HLN rides Casey Anthony trial to best ratings month ever in June
I have to admit. I have spent virtually no time on the Casey Anthony trial. I’m not even sure why this is getting so much attention compared to many other criminal trials but it clearly has appeal among a subset of women viewers, especially fans of Nancy Grace.
Atlanta-based HLN has been taking full advantage of the trial, providing expansive coverage during the day and into the evening hours.
The windfall: big ratings, relatively speaking. Viewership began climbing once the trial began in late May. Its June ratings were its strongest ever in total viewers, behind only Fox News and ahead of sister station CNN and MSNBC. During the day, it averaged 601,000 viewers vs. 303,000 in June, 2010. In primetime, it averaged 982,000 viewers vs. 592,000 in June, 2010.
Nancy Grace, who contemptuously calls Anthony “tot mom,” pulled in a record 1.5 million viewers per night in June, 80 percent more than a year earlier.
On Wednesday, when the defense called its final witnesses, HLN beat all cable news networks among 25 to 54 year olds full day and primetime. It averaged 357,000 all day 25-54, its best numbers in that demo since it moved to long-form programming in 2005. Nancy Grace pulled in 676,000 viewers among 25 to 54 year olds, the most since January 7, 2009, another day in which she discussed the case.
The numbers today will likely be even bigger, given that the verdict was announced. (Anthony was not guilty of the main first-degree murder, aggravated child abuse and aggravated manslaughter charges. “Tot mom’s lies seem to have worked,” Grace said.)
I am working on a weekly print column about HLN’s coverage and will provide more information later this week.
Join my Facebook fan page and Twitter.
By Rodney Ho, rho@ajc.com, AJCRadioTV blog
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251 comments Add your comment
Ed
July 5th, 2011
4:52 pm
For those of you who say Casey is not guilty and have small children, next time you need a sitter call Casey. I do believe she might appreciate the work until her book and movie gets rolling. Put your money where you big mouths are. Call her. Lets see just how sure you are about her not being guilty. Come back here and tell us that innocent Casey baby sat your children. I dare you. You probably voted for Obama also.
David
July 5th, 2011
4:54 pm
Woops tostrong of an opinion they pulled it. The american way, Dont agree just disregard
wvgirl
July 5th, 2011
4:54 pm
I think the jury just was tired of the whole case and wanted to go home. I think they just took the easiest way out and said, “not guilty”. Biggest miscarriage of justice ever!
Bigboy
July 5th, 2011
4:54 pm
Shey if you think OJ got away with murder it’s obvious that you didn’t actual watch the trial.Who cares what color your are?Stupid is stupid.
angela burton
July 5th, 2011
4:54 pm
no they won’t continue to look for the killer (funny)…are they still looking for who killed oj wife?
GT4EVER
July 5th, 2011
4:56 pm
So Ed you were probably one of those geniuses who actually voted for Grandpa and the idiot huh?
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
4:57 pm
good comment but not sure what the obama comment was for but okay….the black guy got in get over it…it will probably never happen again so get over it….bush did the damage and blamed it on the black guy…funny.
Marie
July 5th, 2011
4:57 pm
To America today if Casey was black or hispanic she would be found guilty. The jurrors? are joke to the Country. The whole world is laughing
laura
July 5th, 2011
4:59 pm
Could not agree with you more….Sue….HLN and Nancy Grace should be fired…media sways public opinion…..prosecution shot for the stars….shooting stars fall quickly….believe they could of got a conviction on negligent homicide at least….not murder 1….cant believe the American public is so dumbfounded….are we that ignorant of how the system works??? Nancy Grace of all people….and the whole network….kinda digusted with HLN!!!!
GT4EVER
July 5th, 2011
4:59 pm
Marie they are probably laughing at people like you.
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:00 pm
Those parents who may be contemplating on how to kill your kid and get away with it may have had a first class lesson with this verdict. I’m from Texas, here if you kill one of us, we kill one of you back. She would be on death row now if the trial had been in Texas. Shucks, we even have been known to kill the innocent ones just to get the guilty. (not proud of that)
JP
July 5th, 2011
5:00 pm
Really? I mean REALLY? The only thing that the prosecution PROVED beyond a reasonable doubt was that Casey was a negligent mother. Do I think she is responsible for something? YES.. but exactly what? No one knows,, and THAT is exactly why the jury came to the verdict they did. Casey was that childs mother and her daughters care was ultimately her responsibility. However, the state of Florida, should have brought a case against her of “Criminally Negligent Homocide”. That would have been a case the state could have won. People do not think with their heads but rather with their emotions… AND BTW HLN,, shame on you for playing on those emotions just to boost your ratings through the roof. Yes, I am angry that a little girl will never have the chance to live a full life… but the jury did the only thing they could do based on cold, hard, evidence. No matter what any of you THINK about the verdict.. The fact of the matter is that Casey has been found NOT guilty by a jury of her peers. Do you have to like it? No, but get over it, don’t spend your time and energy getting all emotional about it. Instead use your time and energy to find someone in the world that you can help in some small way. “If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem.”
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
5:03 pm
she should play the lottery cause shes the luckiest person i know….baby killer!!!!!!
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:03 pm
Well, its obvious GT4Ever is living on the government tit. His mind is like his bank account, empty. Don’t worry GT, Uncle O will keep bailing you out. Just keep sucking up.
eileen bennett
July 5th, 2011
5:03 pm
I could not stand Nancy Graces demeanor when she was on Court TV years ago. Now with this trial over we never have to hear her say “Tot Mom” again. I guess her arrogance appeals to some I find her rude and abhorent. HLN please replace her show….once and for all.
GT4EVER
July 5th, 2011
5:05 pm
Well ED that probably explains it…Texas leads the nation in executing people who were later found to be not guilty.They also lead the nation in the number of people convicted of rape that DNA evidence has proven they didn’t do it yet are STILL in prison.Makes a lot more sense now
judy
July 5th, 2011
5:05 pm
I don’t think my question was funny. I know Casey did it, but wouldn’t it be considered an open case?
Dalty
July 5th, 2011
5:07 pm
I am so angry that this jury is letting this woman go. A “mother” who wouldn’t even report her missing. So sad.
JET
July 5th, 2011
5:07 pm
I too am terribly disappointed but NOT surprised by the verdict. Considering the prosecution had the burden of PROOF and the defense to cause reasonable doubt. This is MY opinion… George is former LEO & a TRAINED Detective. I personally believe (without a doubt) that George, Cindy & Lee were ALL involved in the cover-up but it was manipluated BY George. George KNEW that (at least) 30 days would be sufficient to decompose Caylee’s body, that cause of death would NOT be detected. All the drama, the dog & pony show(es). GEORGE orchestrated this cover-up, Cindy is quite the achtress. Oh I believe their grief is REAL/but on cue. Even when George was on the stand… who is TRAINED in testifying… answered his questions with questions. Typical interview & interrogation tactics, George was IN CONTROL – NOT the attorney’s. I’m curious how soon Cindy’s book deal will be revealed, considering she was writing it during the trial. This isn’t the FIRST time murderer’s have gone free and it won’t be the last. (I’m NOT sure, never heard – hopefully George no longer a LEO) Our laws do not always (in most cases) protect the innocent. OK, Casey was found NOT Guilty… there are tooooo many unanswered questions. So, everyone is content to accept that Caylee drowned and it is a tragedy but OH WELL! GOOD JOB GEORGE!!!!! Lies in Disquise! Now the media is worrying where-o-where will poor Casey live since George and Cindy walked out before the Judge finished addressing the jury, since they are predicting she’ll be released Thursday for time served. Oh, I think Casey will be just fine an will not lack in being provided for. I’m just curious IF they plan to prosecute George, Cindy and Lee for perjury????? No doubt Casey, George & Cindy will be back in the lime-light (soon enough), after all…. they’re famous now! What a tragedy all the way around.
michelle
July 5th, 2011
5:07 pm
Where did these jurors come from? Can you explain why it took Casey 30 days to report her daughter missing???????????? DUH????????
Mildred E Baker
July 5th, 2011
5:08 pm
I will not spend any money on any thing that girl says to make money off her killing that baby and did anyone ask her were she was or who she was with the last time she saw that baby
Chuck
July 5th, 2011
5:08 pm
Ok so what happens to her now? can she go home, can her family go home. Do her parents want here there, I would say NOT
Please go back to your pathetic lives!
July 5th, 2011
5:09 pm
I’m amazed at all the “arm chair” prosecutors and jurists on this board.
Hey people, YOU WEREN’T THERE AND YOU WEREN’T ON THE JURY SO SHUT UP! STOP LISTENING TO ALL THE TALKING HEADS, ESPECIALLY NANCY GRACELESS.
SOME of you people are too stupid to know that you are being manipulated by the media. Please get a life. TOODLES!
Deb
July 5th, 2011
5:10 pm
Thank God Oprah does not have her show now or she would have the family on it.
Jason
July 5th, 2011
5:10 pm
There was no solid proof. Not guilty is the right decision!
GT4EVER
July 5th, 2011
5:12 pm
No ED GT4EVER is a proud graduate of Georgia Tech University class of 84.I also lived in Houston for 15 years… so I know first hand what the literacy rate of most Texans are…that’s why I wasn’t surprised bu your comments once she identified yourself as a Texan.After GW the whole world knows now that Texas natives aren’t shining examples of intelligence and common sense.
Deb
July 5th, 2011
5:12 pm
I didnt think my life is pathetc because I or we all care for this little girl and every other child in America
GUNGA DIN
July 5th, 2011
5:13 pm
time to charge the idiot that does Nancy Graces’ hair!!! must not have a mirror in the salon.
Lesley
July 5th, 2011
5:13 pm
Shame on the prosecutors for trying a person for murder without evidence, only false accusations. Casey should have been free three years ….. May she overcome the injustice done to her by the state of Florida. Left to grieve for her baby and fight for her life alone behind bars while most presumed her guilty until proven innocent. Casey is innocent. May she now be able to grieve in peace and come to a place of happiness once again.
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
5:13 pm
marie you are so right…..this country is a joke…they really need to change some the laws especially in the juvenile system
Deb
July 5th, 2011
5:14 pm
Hey JASON Casey is single now…..go for it
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:15 pm
Who stalled the site?
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
5:16 pm
lesley are you on dope or dynamite..wow if you have kids or neices or nephew how about you allow her to watch them if shes s0 innocent.
Stella
July 5th, 2011
5:16 pm
This is proof that the justice system does not work. She was leading her mother around in circles about a visit with Caylee – she lied for 31 days. Comes up with a great story about a Nanny. Why didn’t the jury think about the 31 days. This girl knows what happened and now she can tells us because she can’t face these charges again… this is a sickening verdict. The system doesn’t work…OJ now Casey. I guess they will all get rich… you can spin reasonable doubt any which way…you can find reasonable doubt in any instance – all you need is a lawyer who is an excellent spin doctor… The criminals are winning the war on crime. You just need to be cute and high profile or famous… and you can murder your own child and get a way with it. Amazing. America this is your loss. Caylee may you rest in peace and be forever in our memories.
Bigboy
July 5th, 2011
5:17 pm
Wow Jet….sounds like you had a seat in that jury room.I’m sure your pored over all the evidence in the case and is disappointed that you were unable to sway the 12 people assigned to the case.Darn.Sounds like you had it all figured out too.
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
5:17 pm
good one deb…and when you date her jason make sure she had your baby….smart guy
Mike Hunt
July 5th, 2011
5:18 pm
Blame it on a poor prosecution.
joemex
July 5th, 2011
5:19 pm
dont get it.. shes getting away with murder….so then if she didnt do it..who? i think she should rot in jail or just say who did it…and maria..(july5th4:10) i dont think jose biez won the case cause of hispanics… the jury was dropped off in a special ED bus….if you want to get away with murder do it in florida…
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:21 pm
I’m sorry GT, had I known you graduated from a jobs school I would not have bantered with you. My mother would berate me for taking advantage of the mentally deprived. I must say my prayers tonite and seek forgiveness. Until then, your stupid and it shows. I will pray later.
thetruth
July 5th, 2011
5:21 pm
regardless of her being aquitted she will never be free…never!!! she will always be looked at as the liar who didn’t even report her baby missing…
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:26 pm
Oh GT, come on back out and play. You seem to enjoy telling others how stupid they are, let me continue with you. GT, oh GT. Where are you???
GT4EVER
July 5th, 2011
5:30 pm
Ed you illustrate my point beautifully thank you.Keep em coming.
Bobbie
July 5th, 2011
5:32 pm
Can any of you doubters give a better explanation than the Prosecution did for what happened and why?? I doubt it!! Media, lawyers and jurors aside. The girl killed her baby so she didn’t have to take care of her anymore; she was cramping her party style. The “facts” speak for themselves, or should I say the “lies.” The sad thing is she and the defense runined so many lives over this. The saddest thing is: she’s 25 years old, will be out screwing around before you know it and could get pregnant again (shudder). I have a feeling we’ll be seeing her in court again someday. Hopefully at that time, they can find some jurors with a brain in their head.
Bigboy
July 5th, 2011
5:34 pm
Well Bobbie why don’t you explain to us how you know more than the jurors.Lay at your case and will judge you right now.
Rollo Tomasi
July 5th, 2011
5:34 pm
Some of the reactions here are classic examples of WHY she was acquited – because the media latched onto a story with all the lurid qualities necessary to attract and hold an audience, and after enough hype and righteous indignation was built up around it, the prosecutor’s office thought they could fake their way through the weak parts of the case and just ride a wave of public sympathy to a conviction. They brought it to trial before they were ready.
Ever wonder why it’s taken so long to accuse Michael Jackson’s doctor? Because the LAPD is doing the investigation.
They, unlike so many others, actually LEARNED something from the OJ debacle.
Step 1: Turn off the TV.
Bobbie
July 5th, 2011
5:39 pm
Well Bigboy, because I watched the trial everyday and I paid attention to every bit of evidence. I watched Casey like a hawk. And, I use my brain. And, I know that if the police want to help you, and everyone wants to help you, and your child is missing, the only reason you would lie over and over again is because your are GUILTY!!
Ed
July 5th, 2011
5:39 pm
Where is loudmouth GT???
Stella
July 5th, 2011
5:43 pm
Please HLN – take the pictures of Casey off the TV. Put a picture of Caylee up instead… Don’t glamorize this person…take her picture away please and thank you. She is already self-centered with an idea that she is all that and piece of cake…don’t let her feed on the media after all of this!
Bobbie
July 5th, 2011
5:45 pm
Oh, and let’s not forget that her own parents think she’s guilty. And, where was brother Lee everyday? Guess he thinks she’s guilty too. Or,maybe he’s off molesting some imaginery sister. Did you people hear those jail tapes? Did you hear her phone calls to home from jail when her baby was “missing?” I think all you disbelievers should have Casey babysit for your kids or grandkids.
Stella
July 5th, 2011
5:46 pm
Today Charles Manson would get off! He could prove he wasn’t even there..reasonable doubt again. Let him out… poor guy!