CNN/YouTube Debate not highest ever in 18-34 Demo…
This morning I took issue with CNN using an obscure demographic, the 18-34, as the center piece of a ratings success story, rather than the more widely used 25-54 or even 18-49 Demographics. CNN said it was the highest 18-34 Demo “in cable news history”. It turns out that is not the case…
As you can see from this chart, in an 18-34 Demo ranking of debates going back to 1997, The CNN/YouTube Debate isn’t the all time highest in cable news history. It’s not even CNN’s all time highest 18-34 ranking for a debate. It comes in at 9th.
The only thing I can possibly figure is that CNN is referring to timeslot ranking. And when you go by that restriction, yes, the YouTube debate generated the highest 18-34 Demo ranking for a debate that started at 7pm ET. The problem is nothing I’ve seen, read, or heard indicates CNN was referring to time periods when doing its 18-34 ranking. So I’m still left flumoxed about why CNN said it was the highest ever when it’s patently obvious that is not the case…
I’m sure “Janice” will explain it to you then maybe CNN’s shill should go back to work.
Comment by Mary Snow — July 25, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
I forgot to add, thanks Spud for “keeping them honest”.
Comment by Mary Snow — July 25, 2007 @ 3:58 pm
Maybe they mean the highest for a primary debate. The ones beating it on this list are general election debates.
Comment by Doug — July 25, 2007 @ 4:25 pm
Who knows?
Comment by Spud — July 25, 2007 @ 4:51 pm
Doug may be right, but regardless it’s a bit sad that CNN has to resort to this spin overdrive…honestly, their numbers weren’t that bad (IMO anyways, who knows what they were expecting). I think they should just let this go and move on…
Comment by Anonymous — July 25, 2007 @ 4:53 pm
First they forget to let Paula Zahn leave with a little dignity (by letting her “resign” BEFORE they announce Campbell Brown’s hire,) then they flat out lie about their ratings. Again!
CNN - The most UNTRUSTWORTHY name in news. Period.
Comment by TT — July 25, 2007 @ 5:41 pm
Looks like spud is getting some help. Looks like TVN got the clarification from CNN. It’s general election numbers.
Comment by Harry — July 25, 2007 @ 6:25 pm
You all are Fox News SUCKERS. They tell you what to think, god forbid (if there was a god) you think for yourself. Fox News - We Report, We Decide…SUCKERS.
Comment by B-Rod — August 14, 2007 @ 1:40 pm