Ratings for Tony telecast drop almost 1 million

[June 12, 2012]  NEW YORK (AP) -- CBS' Tony Awards show was seen by 6 million viewers, down significantly from last year's 6.9 million -- and against much softer competition, according to preliminary Nielsen figures released Monday.

The data makes it the second-lowest ratings for the Tony awards since 1988.

The Tony broadcast was up against the season finale of AMC's "Mad Men" but faced no competition from the NBA postseason, as it did last year when it aired opposite Game 6 of the NBA Finals.

Neil Patrick Harris returned as host again this year but there was no clear, dying-to-see-it front-running Broadway show like last year's juggernaut, "The Book of Mormon." The sweet musical "Once" won eight awards this year.

Updated ratings figures will be available on Tuesday.

[Associated Press]

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