ABC World News Tonight with David Muir had a great week from a ratings perspective.
The newscast finished No. 1 in all relevant measurements, out-performing its NBC rival by an average of +862,000 viewers and +62,000 adults 25-54 during the week of Oct. 14. The program’s 1.62 million A25-54 viewer audience represents its largest since the week of April 29.
Additionally, World News Tonight is now the No. 1 evening newscast of the young season to-date among Total Viewers and Adults 25-54 for the first time in 23 years – since the 1996-1997 season.
NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt finished in second place in all relevant categories for the week.
Holt sat down with Cyntoia Brown-Long last week for her first interview since being released from prison and Nightly News also featured an exclusive investigative report on Sallie Mae executives and employees celebrating a record year of loans at a luxury resort while Americans struggle with student loans.
CBS Evening News with Norah O’Donnell remains in third place.
Compared to the same week last year, World News Tonight was +3% in total viewers, and +4% in the key A25-54 demo. NBC Nightly News was -6% in total viewers and -9% among adults 25-54. The CBS Evening News was -9% in total viewers, and -13% among adults 25-54.
Average audience for the week of Oct. 14 2019:
| ABC | NBC | CBS | |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Total Viewers: | 8,227,000 | 7,365,000 | 5,232,000 |
| • A25-54: | 1,623,000 | 1,561,000 | 971,000 |
Source: The Nielsen Company, NTI Total Viewers, Adults 25-54 Live + SD weeks of 10/14/19, and 10/15/18. Most Current: 2019–2020 Season (9/23 – 10/20/19) and 2018–2019 Season (9/24 – 10/21/18). ABC and NBC ratings include broadcasts that air later on some stations. Averages based on regular telecasts.