Ratings data can be sliced a thousand different ways. The numbers on this site may contradict eachother, and that’s usually because of the difference between time period data and program data.
Program data is used to compare two specific programs, like “Hannity & Colmes” and “Live & Direct.” It usually doesn’t include breaking news or specials. When MSNBC pre-empts “Live & Direct” for “MSNBC Investigates,” that night doesn’t count in the program data. But it does count in the time period data.
Time period data is used to compare networks at a specific time period, like 9 p.m. between CNN and CNBC. Advertisers usually look at time period data when purchasing ads. But the cable nets love program data, because it removes ratings spikes due to breaking news. For example, program data would not include State of the Union coverage.
I will try to mention the specific type of data in all posts.
A Note About Ratings Data
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