Royals set September ratings record despite sub .500 season

The Kansas City Royals are generating strong ratings on FOX Sports Kansas City despite sitting 12 games under .500 and 11 back in the AL Central.

* Tuesday's 9-1 win was the highest-rated September Royals game ever on FOX Sports Kansas City.

* FOX Sports Kansas City's use of tune-in messaging on digital billboards and in-game social media, along with All-Star Game hype, have contributed to the ratings increase.

* Royals Live pregame show ratings are up 50 percent year-to-date. Strong relationships with the team lead to good guests, often including live interviews with the previous day or next day's starting pitcher. Weekly segments like Twitter Tuesdays and Friday Real Royals Trivia contribute to entertaining mix.

* Royals TV ratings are up 12 percent year-to-date and 2012 is on pace to generate the highest-rated season of Royals cable telecasts. This despite a 12-game losing streak in April that dimmed fans' high hopes.
* Early September ratings are up 86 percent vs. early September 2012.

* It's a story that's caught the attention of local media, including the Kansas City Star.