Following a glitch that led to months of inaccurate Nielsen ratings results, the company today released updated data for the week of Sept. 22, which was the first week of 2014-15 TV season. As suspected, the inaccurate data favored ABC programs while hurting ABC’s competitors.
The restated numbers are being most closely watched for revisions to the primetime ratings as new fall shows had their premieres. In the tight evening news race, “World News Tonight with David Muir,” had its numbers revised down, but it didn’t change the outcome. Muir’s newscast still won the week in the demo, and “NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams” won among total viewers.
In the demo, Muir drew 1.9 million viewers, down from the 2.002 million Nielsen had originally reported, a difference of -5%. “Nightly News” drew 1.821 million vs. the previously-reported 1.811, a gain of .6%.
Among total viewers, the ABC broadcast drew 7.793 million vs. the 8,029,000 first reported, a drop of -2.9%. NBC drew 8.239 million vs. 8.187 million, a gain of +.6%. This is significant because during the following week, Sept. 29, ABC overtook NBC for the first time in five years among total viewers, but by just +2%. Restated numbers could take that win away. Revised results for the week of Sept. 29, will be released next week. “CBS Evening News with Scott Pelley” was also revised up.
ABC’s “Good Morning America” was revised down as well: down -2.6% in viewers (5.531M vs. 5.677M) and down: -3% in the demo (2.105M vs. 2.168M). The morning show still holds the No. 1 spot in total viewers and the A25-54 demo.