I can not talk for England, but in Norway this game is pretty hyped in the studios before the match.
Always talk about nasty challenges, rivalry etc. Last year they had a 5-10 min movie about the area, people and why it was such a fierce rivalry. Talked about the stance in wars, coal mining etc Loved it.
Thats great. We will probably get something a little similar. But the headlines are hogged by the successful clubs. People here are more interested in Man Utd v Chelsea than a Newcastle/Sunderland derby. Fucking Australians.
Its the same here mate, manu v chelsea is more hyped, as man u have a big following here.
But this derby get some attention, and newcastle nearly always is shown on TV.