June 14th, 2011

CNN’s GOP Debate #1 on Monday; draws 3.162 million viewers

Tops FNC’s First GOP Debate in the Key Demo

AC 360 #1 at 10 PM

According to Nielsen Fast National data, CNN’s first Republican debate (8-10pm) moderated by John King, delivered an impressive 3.162 million total viewers and 918k among adults 25-54, Monday, June 13. CNN ranked first in both total viewers and in the key demo 25-54, topping second place Fox News by 61% among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 1.959 million) and 94% among adults 25-54 (918k vs. 473k). CNN also out-performed third place MSNBC by 288% among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 814k) and by 348% among P25-54 (918k vs. 205k).

Compared to Fox News’ recent GOP Debate (5/5/11), CNN had a 7% advantage in the key demo adults 25-54 (918k vs. 854k).

Following the debate, CNN’s Anderson Cooper 360 ranked first in cable news at 10 pm with 1.895 million total viewers and 627k adults 25-54, ahead of FNC’s On the Record by 23% (1.546m) and 51% (416k), respectively. MSNBC’s The Ed Show trailed with 963k total viewers and 281k in the demo.

Other key highlights:

–Compared to CNN’s first GOP Debate in the 2008 Election Cycle (6/5/07), last night’s debate was 54% ahead among total viewers (3.162 million vs. 2.055 million) and was 23% ahead among P25-54 (918k vs. 747k).

–CNN’s performance last night represents an increase of 385% in total viewers and a 352% advantage in the demo over CNN’S prior 4-Monday 8-10p average (excluding Memorial Day).

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