First Ratings Flash: Audience for Obama-McCain Debate Falls Off

By Michele Greppi

The last of three debates between presidential candidates Republican John McCain and Democrat Barack Obama may have attracted a smaller audience than last week’s second meeting between the contenders.

In overnight ratings from 55 markets metered by Nielsen Media Research, the three broadcast networks’ 90-minute debate and half-hour analysis broadcasts Wednesday notched lower ratings than the Oct. 7 face-off.

ABC, which has attracted the largest audience for each of the two presidential and the lone VP debate, had a slight lead in the overnight with an average 7.7 rating for the two hours.

NBC’s debate and analysis averaged a 7.4 rating. CBS averaged a 5.6.

Coverage of the debate averaged a 2.1 rating, on public broadcasting stations.

While the PBS coverage was up from last week’s 1.8 rating, the commercial broadcasters’ ratings slumped. ABC last week averaged an 8.8 rating, NBC a 7.6, and CBS a 6.3.
Each ratings point represents 1% of the TV homes in the area being measured.

For updated numbers, click here.

(Editor: Baumann)