A CNBC spokesperson responds to this blog entry:

"Dow 12,000 is Breaking News precisely because it is New. That is why the Dow record was on the front page of major newspapers and received major play in other media. And what happens in the markets is of tremendous interest to our viewers. Although Nielsen doesn't do an accurate job at measuring CNBC's affluent, well educated audience desired by advertisers, CNBC's ratings during the day on Thursday were up 40% in the 25-54 demo. Again, Nielsen doesn't measure out-of-home viewing, which is where the vast majority of CNBC viewing takes place.

Also, your emailer points out some alternate opinions on CNBC that Dow 12,000 isn't such a big deal -- yet he/she criticizes us anyway. In that sense, you can't win. Meanwhile, most experts agree Dow 12,000 actually is a meaningful milestone and we are constantly putting it in perspective in interviews and with reports from our expert market reporters."