While the American markets were closed for Martin Luther King Day, CNBC ran a full-day of taped programming, but Fox Business Network was live all day.

On Happy Hour at 5pmET on FBN, the co-host duo of Rebecca Gomez and Cody Willard spent several throws to commercial break to address the idea that FBN was live while CNBC was not.

"The only business network that was open for business today," said Gomez.

Another break brought Willard to say this: "People across the river are at home, on the couch, watching us."

CNBC played an American Greed marathon during the day, with taped programming, including their highly-rated special on UFC at 8pmET, during prime time.

How would the decision affect the ratings on a day when the international markets are open, even if they're closed in the U.S.?

Update: A TV insider points out that by FBN going live with programming, they were able to corner the coverage of the international stock market crisis today.

More from an anonymous emailer: "You do realize CNBC World was live today and most likely has more (subscribers) than FBN, right?"

And more from Silicon Alley Insider's Henry Blodgett: "Yes, yes, CNBC World is at work today, but who gets CNBC World?"

More from a tipster: "Approximately 30 million households get CNBC World. And CNBC.com covered the markets all day Monday."