TVNewser has obtained a memo from NBC Nightly News EP Bob Epstein to his staff, congratulating them for "record numbers on-air and online."

Epstein credits the choice by NBC to look at positive news: "I'd like to personally acknowledge how everyone came together to work on what was such a simple idea...good news...it was well received by our viewers, imitated by media outlets worldwide, and most importantly helped a few people out."

Click continued to see the full memo...

From: Epstein, Bob (NBC Universal)
Sent: Tuesday, March 31, 2009 4:03 PM
Subject: Thanks to everyone

The first quarter has proven to be quite a ride for "Nightly News." We are seeing ratings that we haven't seen in years, drawing record numbers on-air and online. While we've done a tremendous job covering the economy crisis and the new administration — I'd like to personally acknowledge how everyone came together to work on what was such a simple idea...good news...it was well received by our viewers, imitated by media outlets worldwide, and most importantly helped a few people out. In gratitude, I'd like to share some good news with you all..."Nightly's" 1st quarter numbers, they will hopefully make you feel good too.

Thank you all for your hard work — we couldn't do it without each one of you.
Bob

Nightly was #1 in total viewers, outperforming World News by +14% (+1,162,000) and CBS Evening News by +41% (+2,783,000).

Nightly grew by +322,000 total viewers versus 1Q'08, the only evening newscast to show year-to-year growth (ABC —535,000, CBS —45,000).

Nightly had its best 1st quarter total viewer delivery since 1Q'06.

Nightly increased its total viewer advantage over World News to +1,162,000 (+14%) versus leading by +305,000 viewers (+3%) in 1Q'08. This is Nightly's best 1st quarter advantage over ABC since 1Q'01.

Both ABC World News and CBS Evening News had their lowest ever 1st quarter delivery in homes and total viewers (since at least the start of People Meters).

In homes, Nightly topped World News by +11% and CBS Evening News by +37%. Compared to 1Q'08, Nightly beat World News by +2% and beat CBS by +34%.

Nightly was #1 in rating A25-54, topping ABC by +19% (+4 tenths) and CBS by +47% (+8 tenths).

Versus 1Q'08, Nightly grew +13% (+3 tenths) in rating W25-54, +10% (+2 tenths) in rating M25-54, and +9% (+2 tenths) in rating A25-54. Nightly was the only newscast to show growth in these key demos.

Nightly had its best 1st quarter delivery in rating M25-54 since 1Q'05, and best rating W/A25-54 since 1Q'06.

Nightly had its best 1st quarter advantage over ABC World News in rating W/M/A25-54 since 1Q'03.

In A25-54 (000), Nightly topped World News by +454,000 viewers and CBS Evening News by +985,000.

Nightly grew by +10% (+284,000) in A25-54 viewers versus 1Q'08 and is the only newscast to show growth.

Nightly had its best 1st quarter A25-54 (000) delivery since 1Q'06.

Nightly had its best 1st quarter A25-54 (000) advantage over both World News and CBS Evening News since 1Q'03.