Monday, March 5, 2012

Ratings For The Week of February 27-March 2



1 - Special programming aired on one night during the week.

Rating calculations are weekly averages based on nightly ratings provided by TVNewser with data by Nielsen Media Research. Numbers reflect Live and same day (DVR) data.


All content, unless otherwise cited, is © All Things CNN and may not be used without consent of the blog administrator.

29 comments:

  1. Looking at these numbers, I have just one word... "OUCH"

    ReplyDelete
  2. I second that word. This is bad news for CNN.
    I don't see how CNN gets out of this mess. Too
    many bad decisions have been made. CNN can't
    continue to stick with shows that are not working.
    The problem : CNN has a lousy track record for
    creating new shows. Even if you bring in a brand
    new management team this will take years to fix.
    CNN troubles are deep. How soon will CNN wake
    up and realize that Starting Point is over. Along
    with Out Front, John KIng and Piers Morgan. If
    CNN let's 360 get back to being 360 instead of
    360 pundits, the show will get bigger ratings.
    However, there is not a lot that 360 can do.
    Neither John King or Erin Burnett can hold on
    to Wolf Blitzer's numbers or grown on those.

    ReplyDelete
  3. CNN should have gone with a women's show in
    the morning. Have female journalists,writers ,etc
    of ethnic diverse backgrounds who are having a
    conversation about the news and other interesting
    topics. There are so many topics that they can
    focus on in the morning other than politics. Unless
    it is a big political news story, there is not need for
    3 hours of political talk. In fact focus less on the
    political blah blah in favor of interesting stories
    and people. Move away from the ideological silliness.

    ReplyDelete
  4. CNN has some of the best field journalists but instead they insist on putting the political hacks on tv instead of real writers, journalists and great thinkers. Personally, I think CNN ought to consider the NPR model. Concentrate on news, expand bureaus, give more air time to the journalists who develop the stories. Just read a quote today from NBC's Chuck Todd: "Nothing chaps my @ss more than New York-centric coverage of American politics." Well said. That's what I feel like I'm getting from CNN. They seem woefully out-of-touch. In attempt to connect with most Americans they put these partisan hacks on tv like they speak for the rest of us. They don't. Its like CNN has lost its ability to speak to the average viewer who wants straight news (and politics) with a balanced perspective. I want to know what's going on in the world and I want a trusted source to hear it from. I guess that's why I spend more time listening to NPR in the morning getting ready for work than I do watching tv. Morning Joe has lost his dang mind and CNN just isn't giving me reasons to watch. As for Fox, well, 'nuff said.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Have they considered giving Ashleigh Banfield a shot in the evening? She was pretty good in the MSNBC days. She is smart and sassy. Not afraid to speak her mind and she might do it in a way that brings a little edge to CNN. She is an excellent field reporter so they should utilize that skill more. I'm not sure morning is her best format - she is too high energy. Just a thought.

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  6. What about Alison Stewart? Last I heard she was writing a book but maybe she would like to jump back into TV after she is done. She has been on PBS and NPR and I always thought she was one of the coolest reporters on Mtv (yes, that was a while ago)! She is smart, thoughtful, and funny but not too flashy or trendy. I think she would be perfect on CNN. I saw her a little while back doing a segment on 60 minutes. Seriously, CNN shouldn't let CBS scoop up all the best news talent. You should have never let Erica Hill go. Other ideas... Lisa Ling, Laura Ling, Savannah Guthrie (I know she is on NBC but her talents are wasted on morning tv), Alison Stewart, and Jamie Tarabay (another NPR goddess).

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  7. I agree with @8:41 with one exception. AC360 stands for 'Anderson Cooper 360'. I would think the AC of the show's title would realize that there is a problem with the show (and it isn't just pundits---tempo and covering more news events and less sensational trials/deaths/celebrity events would be helpful to the program and perhaps help the ratings? I can't believe that AC doesn't have any influence on the way the show is going.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. That is so true. I know the suits can muck with a show and cause problems but I would think the anchor would be heavily involved in all aspects of the show including story and guest selection. Perhaps I am naive. This is true for all of CNN primetime - King, Burnett, Morgan - they have equal responsibility in the show's quality, right? I think the commenter above is nostalgic for the way AC used to be - why it has changed, I don't know, but it isn't the same.

      Delete
  8. Alison Stewart would be great in the morning for
    CNN. She is very smart,has energy and wit. Keep
    in mind that her husband Bill Wolf works for MSNBC
    and is a VP at the network. She would be competing
    against her husband. The ratings just are not there
    for Starting Point. CNN has to make changes that
    viewers can see and possibly think about giving
    CNN a 2nd look. Why CNN just books pundits who
    are on their payroll is beyond me. Morning Joe is
    able to book movers and shakers on a daily basis.
    CNN sets everything up as an ideological food
    fight rather than a conversation designed with
    viewers in mind. Viewers seem to be the last
    thing on CNN's mind. You have to make it so
    your viewers will walk away with something.

    Even Morning Joe is not just about politics. MJ
    has deep conversation on international news.
    He knows he is not a journalist so he surrounds
    himself with journalists and people qualified to
    talk on various topics. CNN can't book better
    guests are they having trouble booking guests.
    Is CNN now the network to avoid ?

    MSNBC has outsmarted CNN when it comes to
    politics. There is Andrea Mitchell, Chuck Todd,
    Chris Matthews, Alex Wagner, Chris Hayes,
    Lawrence O'Donnell, Rachel Maddow. They all
    talk to viewers, write in a way that is conversing
    with viewers not forgetting about viewers. It is
    the anchors job to guide the conversation and
    make sure the viewers are cheated .It is insane
    to think that viewers will tune in just to watch
    the pundits go at it. What does that have to do
    with me as a viewer. Nothing. Click, click.

    Look for CNN to be 3rd for Super Tuesday.
    MSNBC had all of their show hosts at 1 desk.
    Talking, analyzing and interviewing guests.
    Meanwhile on CNN, too many people.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I agree wholeheartedly, @9:39. If it could be worked out, I'd still love to see Alison Stewart back on TV. Morning Joe does work because of their guests and the great commentary. The only porblem is that Joe is getting way too full of himself and it is alienating as a viewer. I think MJ's arrogance has made them a target to peel off their audience with an equally smart morning show that spends less time patting themselves on the back. MSNBC has done a great job of developing diversified talent and shows that have interesting content and relevant topics. Obviously, they are liberal and I crave a show with a little more balance but I'm just not getting that on CNN.

      As for super Tuesday ratings, I agree that CNN's coverage has too many people, but I would still bet they come in second in the ratings. Only because primary nights draw many new/occasional cable news viewers and CNN still has the reputation for being the go to place for straight, breaking news. Too bad they are trying so hard to squander it.

      Delete
  9. That is so true. All of the CNN shows look and
    sound the same. It is the most annoying noise
    you will ever hear on cable news. No diverse
    shows at all. All CNN ever does is to change
    anchors or hosts. When was the last time you
    saw interesting content, relevant topics or a
    presentation designed for viewers.

    CNN is crappy because they embraced the Tea
    Party, became anti government and showing
    right out hate for President Obama, right wing
    talking points while ignoring news and real
    journalism and smart discussion. CNN decided
    viewers don't matter. CNN leaned so far right
    that the network fell over and lost it;s way.
    CNN is suppose to be the real news network
    not fake news topics made up by the right.

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love this blog. You guys are all so right about
    CNN. Anon 2:20 I agree with everything you said.
    I like NPR but I like the CBS model as well. CNN
    has 24 hours. Offer more live programming each
    day. Hire Alison Stewart, Aisha Tyler, Stombo and
    others. There is more than 1 style of news. To me
    that is diversity in shows. Content is the biggest
    problem for CNN along with story selection. CNN
    does seem to have a false belief that pundits are
    representative of regular folks. No they are not.
    No one I know talks like pundits on cable news.
    CNN is out of touch. Anon 2:36 I agree with you
    too. The Ling sisters are amazing journalists. I'm
    confused as to what CNN is suppose to be these
    days. It is almost like it is a parody of a news
    channel. I don't know how seriously to take CNN
    these days. Have facts been tossed out the
    window ? I don't trust most of what I see. Also,
    what they did to HLN is not helping. There should
    be a news channel that is on 24/7 365 devoted
    to hourly updates and in depth original reports.
    A celebration of journalism. Many still call HLN
    CNN 2. They don't separate the 2. As far as the
    average viewer is concerned, Nancy Grace works
    for CNN.

    ReplyDelete
  11. Barbara Bush said it best. This is the worst
    presidential campaign ever. Judging from the
    ratings, viewers are turned off. The was not
    much of a difference between CNN and MSNBC.
    When Wolf Blitzer only draws 588,0000 viewers
    & 101,000 in the demo on Super Tuesday, CNN
    must change it's political coverage. All of CNN's
    political shows are struggling. What made CNN
    decide to jump on the tea party bandwagon ?
    Who knows but it was a dumb decision and is
    proving to be costly for CNN. Even on 360 ,
    John McCain used the tired old line of leading
    from behind on Libya. Did he forget the
    dictator is dead. Not that John McCain is
    relevant anymore.

    ReplyDelete
  12. Why is that Starting Point has people from Glen
    Beck TV and Breitbart ? The average news viewer
    knows they are not legit. So why is CNN elevating
    faux journalism to a network level. Do you see
    people like this on Morning Joe ? No. So why is
    CNN lowering standards. That is why I refuse to
    watch Starting Point. It is mindless propaganda.
    It has nothing to do with news and CNN should
    know better.

    ReplyDelete
  13. That is exactly why CNN is so bad. If they think
    Glenn Beck & the Breitbart crew are real news, CNN
    is toast. The latest silly stunt the Obama tapes that
    were on Frontline. CNN fell for it hook,line & sinker.
    There is no reason to watch CNN. Even social media
    is LOL about the Obama tapes. A hug, really ? I
    love the pics everyone is posting of the hugs.

    The Bush hug is my favorite. Where is the Barack
    Obama.com real video CNN ? You just don't like
    CNN and the content is why. All MJ has to do is to
    show up and he would beat Soledad. Her show is
    waste of time. CNN made me turn the channel.

    ReplyDelete
  14. How did 360 miss the Kony 2012 story. It
    has more than 4 million views on You Tube.
    No one knew this about Uganda. Students
    are organizing to stop Kony.

    ReplyDelete
  15. Kony is a great example of why TSR needs to
    bring back the 2 internet reporters. There is
    so much news on You Tube and social media.
    It is a treasure of news items from all around
    the world. It's like more than 40 million views.
    360 should be covering Uganda, Iran, Syria and
    international news. I am not a fan of crime on 360.
    Book guest who are qualified to talk on world news.

    ReplyDelete
  16. I have long posted on this blog that CNN should
    have news trailers all day long that can viral and
    spread real news and reliable info especially with
    the mobile explosion. People consume news but
    not opinion. Music, video and words make a big
    difference. This is how you engage. Each hour
    release brand new trailers that are different .

    I dare 360 to go with kick butt oepnings, trailers
    and promos for 6 months that can go viral to
    millions of consumers. Kony 2012 is a 30 minute
    doc that people are sitting through and taking
    action. This is how you engage in the 21st
    century. It is not about ideology it is about
    news and information. Have high quality bumps
    edited of what is coming up on the show.

    Pick different songs that fit the story each
    night , even for the 360 Bulletin with Isha.
    Have a Raw Politics feature with CNN reporters,
    no pundits in prime time. This is something
    for the people. Have someone like Fareed
    Zakaria give us the breakdown. Give it to
    us straight and put things into perspective.
    Book much guests to have an intelligent
    discussion. Put together a 30 second intro
    to set up various segments during 360. Watch
    what would happen to 360 ratings.

    Too bad CNN got out of the news business.

    ReplyDelete
  17. 360 is covering the Kony story along with its nightly dose of Obama bashing.

    ReplyDelete
  18. Glad to see Miguel Marquez on 360. Still can't
    believe the eugenics story. California advising
    the Nazis. 360 could drop the pundits and add
    more content. Add a segment with Anderson &
    Isha conversing about other news. Call it 360
    seconds It would be pronounced 3 hundred &
    60 seconds, which is 6 minutes. It ends with the
    Shot. The stories can run the gambit and be on
    anything but interesting.

    I would much rather hear from the political
    reporters at CNN than pundits. Give us a
    2 minute Raw Politics film.

    360 should also hire journos away from Current.
    Max Lugavere & Jason Silva and Conor Knighton
    are no longer with the network. They all create
    media and can show CNN how it is done. Hire
    the Vanguard Team away from Current. They
    are Mariana Van Zeller, Adam Yamaguci and
    Christof Putzel. 360 has to tap into that market
    of millions. They already have Kaj Larsen and
    hire Laura Ling who was the brains behind
    Vanguard. A pundit free 360 would be cool.
    I do miss the theme song that let me know it
    was time for 360. When 360 was on at 7, I
    would play a game with co-workers to see if
    we could name all of the songs.

    LOL Soledad has not heard the Electric Guest
    song Head I Hold. Glad to see her at SXSW.
    Get Toure or Douglas Cabellero. They can
    talk news too.

    ReplyDelete
  19. Shockingly enough, I thought Piers had the best coverage of Kony. He was supportive (perhaps a bit too much though) but he did press them on the money issue which is appropriate and fair. Legititmate questions raised about the mlney but as long as they are clear about how funds are spent, I'm okay with it. Kudos to Piers.

    ReplyDelete
  20. Anderson Cooper came pretty close to a Hannity
    on 360 last night . That means he built the lobbyist
    story as bigger than it actually was, leaving viewers
    asking that's it. Hannity and Breitbart tried to make
    a hug at a rally controversial. Yawn. Earlier on TSR
    Mary Matlin bashed the Barack Obama trailer. Like
    she would get it. CNN's political coverage stinks
    and is awful.TLW had on Alex Wagner and Chris
    Hayes, they get it. Alex and Chris are not ancient
    pundits. CNN is pundit central for politics and it
    makes their political coverage stink. Just take a
    look at the ratings for the political shows. Let's
    face it, viewers are just not into politics on CNN.
    Can you blame them ? CNN is terrible. It does
    look like Anderson Cooper hates Obama.

    ReplyDelete
  21. CNN has to make changes. How about this lineup :

    John King now comes on at 3 PM. Cut Brooke
    Baldwin down to an hour.

    TSR is now an hourlong at 4 PM. Definitely bring
    back the internet element of the show. I thought
    it was suppose to be about old/new media.

    At 5 it is now the ladies of news hour on CNN.
    Isha Sesay, Ashleigh Banfield will work but hire
    a Latino and Asian journalist. 4 diverse female
    journalists who know the news . Fast paced,
    breakneck speed. No politics. Give viewers a
    break and something that is different. Come
    up with a name to create buzz. Have songs
    that women relate to and understand how the
    song is being used in correlation with the news
    story or topic being featured.

    I say hire Mark Kelly from CBC to anchor an
    evening news type show. He has the vibe of
    the late Peter Jennings. Connect also has a
    particular vibe. He is now on CNN at 6 PM.
    Challenge NBC,CBS & ABC.

    At 7PM. It is Aisha Tyler. She is smart and
    has experience in creating a show. She can
    hit the ground running. She does it all on the
    Talk on a daily basis. She can sing too.

    360 stays on at 8 & 10 PM Anderson, Isha
    and Team 360. If there is breaking news, 2
    pros are around to take over.

    At 9 PM, Strombo comes to CNN. It is a
    great alternative to Rachel Maddow and
    a good fit for 360.

    In many ways CNN is offering less content
    with 2 hours shows. 1 hour would force the
    shows to pick up the pace. Provide more
    shows and a diverse group of shows.

    ReplyDelete
  22. I watched part of Starting Point this morning and was really glad they were at SXSW. What a pleasant surprise. I was actually interested in her coverage of new tech being launched there. Could have done without the Chopra coverage. I like Oprah but sometimes she swings and misses... Deepak Chopra was a huge Oprah swing and whiff. I'm not a fan of that guy. Christine Romans as the economic reporter on the show is a good move, IMHO. For once, I actually didn't turn the channel to CBS at 7am.

    ReplyDelete
  23. CNN has too many angry, mean, divisive and
    annoying people. Nobody wants to watch that.
    It is like CNN is an island for miserable people.
    Stop acting like CNN management cares about
    news they don't and never will. No one at CNN
    is a champion or fan of news. Don't hold your
    breathe for any of these people to get hired.
    You are talking about CNN. Not happening.

    ReplyDelete
  24. According to TVN, The ED Show is in the millions, TLW is in the millions, Rachel Maddow, is in the millions, and Cooper gets a classy 611.
    Quit telling me how popular Anderson is.
    Obviously he's not and he's slowly losing whatever luster he had.
    His star has faded and at some point, reality will set in, hopefully.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Yep. And if you think AC is unpopular, wait until you see the numbers for John King and Erin Burnett! PAINFUL!

      Delete
  25. Anderson's totals on Friday were in the high three hundreds in both time slots.
    I know it's Friday, but Greta still got her one million plus and ED, still was in the eight hundreds.
    It pays to support labor.
    Actually, it pays to support something, other than yourself.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. /\ "it pays to support something other than yourself." That is so true. Cooper, Morgan, Burnett... Cable Narcissism Network! No wonder they are tanking.

      Delete

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