Considering there were about 10,000 fewer Nevada GOP caucus-goers this year than in 2008, that may tell you a little something about TV viewer interest in the proceedings. Here are the Nielsen viewership averages between 10pmET, when the polls closed, and MidnightET. (Total Viewers / A25-54 demo):
- FNC – 1.334M / 244K
- CNN – 631K / 231K
- MSNBC – 418K / 187K
It should be noted the networks produced live programming before 10pmET. Also, MSNBC returned to regular programming at 11pm, while CNN and Fox News continued with Nevada coverage. We’ll have the final numbers tomorrow morning.
Compared to the other Saturday caucus held this year, South Carolina, January 21, the networks are down significantly. Verses the 7-10pm average during South Carolina coverage, FNC was down -122%, CNN was down -100% and MSNBC was also down 100% in viewership.
And while CNN and Fox News saw an increase in ratings vs. a typical Saturday night. MSNBC’s average of 418K/187K drew fewer viewers than normal Saturday programming, “Lockup”