The battle for the #2 spot among the cable news networks continues this month between CNN and MSNBC. For the month of January, MSNBC placed third in primetime, behind Fox News and CNN. In Total Day, MSNBC came in #2 in Total Viewers, but placed #3 in the A25-54 demographic.
The ratings for January, 2012:
- Primetime (Mon-Sun): 804K Total Viewers / 219K A25-54
- Total Day (Mon-Sun): 452K Total Viewers / 133K A25-54
In primetime, both hours of “Hardball with Chris Matthews” stand out compared to last year: at 5pmET, the program is up +15% in Total Viewers and +5% in the demographic, and at 7pmET, the gains are +8% and +2%, respectively. Growth in the rest of the primetime lineup, which has seen several major changes in the past year, was scarce for MSNBC.
Keith Olbermann left MSNBC in January 2010, and in the year since his departure, the 8pmET timeslot — which has been home to programs hosted by Ed Schultz and Lawrence O’Donnell — is down -12% in Total Viewers and -29% in the A25-54 demographic. “The Rachel Maddow Show” was also down slightly: -2% in Total Viewers, and -8% in the demographic.
“Morning Joe” continues to be a draw for younger viewers, up +9% in the A25-54 demographic but down -4% in Total Viewers. Chuck Todd‘s “The Daily Rundown” is another bright spot for the network, growing +4% in Total Viewers and +27% in the demographic compared to January 2011.
The full release from MSNBC is after the jump.
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