CNN ratings in 2011 show improvement; Fox remains the leader
For each of the three major news networks in 2011, there was good news and bad news, depending on how you spin it.
Fox News could take comfort that it remains the dominant ratings leader, drawing more viewers than CNN and MSNBC combined both during the entire day and prime time. It averaged 1.1 million total day and 1.9 million viewers each night. Its top 11 shows all exceeded 1 million viewers each, a figure no CNN or MSNBC program achieved. It has remained the news leader for the past decade.
Ratings, however, were down about 8 percent year over year and 14 percent in the 25 to 54 year old demographic during prime time and 5 percent overall. (Its 2010 numbers were boosted by the mid-term elections and will likely go up again during the 2012 presidential election year.)
It lost viewers at the 5 p.m. hour, where “The Five” replaced Glenn Beck mid year but the network said advertisers are more welcoming to the new show than Beck.
Atlanta-based CNN bounced back from a dismal 2010 and gained 17 percent in total viewers and an impressive 29 percent among 25 to 54 year olds, fueled by big international news stories such as the Arab Spring, the Japanese earthquake and Osama bin Laden’s death. At night, CNN is still third behind MSNBC, which won the 25-to-54 demo race for a third year in a row, but edged back to second total day.
Piers Morgan. CREDIT: AP
At 9 p.m., CNN brought in Piers Morgan, who improved upon Larry King’s last-year numbers, and moved Anderson Cooper to 8 p.m. (with a repeat at 10 p.m.) after a short-lived effort with Eliot Spitzer. CNN also added Erin Burnett in the fall at 7 p.m.. And in 2012, Soledad O’Brien returns to mornings, where CNN lags behind “Morning Joe” on MSNBC as well as “Fox and Friends.”
But outside of 2010, CNN’s 2011 performance was still its second worst in 15 years, according to data collected by tvbythenumbers.com. During primetime, the network averaged 689,000 viewers, up from 590,000 in 2010 but way behind the 1.3 million in 2008.
Despite losing Keith Olbermann, MSNBC survived in prime time, gaining two percent year over year and averaging 775,000 viewers a night, though it was down 11 percent in Olbermann’s spot.
Atlanta-based HLN’s numbers were up 20 percent, boosted heavily by Casey Anthony coverage. Interestingly, Nancy Grace’s overall raitngs were up 7 percent but among 25 to 54 year olds, it actually dropped 19 percent, according to data collected by TVNewser.
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By Rodney Ho, Radio & TV Talk
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297 comments Add your comment
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:18 am
I don’t watch either of those news stations. I get the majority of my news from ABC. I regularly watch GMA – yes, I know, not a real news show, Diane Sawyer’s broadcast, Nightline, and 20/20.
The only other news magazine show I watch with any regularity is 60 Minutes. If you had told me back when my grandmother used to force me to watch 60 Minutes that I would enjoy the show as an adult, I would have been certain that you were looney.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:19 am
I would like the record to reflect that I did comment on the blog post..
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:21 am
@SexyC..I missed the last episode(60mins) about treasures from the Vatican I wanted to see that..
I watch all the news stations..CNN, MSNBC, HLN, and Fox..because you need to know what crazy is thinking. Oh and of course The Daily Show and Colbert Report..because the news is funnier when they tell it.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:23 am
@ITL ~ ummmm….sorry, but you left the evidence with your first post yesterday
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:24 am
When I see “Hey, Ho!”, I don’t why but the Asian dude from Half & Half pops in my head…lol
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote Occupying The Ho Again
December 29th, 2011
11:24 am
Mr. Ho I used to watch the factor Bill Orielly and sean Hannity to see what craziness they had to say about Pres. Obama. If that helps, I say this if my badge is not good for today.
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:25 am
Kym – I feel you. I just get rather miffed at some of the opinions of crazy that I cannot watch for any real length of time.
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:26 am
Channel 2 is my news stations…starting at 6 on to GMA (out the door before it ends). I do the 6pm news but I’m watching Family Guy at 11. No other news stations do I watch.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:27 am
I did too, Kym with my comment about Piers Morgan.
@SexyC ~ I’m with you on GMA…entertaining news reporting. Used to watch Fox 5 while getting ready for work, but GMA is better. Don’t need all that negativity (crime) to start my morning off.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:27 am
@SexyC..ohh you can’t expose yourself to long to the crazy..prolong exposure..well just look at the Republican Candidates to see the results.
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:30 am
IMO, NBC does poorly in everything…news reportings, shows, all of it.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:34 am
ABC has the sitcom market on lock..and I as corny as it sounds I get my drama from TNT.
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote Occupying The Ho Again
December 29th, 2011
11:34 am
Cely:
Family Guy, every Monday from 8pm to 11. They are as crazy as it can get for a cartoon. They intend to offend…….LOL
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:35 am
Am I not getting something about Suburgatory? Other than the fact that it’s a horrible waste of 30minutes of my life?
Rodney Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:36 am
Why did Misadventures lock you guys out? Should I be worried?
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:37 am
Blackfoote – It’s not holds barred with that show. I mean that touch on everything risque and push it as close to “violating” as they can go. Yep it’s one crazy cartoon though. I can only watch about an hour or so of it. I can’t do too many episodes in one day…lol
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:37 am
“no” not “not”
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:38 am
I just figured Wise wasn’t posting this week. Let me ask her. I will let you know what she says.
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:38 am
Rodney, we’re not “locked out”, the blog has been experiencing technical difficulties. If we stay out too long we can email Wise Diva and she’ll respond with whatever issues she’s having getting that thing up and running.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:38 am
I kind of like it..well I should say I get it.
Uh Rodney could you confirm a blip I thought I saw flash across..is NeNe Leaks really going to be on Glee?
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:39 am
Then again, she could be winter breaking
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:40 am
While I wait for Wise to text me back – I’m torn between getting a new iPhone and continuing to use my rather battered BB Curve that I’ve had for two years. (Seems like I remember asking for opinions on this already.)
What did you guys advise?
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:41 am
Now I will tell you what…I absolutely love the Big Bang Theory..I keep missing episodes..but I am really hoping Sheldon “sins” with Amy Farrah Fowler.
Rodney Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:42 am
Gotcha. She’s off this week. So enjoy your time here!
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:42 am
Rod – we’re harmless. We’re just Wise’s regulars. Most of us have been with MIA for years. I know I’ve been around pretty much since Day One – over seven years ago.
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote Occupying The Ho Again
December 29th, 2011
11:43 am
No need to worry Mr. Ho, you wont have to call the police or anything because I have a badge.
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:44 am
I wish Sheldon would sin with ANYbody. (lol)
And Kym, I saw that blurb about NeNe and Glee as well. I hope she can act. And if so, I say, “Work it, honey.” (lol)
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:44 am
Is the badge plastic?
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:45 am
No need to worry, RHo. We are good bloggers…no drama. We have controversial topic at times, but it’s always great banter. However, we never, eva stay on topic.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:47 am
@SexyC..I like that show..if she is gonna bring some foolishness to it..I will just check out. I just filled out my Nielsen Ratings sheet so they need to watch out.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:47 am
And, as you can see RHo, we are addicted to blogging. That’s why we snuck in here. Come hook or crook, we are going to blog (apparently) lololol.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:49 am
Yes, NeNe is to make an appearance on Glee…fans are not happy. That is one amazon of a woman.
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:49 am
Buddy in this blog post is out of control – http://whoucallinabitch.com/2011/12/13/god-helps-those/
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
11:50 am
Look at SexyC calling him Rod (lol).
Blackfoote: The Real Blackfoote Occupying The Ho Again
December 29th, 2011
11:50 am
LOL….@SexyC
The kind made of tin, one alchemy solvent above aluminum…….LOL
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
11:51 am
So far, I have been unable to watch a full episode of Glee.
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:51 am
Thank you Rodney..now about those doughnuts..
Kym-Occupying the Ho Committee Member-Day2
December 29th, 2011
11:52 am
Well Blogging keeps us off the streets..RESPECT OUR CRAZY
Celisea....Occupying the Ho
December 29th, 2011
11:56 am
I have to work for real today. I’ll be back to see if the doors are still open.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
12:01 pm
@SexyC ~ imagine me watching the DVD of Glee in Concert yesterday…sheesh. I will admit they all can sing, but a Glee concert. More filler stories to accompany the concert…SHEESH!!!!!
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
12:08 pm
@SexyC ~ the dude in that report is a leech. To have the audacity of asking someone to jeopardize their own job to help you get a job is ludicrous. And then to ask a casual acquaintance to co-sign indicates he needs to be committed.
Into the Light
December 29th, 2011
12:16 pm
Glee? Um, not so much. NeNe Leakes? Guaranteed channel-change!
CNN ratings in 2011 show improvement; Fox remains the leader | ATLANTAboy.com | Gay Atlanta Celebrity, Film, Movie & TV News
December 29th, 2011
12:26 pm
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Steak Shapiro checking in, Cha-Cha
December 29th, 2011
12:29 pm
I feel being Jewish is awkward. That’s why I make stupid, lame jokes about it all the time.
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
12:36 pm
Whatcha talking bout SS?
Into the Light - OTH Day 2
December 29th, 2011
12:47 pm
Where’d everybody go, Leggs??
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
12:52 pm
I don’t know, ITL….seems they picked up their tents and left.
Into the Light - OTH Day 2
December 29th, 2011
1:02 pm
Hmph! They may have gotten a whiff of the nose bomb one of the co-workers had in the microwave. Holy cannoli does it stink in here!
Leggs - Occupying the Ho Analyst
December 29th, 2011
1:19 pm
Well, ITL, think our visit here has ended. The Occupiers have left camp….
SexyCool - OTH
December 29th, 2011
1:21 pm
Unlike the Occupy Atlanta folks, some of us actually have to work.