Q1 2013 Ratings: Jodi Arias Trial Propels HLN

By Alex Weprin 

The Jodi Arias trial propelled HLN to some huge growth in Q1 2013 and March. How many viewers stick around once it ends remains to be seen, but for now, the network is seeing triple-digit growth.

The ratings for Q1, 2013 (Nielsen Live + Same Day data):

  • Primetime (Mon-Sun): 435,000 Total Viewers / 155,000 A25-54
  • Total Day (Mon-Sun): 308,000 Total Viewers / 118,000 A25-54

Compared to Q1 2012, HLN is up +17% in Total Day and +12% in primetime in total viewers. The network is up +23% and +32% in the A25-54 demo in total day and prime, respectively (Note: percentages are based on a blend of Nielsen Live + 7 and Live + 3 data).

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The biggest gains are in the afternoon hours, where HLN is up over +100% in total and demo viewers from 3-6PM ET. 4PM’s “Making It In America,” for example, is up +136% in total viewers and +128% in the demo compared to Q1 2012.

While 8PM’s “Nancy Grace” is still the channel’s most popular show, she actually saw less growth than the other primetime hours, up +5% in total viewers and up +18% in the demo. At 7 PM Jane Velez-Mitchell was up +39% in total viewers and +50% in the demo, while at 9 PM “Dr Drew,” “What Would You Do?” and “Mysteries” combined to be up +33% and +61% in total day and prime respectively. At 10 PM “Nancy Grace, ” “What Would You Do,” “Mysteries” and “HLN After Dark” combined to be up +33% and +49% in total day and prime.

The only major HLN show to see any sort of decline is the morning show “Morning Express,” which was down -13% in total viewers,  but was up +1% in the demo.

March was even better for HLN than Q1, with every hour up at least double digits, and some afternoon hours up as much as 300% over 2012. HLN even topped all the other cable news channels at 3pm and 4pm in the demo in March, a feat not seen since the Casey Anthony trial.

HLN’s new challenge is getting viewers to stick around once the Arias trial ends. With TruTV cutting back on In Session, there are plenty of viewers out there looking for their trial fix.

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