CNBC’s release on its January daytime numbers…

CNBC’s Business Day (5 AM-7 PM ET) in January 2008 is up 28% in total viewers for the month (302,000) over last January (236,000). This marks CNBC’s best month in Business Day in total viewers since September 2001 (excluding Olympic programming) and makes CNBC the fastest growing cable news network in total viewers since last January.

As always, it is important to note that this reflects only measured ratings. The majority of CNBC’s affluent and well-educated audience isn’t counted by Nielsen Media Research because it neither measures out-of-home viewing nor affluent homes. Much of CNBC’s viewing takes place out of home and in places such as C-suites, executive offices, trading floors, offices, restaurants, health clubs and other locations.

In measured ratings for January 2008 compared with January 2007, “Worldwide Exchange” (5-6 AM ET) is up 11% and the time period is having its best January since 2004. “Squawk Box” (6-9 AM ET) is up 37% in total viewers and is having its best January since 2001. “Squawk on the Street” (9-11 AM ET) is up 35% and the time period is having its best month since September 2001.
“The Call” (11 AM-Noon ET) is up 33% in its time period and the time period is having its best month since April 2001. “Power Lunch” (Noon-2 PM ET) is up 18% and is having its best month since January 2002.

“Street Signs” (2-3 PM ET) is up 27% and is having its best month since January 2002. “Closing Bell” (3-5 PM ET) is up 30% and is having its month since August 2002. “Fast Money” (5-6 PM ET) is up 92% and is having its best month ever. “Mad Money w/Jim Cramer” (6-7 PM ET) is up 10% and is having its best January ever.

During January, CNBC reported the biggest business and financial stories from around the globe. This morning, for instance, CNBC’s “Closing Bell” anchor Maria Bartiromo reported from Paris on the alleged rogue trader and the scandal engulfing Societe Generale. Last week, Bartiromo, CNBC’s “Squawk Box” co-anchor Becky Quick and CNBC’s media and technology editor Dennis Kneale reported live from the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.