Edited by newser, 03 May 2012 - 05:20 PM.
Ratings
Started by Junk Junk., Mar 25 2007 04:43 AM
548 replies to this topic
#521
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Posted 03 May 2012 - 05:19 PM
Words fail me today about this, so I'll just say Jay Rosen from NYU summed it up quite well on his Twitter account: "A brain dead format with Erin Burnett hosting is still a brain dead format, but dumber. CNN's problems are intellectual. What I mean is CNN has no idea what its shows are about. It creates them mindlessly, and dumps them mindlessly when they fail."
#523
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Posted 03 May 2012 - 07:16 PM
Mr. Walton takes the long view on ratings. New programs, such as one starring former CNBC anchor Erin Burnett, have generated "a lot of internal energy and passion," Mr. Walton said in an interview. He adds: "Thus far, the ratings haven't indicated what I think will happen over time, which is that they will continue to grow."
This so outlines the problems at CNN. It's not the "internal energy and passion" that is important. When Jim Walton and Ken Jautz realize it is the "external energy" and passion which are the viewers and that's what's important.
The viewers are telling you on every website possible, we are not satisfied with the current programming at CNN. But, I guess he is under the assumption that if they continue to show her promos then she'll eventually grow on us and we'll tune in. Is that what he is expecting. Or is it that he failed to get an out-clause in her contract?
He also argues that the ratings on its flagship U.S. channel hardly matter.
Does he really believe that?
"I've been here for a long time. And I enjoy what I do, and I compete and I plan to keep doing it for a while," Mr. Walton said in an interview.
Been there too long it appears. Maybe it's time to do that competing somewhere else.
Time Warner's current CEO, Jeff Bewkes, is "clearly not satisfied" with CNN's recent ratings and is pushing management of both CNN and Turner "to come up with a plan to restore momentum" of CNN, said a Time Warner spokesman.
Look what it took for these people to step up. CNN's ratings problem are no longer that little issue only whispered in certain circles. They've become a rather embarrassing public issue now forcing the top execs to address.
Time Warner executives also stress that ratings aren't the only measure of the channel's value, pointing to its reach online and overseas and its status as the outlet that viewers turn to when there is big news. Still, the weak ratings haven't gone unnoticed by cable and satellite TV operators, which pay fees to carry the channel.
CNN brought out every weapon in the CNN/USA arsenal for their Obama/Afghanistan coverage on Tuesday, and where did it get them? Yep, still beat by FOX and MSNBC by a landslide, but at least they beat HLN in the 7, 8 and 9pm hours (which has become an anomaly). What does it say for a 24 hour news channel - when their #1 program, is a talk show by a so-so host? With all of this negative publicity, It's only a matter of time before what truly is a powerful name (CNN) becomes irrelevant.
Advertisers have also noticed. CNN has done "OK, not great" in its efforts to turn around its ratings, said Jason Maltby, a TV buyer at Mindshare, a unit of WPP PLC. "Most people would like to see ratings continue to go up, but I think more people who buy CNN understand that you buy it for total day, not just for prime time," he said. "We would all like to see them be more competitive in prime time, just like in the early morning."
I think this man should do his homework a tab bit better, their early morning numbers are just as devasting.
This so outlines the problems at CNN. It's not the "internal energy and passion" that is important. When Jim Walton and Ken Jautz realize it is the "external energy" and passion which are the viewers and that's what's important.
The viewers are telling you on every website possible, we are not satisfied with the current programming at CNN. But, I guess he is under the assumption that if they continue to show her promos then she'll eventually grow on us and we'll tune in. Is that what he is expecting. Or is it that he failed to get an out-clause in her contract?
He also argues that the ratings on its flagship U.S. channel hardly matter.
Does he really believe that?
"I've been here for a long time. And I enjoy what I do, and I compete and I plan to keep doing it for a while," Mr. Walton said in an interview.
Been there too long it appears. Maybe it's time to do that competing somewhere else.
Time Warner's current CEO, Jeff Bewkes, is "clearly not satisfied" with CNN's recent ratings and is pushing management of both CNN and Turner "to come up with a plan to restore momentum" of CNN, said a Time Warner spokesman.
Look what it took for these people to step up. CNN's ratings problem are no longer that little issue only whispered in certain circles. They've become a rather embarrassing public issue now forcing the top execs to address.
Time Warner executives also stress that ratings aren't the only measure of the channel's value, pointing to its reach online and overseas and its status as the outlet that viewers turn to when there is big news. Still, the weak ratings haven't gone unnoticed by cable and satellite TV operators, which pay fees to carry the channel.
CNN brought out every weapon in the CNN/USA arsenal for their Obama/Afghanistan coverage on Tuesday, and where did it get them? Yep, still beat by FOX and MSNBC by a landslide, but at least they beat HLN in the 7, 8 and 9pm hours (which has become an anomaly). What does it say for a 24 hour news channel - when their #1 program, is a talk show by a so-so host? With all of this negative publicity, It's only a matter of time before what truly is a powerful name (CNN) becomes irrelevant.
Advertisers have also noticed. CNN has done "OK, not great" in its efforts to turn around its ratings, said Jason Maltby, a TV buyer at Mindshare, a unit of WPP PLC. "Most people would like to see ratings continue to go up, but I think more people who buy CNN understand that you buy it for total day, not just for prime time," he said. "We would all like to see them be more competitive in prime time, just like in the early morning."
I think this man should do his homework a tab bit better, their early morning numbers are just as devasting.
#524
modlib
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Posted 04 May 2012 - 02:53 AM
Excellent points, Solar System! After seeing the Ted Turner interview tonight, I wonder if CNN's hold on breaking news is slipping. Piers mentioned that CNN is still the channel everyone turns to in a big event. During election coverage, Fox and MSNBC were often competitive with CNN. You are exactly right, the Obama/Afghan event the other day was a big deal and CNN pulled out all the stops AND they still ended up third place in the ratings. That alone should be a wake up call. I honestly thought they would get a bigger bump. If people stop tuning in on big events, what is left for CNN?
I swear, being a CNN fan is like being a Chicago Cubs fan. You love them but you know they suck but you keep watching thinking this time they are gonna turn it around. My husband is going to be so pissed at that analogy! LOL!
I swear, being a CNN fan is like being a Chicago Cubs fan. You love them but you know they suck but you keep watching thinking this time they are gonna turn it around. My husband is going to be so pissed at that analogy! LOL!
#525
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Posted 04 May 2012 - 10:05 AM
Low ratings should be the least of our concerns. Ratings are "cyclical". Critics were not upbeat when CNN showed strong ratings previously. It's the same when USA lost its AAA credit ratings. It's business and politics as usual since most of us can't and will not be able to see the broader picture. I read three different article on the afore-mentioned topic and they gave different reviews of the percentages decline in ratings.
Politics and business as usual. Election is approaching, though we know some statististical facts we can't see or know everything. This is America, and this is how it goes, just think about the forecast and polls for the upcoming elections and that might help you understand.
Politics and business as usual. Election is approaching, though we know some statististical facts we can't see or know everything. This is America, and this is how it goes, just think about the forecast and polls for the upcoming elections and that might help you understand.
Edited by magnel69, 04 May 2012 - 11:48 PM.
#526
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Posted 05 May 2012 - 04:13 PM
Excellent points, Solar System! After seeing the Ted Turner interview tonight, I wonder if CNN's hold on breaking news is slipping. Piers mentioned that CNN is still the channel everyone turns to in a big event. During election coverage, Fox and MSNBC were often competitive with CNN. You are exactly right, the Obama/Afghan event the other day was a big deal and CNN pulled out all the stops AND they still ended up third place in the ratings. That alone should be a wake up call. I honestly thought they would get a bigger bump. If people stop tuning in on big events, what is left for CNN?
I swear, being a CNN fan is like being a Chicago Cubs fan. You love them but you know they suck but you keep watching thinking this time they are gonna turn it around. My husband is going to be so pissed at that analogy! LOL!
Admit, I don't follow Baseball, and had no idea Cubs were "that" bad. Your husband should be maybe a bit ticked off, since you've made this announcement.
#527
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Posted 09 May 2012 - 10:15 PM
Let me quote Jim Walton here once again about Erin Burnett OutFront ratings:
The ratings, of course, continue to drop - 46k in the demo yesterday.
http://www.mediabist...-8-2012_b127444
Thus far, the ratings haven't indicated what I think will happen over time, which is that they will continue to grow.
The ratings, of course, continue to drop - 46k in the demo yesterday.
http://www.mediabist...-8-2012_b127444
Edited by newser, 09 May 2012 - 10:16 PM.
#528
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Posted 10 May 2012 - 03:48 PM
46k, for a primetime program? 
And this portion of the Cenk Uygur article is just so telling...
Can't say that I've watched anything but video clips from his show, but it's obvious the viewing public is finding other alternatives.
And this portion of the Cenk Uygur article is just so telling...
We started at almost nothing on Current, but we have been steadily improving our numbers. Why are we getting traction? Because people want an alternative -- the real news. So, I should just stay quiet and let CNN drive off that cliff. By the way, when I catch Erin Burnett -- which is not that far off because I'm beginning to see her in the distance in the demos -- everyone will know it. Who knows, that might be the event that precipitates CNN re-thinking their entire model. Imagine if a network that started at nearly nothing catches CNN within a year.
Can't say that I've watched anything but video clips from his show, but it's obvious the viewing public is finding other alternatives.
#529
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Posted 16 May 2012 - 09:11 PM
Another day, another record low. This time it's Piers Morgan Tonight - 39k in the demo. Oddly enough, Erin Burnett OutFront was the only CNN show from 5-12 to attract more than a 100k.
http://www.mediabist...ay-15-2_b128438
http://www.mediabist...ay-15-2_b128438
#530
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Posted 17 May 2012 - 01:46 PM
Another day, another record low. This time it's Piers Morgan Tonight - 39k in the demo. Oddly enough, Erin Burnett OutFront was the only CNN show from 5-12 to attract more than a 100k.
http://www.mediabist...ay-15-2_b128438
I know cable news had a lot of competition that night from broadcast channels but man that is bad. It is ironic that OutFront was the only one to break 100k in the demo. But, if taken alone, 103k is still a really low demo rating and she didn't even break 300k in total viewership. From what I read, a lot of advertisers look at May sweep when determining where to buy ads. This can't be helping CNN's advertising pitch at all.
#533
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Posted 18 May 2012 - 02:13 AM
Yup, seems it's gonna be ugly. And with the bad press about the "lowest numbers since ____", someone (if not all of them at the top) will have to go pretty soon. Midnight is relatively late, but still PMT had only 21k in the demo yesterday. They're getting hammered all across the board, as if the entire audience suddenly decided to abandon the channel in protest.
#535
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Posted 03 June 2012 - 07:20 PM
Here's yet another bad ratings story. It's getting old by now but I might as well post it so it is in the record 
http://tvbythenumber...-in-may/136248/
I keep reading interviews from all these CNN execs and insiders that the ratings are hurting the morale at CNN. In a previous post, Solar System made a comment about how the execs were missing the point because it was not about "internal energy and passion" but the EXTERNAL passion the viewers have about the CNN network and its brand. That is absolutely right. I am baffled that they still talk about ratings as if it is an internal problem. I agree with Solar System, the ratings are a reflection of viewers outwardly rejecting the product you are offering. You can poach whatever rising talent from whatever random channel you want and pride yourself on a good "get" but if that person can't relate to the audience in a meaningful way or uphold a journalistic ethic that defines CNN then they should be fired.
Yes, CNN is still making money and that is what they care about most but isn't the precipitous drop in ratings a potential cause for decreased revenue? Do they not care about the brand?
People are finding alternatives to CNN and when breaking news happens they will find themselves going back less and less. Sorry magnel69, I have to disagree on one point - this ratings decline is not cyclical. It is systemic. CNN is the only one seeing this large of a drop in ratings. Personally, I find CNN domestic becoming increasingly disconnected with their constituency. Can CNN even define their audience anymore? Who are they trying to speak to? What do they stand for? I always though of them as the source for straight, honest news for the people. They were the ones asking hard questions, all around the world, holding the powerful accountable, challenging entrenched interests, not playing favorites but fighting on behalf of the public interest to know and understand more. I guess that is not the direction CNN is going to go. Pity.
http://tvbythenumber...-in-may/136248/
I keep reading interviews from all these CNN execs and insiders that the ratings are hurting the morale at CNN. In a previous post, Solar System made a comment about how the execs were missing the point because it was not about "internal energy and passion" but the EXTERNAL passion the viewers have about the CNN network and its brand. That is absolutely right. I am baffled that they still talk about ratings as if it is an internal problem. I agree with Solar System, the ratings are a reflection of viewers outwardly rejecting the product you are offering. You can poach whatever rising talent from whatever random channel you want and pride yourself on a good "get" but if that person can't relate to the audience in a meaningful way or uphold a journalistic ethic that defines CNN then they should be fired.
Yes, CNN is still making money and that is what they care about most but isn't the precipitous drop in ratings a potential cause for decreased revenue? Do they not care about the brand?
People are finding alternatives to CNN and when breaking news happens they will find themselves going back less and less. Sorry magnel69, I have to disagree on one point - this ratings decline is not cyclical. It is systemic. CNN is the only one seeing this large of a drop in ratings. Personally, I find CNN domestic becoming increasingly disconnected with their constituency. Can CNN even define their audience anymore? Who are they trying to speak to? What do they stand for? I always though of them as the source for straight, honest news for the people. They were the ones asking hard questions, all around the world, holding the powerful accountable, challenging entrenched interests, not playing favorites but fighting on behalf of the public interest to know and understand more. I guess that is not the direction CNN is going to go. Pity.
#536
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Posted 08 August 2012 - 11:20 AM
We'll back tomorrow , if they let us out of our cages. - Monita and Owen on CNN Today, 2008.
#537
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#538
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Posted 18 April 2013 - 02:01 PM
Yes, this is the kind of story where people flock to CNN. MSNBC is typically more politically focused. Then again that just means lots more people watched them screw it up while little old MSNBC got it right and nobody noticed. I watched some MSNBC last night and they spent a lot of time crowing about how CNN and Fox botched it while they got it right. Apparently, humility isn't their forte either.
#539
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Posted 08 May 2013 - 10:26 PM
Tuesday Ratings: CNN Beats Fox News In The Key Primetime Demo
http://www.mediaite....primetime-demo/
We'll back tomorrow , if they let us out of our cages. - Monita and Owen on CNN Today, 2008.
#540
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Posted 09 May 2013 - 03:47 AM
Yes, this is the kind of story where people flock to CNN. MSNBC is typically more politically focused. Then again that just means lots more people watched them screw it up while little old MSNBC got it right and nobody noticed. I watched some MSNBC last night and they spent a lot of time crowing about how CNN and Fox botched it while they got it right. Apparently, humility isn't their forte either.
On that note, it was NBC News' Pete Williams that got it right, not MSNBC per se. Unless they build on this experience and start billing themselves as the breaking news outlet for NBC News (apart from leaning forward, that is), they (now basically reverting to America's Talking 
) will only further alienate the looking-for-breaking-news folk.
previosuly kev
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