Multicast Network Announces Comet Fest 2025 – A Salute to the Jurassic Park Franchise -Set for Next August

BALTIMORE--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- After a successful Comet Fest 2024, COMET, the top broadcast destination for fans of sci-fi and fantasy entertainment franchises, today announced the on-air and digital fan festival will return for a third year in Summer 2025 with a salute to the Jurassic Park franchise.

This year, Comet Fest 2024 aired from July 31-August 3, with a focus on artificial intelligence, anchored by many of the top AI, android and humanoid-themed franchises in history including The Terminator, Terminator 2: Judgment Day, Westworld, Futureworld and AI: Artificial Intelligence.

For the event, Comet introduced Hailee, an AI host and digital chatbot created in partnership with D-ID, HeyGen and Midjourney. Hailee provided interactive content, engaged with viewers, and offered insights and trivia about the films being aired.

In addition, Comet hosted their first-ever live Comet Fest event at the historic Fine Arts Theater in Beverly Hills. Hundreds of fans attended and were treated to an immersive Comet branded experience including a panel discussion, hosted by KSNV’s Everett Cardwell, on the impact of AI in film and the real-world implications, and a special screening of Terminator 2: Judgment Day, with popcorn, prize giveaways, custom photo-ops and games.

Over 3.5 million viewers watched the multi day Comet Fest 2024, a +40% YOY growth over Comet Fest 2023. Comet Fest 2024 saw an increase in younger viewers with double and triple digit increases across P18-49 and P25-54. P18-49 was +102% vs 2023 and +84% vs the time period, and P25-54 was +14% vs last year and +49% vs the time period.

"The success of Comet Fest marks another milestone in our commitment to bringing engaging and innovative content to our viewers, and celebrating the best in sci-fi and fantasy entertainment," said Adam Ware, SVP Sinclair Growth Networks. "This year’s theme focused on AI and cutting-edge technology, which resonated with Comet’s passionate viewers as we saw double digit increases in the time periods. We’re excited to continue the momentum with Comet Fest 2025 next summer."

About Sinclair:

Sinclair, Inc. (Nasdaq: SBGI) is a diversified media company and a leading provider of local news and sports. The Company owns, operates and/or provides services to 185 television stations in 86 markets affiliated with all the major broadcast networks; and owns Tennis Channel and multicast networks Comet, CHARGE!, TBD., and The Nest. Sinclair’s content is delivered via multiple platforms, including over-the-air, multi-channel video program distributors, and the nation’s largest streaming aggregator of local news content, NewsON. The Company regularly uses its website as a key source of Company information which can be accessed at www.sbgi.net.

Category: General

Source: Nielsen L+SD Reach & Imp, Comet Fest 2024 (7/31: 7pm-12am, 8/1: 8pm-2am, 8/2: 2pm-3am, 8/3: 1pm-12am), 2023 (6/16: 7pm-2:30am, 6/17: 1pm-11:30pm, 6/18: 1:30pm-9:30pm), & Jan-Jul 2024 Comet time period data