Zahn vs. Olbermann: Ratings…
TVNewser has a chart showing how close the battle is between Paula Zahn Now and Countdown. What’s interesting is that while Paula Zahn Now’s numbers have been declining for nearly a year in both Total Viewers and the Demo, Countdown’s numbers have been holding in a trading range in Total Viewers but declining in The Demo. This suggests that Olbermann’s audience is getting older while Paula’s audience is just plain getting smaller. But the data is far from conclusive on this.
BTW, are these Live numbers or Live + SD?
“BTW, are these Live numbers or Live + SD? ”
You can bet they are whatever numbers make KO look better!!
Comment by Jim — June 19, 2007 @ 12:50 pm
For god’s sake, he is not in bed with MSNBC and just uses the numbers which provide the full scope. If anything, anyone remember when Paula started the whole “Out in the Open” product, I would love to see how the numbers have done since the beginning of the whole project to the possible end excluding the boom in April (Was that the Lacrosse news or something?)
Comment by Chris — June 19, 2007 @ 12:54 pm
“For god’s sake, he is not in bed with MSNBC”
You might rethink that.
Comment by Jim — June 19, 2007 @ 1:01 pm
Did any one notice that that at the start of the graph it says that Keith has an 18% advantage but Paula’s is the graph on top? Then it goes on to say at the end that Kieth has a 2% advantage but his graph is on top? I’ve check the graph five times now to make sure it’s right. So, now I’m confused. If you have an advantage, shouldn’t you have the higher numbers? If you’re number’s go up and your competition’s numbers go down, shouldn’t you have a higher advantage? This graph seems fine, but the interpretation seems all wrong.
Comment by me! — June 19, 2007 @ 1:22 pm
I thought he “had a lock on second place”. What happened to that? I guess even tinfoil hat club members can only take so much douchebaggery.
Comment by bigred — June 19, 2007 @ 1:26 pm
#4 you’re right…I think it should have said “Paula 18% advantage” instead. Interesting to see that Paula and Keith are essentially tied for #2, although I’m sure part of that has to do with the fact that Keith hasn’t been on-air for all of June (unlike Paula who pretty much hasn’t missed a day).
Comment by Anonymous — June 19, 2007 @ 1:37 pm
Oh no, don’t let the progressives read this one . . .it may shatter their image of Olbermann as the second coming of Murrow.
IMO, Campbell Brown isn’t the answer for Jon Klein and this is another desperate move on his part. Actually, on second thought, given KO’s decline, he can afford to make yet another poor choice without any repercussions.
Comment by Buck — June 19, 2007 @ 2:33 pm
Rest assured it’s probably the Live plus data. Because the chart appears to have come from MSNBC and you can bet your bottom dollar they have used the data which is most flattering to Olbermann. But if Olbermann’s audience is getting older, doesn’t this partially deflate his ongoing argument that O’Reilly’s audience is of advanced age since his couldn’t exactly be said to be spring chickens either?
Lou Dobbs at 8pm on CNN!
Comment by Alison — June 19, 2007 @ 3:19 pm
The ratings are all over the map, perhaps a true sign that the average viewer is discontent with programming???
For instance, I just happened to catch the beginning of AC360 last night, first hour. ‘Breaking News’ about suicide bombers making their way to our boarders, to then cross them into the U.S. My gosh! I paused, and waited for the story…and guess what, his first story was about some lady who had disappeared or was missing. I don’t even know, because I turned the damn TV so fast. As if her story was more important!?!? AC is going to ‘HOOK’ me with a ‘breaking news’ story that should be immediately shown, if it’s ‘breaking news’. What the hell is going on here? Cable news is turning into one big tabloid mess.
I guess I’ll watch the shows with low ratings. Probably means they actually have some real news to watch, or learn from. Can’t discount ‘Paris’ coverage when ratings were through the roof on all three main stations. That gives you a good idea what people want. How sick is that? I’m ranting now. Sorry.
Comment by Peoplepeople — June 19, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Peoplepeople: give it up, you have been “outed” as an NBC/MS-NBC “employee” (perhaps Dan Abrams himself).
Comment by Obama in 08! — June 19, 2007 @ 5:13 pm
#10, very harsh. Here’s one, ‘Obama ‘08′…NOT going to happen. Save your energy. He’s too inexperienced. Clinton, NOT going to happen either. If she’s our (and I say this as a Democrat) nominee, Republicans hold the White House. Now Gore on the other hand…HA!
Comment by Peoplepeople — June 19, 2007 @ 5:32 pm
People, nice that you finally admit you do have a political agenda. I remember you trying to tell us your hatred for FOX had nothing to do with ideology. You’ve been outed, by your own remarks.
Comment by bigred — June 19, 2007 @ 6:59 pm
I’ve never said I wasn’t a Democrat. I’ve actually said it before many times. What’s the big deal? Just as I can tell most of you are staunch Republicans. To each his own. As for an agenda…I’m not running for anything, yet.
Comment by Peoplepeople — June 19, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
The chart is a “TVNewser original.” That means it’s Live Plus + Same Day data. Note that not a single cable news network has any deal with advertisers to use this data. It’s meaningless. And it helps Olbermann’s show more than any others. Brian Stelter is actively distorting the facts.
Comment by Hank — June 19, 2007 @ 7:29 pm
People, then explain why you came on here and bashed FOX, then claimed it wasn’t a Democrat vs. Republican thing.
Comment by bigred — June 19, 2007 @ 8:52 pm
Do I really need to answer you momma Bigred? Am I coming on too strong for you to handle or defend? I know ‘red state’ mindsets are hard to convince, but I hope I’m doing a good job. I know education doesn’t come first to a lot of you. But I’m trying.
Comment by Peoplepeople — June 19, 2007 @ 9:54 pm
I’m just trying to decipher your b.s. contradictory statements. And I’ve got plenty of education, thank you very much.
Comment by bigred — June 19, 2007 @ 11:03 pm
Actually, the fact that Brian did the chart was the first time that anyone in the MSM has even hinted that Olbermann did not have a lock on second place for the 8 p.m. hour. Even though we know better here, the drive bys have been writing constantly that he is solidly in second place for that time period.
Comment by Missy — June 20, 2007 @ 9:27 am
#11, Agreed peoplepeople (aka–Dan A. :D). Dowd calling him Obambi was pretty funny. (He would make a good VP as well). As a Dem, can’t stomach Clinton and especially Gore. If the current NY mayor jumps in, look for my new handle “Bloomberg in 08! HA!
Comment by Obama in 08! — June 20, 2007 @ 12:23 pm