Looks like the writer’s strike helped boost the ratings for the cable networks… including those dedicated to news.
Nielsen data reviewed by Mediaweek from January 28 to February 24 shows an almost 25% increase in viewers during prime time compared to the same period last year.
Within the top 10 slots: Fox News came in third place (after USA and TNT) with an average of 1.87 million viewers, a 16% increase from 2007. CNN had the biggest ratings hike – more than 100%, landing in 6th place with an average 1.67 million viewers, compared to 783,000 in February of 2007. ESPN came in 9th with an 18% jump to 1.39 million viewers.
While MSNBC is nowhere near the top 10 cable networks, it did see 62% growth, averaging 771,000 viewers.