GOP debate beats ‘Biggest Loser’ in ratings
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CNN hosted the latest Republican presidential debate Tuesday. At it Mitt Romney and rivals gathered to sling mud at one another.
An average of 5.6 million viewers tuned in, according to Nielsen, which was a little soft considering that CNN put its prime-time star Anderson Cooper front and center at the event. The Sept. 22 debate on Fox News attracted 6.1 million, although it’s possible -- just possible -- that the Fox News audience might be more willing to hear Republican talking points rehashed again.
But here’s a fun fact! This seventh in a series of GOP debates this year actually beat NBC’s ‘The Biggest Loser’ (5.2 million) in head-to-head competition in much of the country.
The awesome ratings power of political debate, proven yet again. OK, maybe not (CBS’ ‘NCIS’ gathered almost three times as many viewers, after all). What the comparison actually shows is how desperately NBC’s prime-time lineup continues to struggle this season. And ‘Biggest Loser’ is supposed to be one of the network’s bright spots.
When more viewers would rather listen to an argument over whom Romney hired to take care of his lawn than watch your entertainment show, it might be time to order new entertainment shows.
What did you think of the GOP debates? Or did you watch ‘Biggest Loser’?
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-- Scott Collins
