Current：Home > StocksHow ratings for first presidential debate of 2024 compare with past debates -USAMarket
How ratings for first presidential debate of 2024 compare with past debates
View
Date：2025-04-16 11:40:24
The much-anticipated debate on Thursday night between President Joe Biden and former President Donald Trump drew an estimated 51.27 million viewers to the CNN presentation, Nielsen and CNN reported on Friday.
The 90-minute debate, hosted by CNN and simulcast on an additional 16 television networks reported by Nielsen, featured just the two presumptive party nominees and was defined by rambling answers by the current president and lies and misstatements by his predecessor.
The network telecast the event from its studios in Atlanta, providing a live feed to others free of charge but with conditions over its presentation and branding, CNN stated.
How many people watched the first presidential debate of 2024?
CNN drew 9.53 million television viewers to its flagship channel, including 3.379 million in the 25-54 demographic, the network said Friday. Fox News drew 9.276 million viewers, ABC News had 9.21 million and MSNBC drew 4.122 million viewers, according to the network.
The first presidential debate of 2024 generated more than 30 million views on CNN's digital properties and on YouTube. "Across CNN's digital platforms, the debate was CNN's biggest debate ever and tied with our biggest live stream event ever with 2.3 million concurrent live views at 9:47 p.m," CNN stated.
How do ratings compare to past debate viewership?
While the network's biggest TV audience of the year, the count of those who watched Thursday night's debate on TV marks a 30% decline from 2020, when more than 73 million people watched the first debate between Biden and Trump across all TV networks. In 2016, a record 84 million people watched the first debate between Hillary Clinton and Trump.
The previous most-watched program in CNN's history came in 2015, when a Republican debate featuring Trump and GOP competitors averaged 23.1 million viewers, the network relayed.
- In:
- Presidential Debate
Kate Gibson is a reporter for CBS MoneyWatch in New York, where she covers business and consumer finance.
veryGood！ (198)
Related
- Gen. Mark Milley's security detail and security clearance revoked, Pentagon says
- Ukraine aid in growing jeopardy as Republicans double down on their demands for border security
- Bangladesh opposition party holds protest as it boycotts Jan. 7 national election amid violence
- Heavy fighting in south Gaza as Israel presses ahead with renewed US military and diplomatic support
- US appeals court rejects Nasdaq’s diversity rules for company boards
- Wisconsin university regents reject deal with Republicans to reduce diversity positions
- Texas AG Ken Paxton files petition to block Kate Cox abortion, despite fatal fetal diagnosis
- Police chase in Philadelphia ends in shootout that leaves 2 officers, suspect wounded
- Off the Grid: Sally breaks down USA TODAY's daily crossword puzzle, Hi Hi!
- South Carolina jury convicts inmate in first trial involving deadly prison riots
Ranking
- Krispy Kreme offers a free dozen Grinch green doughnuts: When to get the deal
- Over 300 Rohingya Muslims fleeing Myanmar arrive in Indonesia’s Aceh region after weeks at sea
- Columbus Crew top LAFC to win franchise's third MLS Cup
- Ukraine condemns planned Russian presidential election in occupied territory
- NHL in ASL returns, delivering American Sign Language analysis for Deaf community at Winter Classic
- Police chase in Philadelphia ends in shootout that leaves 2 officers, suspect wounded
- West African leaders acknowledge little progress in their push for democracy in coup-hit region
- Unbelievably frugal Indianapolis man left $13 million to charities
Recommendation
Average rate on 30
Zimbabwe holds special elections after court rules to remove 9 opposition lawmakers from Parliament
Nacua and Flowers set for matchup of top rookie receivers when the Rams visit Ravens
Columbus Crew top LAFC to win franchise's third MLS Cup
Federal court filings allege official committed perjury in lawsuit tied to Louisiana grain terminal
Anthony Davis leads Lakers to NBA In-Season Tournament title, 123-109 over Pacers
Shohei Ohtani agrees to record $700 million, 10-year contract with Dodgers
At DC roast, Joe Manchin jokes he could be the slightly younger president America needs