Olbermann, on Fire, Surges Past Zahn in Ratings

[rodeodance]

http://www.mydd.com/story/2006/9/11/221640/106

Olbermann, on Fire, Surges Past Zahn in Ratings

by Jonathan Singer, Mon Sep 11, 2006 at 10:16:40 PM EST

When Keith Olbermann took the courageous step of delivering a blistering attack on top administration officials for likening those opposed to the War in Iraq to Neville Chamberlain's appeasement crowd last week, it was not a foregone conclusion that his special comment would be received well or that his ratings would hold steady, let alone rise. After all, with the exception of the occasional moment from Jack Cafferty or the even less frequent moment from Chris Matthews, cable news -- well, really all television news shows tend to hedge their bets and play it safe for fear of reprisal from the vast right wing apparatus.

But Olbermann's special comment caught the attention of many Americans desperate for common sense on the airwaves and cable wires -- so much so that his ratings have noticeably increased in relation to his competition. On Tuesday September 5, the evening Olbermann went after the administration's "appeasement" rhetoric, Countdown received a better-than-normal 669,000 viewers, though this number equalled just 64.8 percent of Paula Zahn's ratings at the same time over at CNN and 66.3 percent of her ratings in the key 25-54 demographic. The next evening Olbermann's overall numbers were down a bit to 554,000 viewers. This number, however, represented 84.2 percent of Zahn's rating. What's more, Olbermann actually beat Zahn by more than 25 percent among the 25-54 demo. On Thursday, Olbermann again got around 84 percent of Zahn's rating, but this time trounced her by more than 50 percent among the key demo. By Friday night, Olbermann surpassed Zahn in overall numbers even as younger viewers, his best demo, generally opted to go out instead of watching television news............

[babylonsister]

1. Don't let the door hit you in the heiny, Paula! nt

[donco6]

2. I added Countdown to my TIVO finally.

After the Rummy comments. And then I got the Bush Blast. I can't wait to hear what he will say now.

[Armstead]

3. There would be a message there, if TV execs had any sense

There can be ratings in liberal fire -- or simple common sense -- if the network would allow it to happen, and do it correctly.

[Skittles]

5. there are ratings in common sense and truth

which in a perfect world would appeal to ALL Americans

[Bjorn Against]

8. They have heard the message before, they did not listen

Phil Donahue had the highest rated show on MSNBC at one time, but they canned him anyways.

Why? Well a leaked memo proves the reason was that the network did not like the fact that he was giving people opposed to the war in Iraq a voice.

Keith could be in a lot of trouble if we do not stand by him. Cable "news" is not entirely about ratings, it is also about pushing an agenda. And right now Keith is pushing an agenda the corporate bigwigs don't like.

We need to stand by Keith because his ratings alone will not protect him.

[OrangeCountyDemocrat]

4. It's Still Depressing....

Sooooooo Many people still would rather watch PZ than a real news program like Countdown.

I can't wait for the day when Keith is #1 in his time slot counting all demographics.

[SharonRB]

6. You and me both, OCD

`:hi:

[gademocrat7]

7. And me also.

[Stalwart]

9. Common Sense

delivered with reason and thought is not a niche market. There are still many who know it when they see it. And they will want to see more of it! Ratings, yes! What a simple way to drive them up.

KO is the best reality show on TV.

[Jackpine Radical]

10. This data tends to blow the shit out of the argument

that conservatism is overrepresented in the M$M because the viewers demand it.

[wanpete]

11. Surely, Paula Zahn has no ratings! Her show is AWFUL!

Keith has really hit his stride and he's on fire!

[Tigress DEM]

12. I barely watch TV anymore. WHEN is Olberman on?

Countdown?

[immoderate]

14. At 8 pm and midnight eastern time.

I think they rerun it the next morning but I don't know the time.

--IMM

[Berry Cool]

16. I don't think they run it in the morning anymore. eom

[Canuckistanian]

13. Finally, some good ratings NOT based on trivial subject matter

After all the Jon Benet/Natalee/Laci Peterson crap, someone is finally getting some good ratings for something important.

I think Keith is the new Edward R. Murrow.

[Downtown Hound]

15. Right about now

Bill O'Reilly is banging his head against the wall in rage and chasing his terrified secretaries around the room with Falafel in one hand and a vibrator in the other. Good job Keith!

[City Lights]

17. GO KEITH GO!

:loveya:

[ProudDad]

18. Who's paula zahn?

I don't have cable.