TV News Shows Spike In Viewers, Ratings

Source 
Author 
Coverage Type 

Seemingly coming out of nowhere, TV network news programming has seen a rise in viewers in 2011 after years of declines. While big news events have been a contributing factor, new digital devices could be fueling big traditional TV news awareness. For the first time in more than a decade, TV network news climbed -- a hike of 4.5% on average or 972,700 in 2011 – to an overall three network average of 22.5 million, up from 21.6 million, per the Pew Research Center’ study of news media for 2012.

“NBC Nightly News," the industry leader, grew the least, 2.9% or 250,500 to 8.75 million average viewers; ABC’s “World News,” added 5.3% or 398,200 viewers to 7.82 million; and “CBS Evening News” grew 5.8% or 325,000 to 5.97 million. The survey notes that ABC’s newscast with Diane Sawyer close its gap with NBC. Also that CBS –- with Scott Pelley taking over for Katie Couric in June -- grew immediate new sampling from viewers. Somewhat surprising: there was more traditional TV news viewers watching, those 25-54.


TV News Shows Spike In Viewers, Ratings