KO Countdown beat Billo & Debate 2nd only to American Idol

[RamboLiberal]

I'm sure the debate was the impetus though Countdown has been getting great ratings and is close to Billo many nights. Last night Countdown beat Billo in the key demo 718 to Billos 625.

In addition to being the third-most watched debate of this election cycle, last night's Democratic showdown in Cleveland was MSNBC's most-watched program in the 11-year history of the network. In a head-to-head 9pmET match-up, the debate was second only to FOX's American Idol. It ranked as the fourth most-watched program in Total Viewers on all of TV last night.

"I'm proud that millions of viewers were able to experience the most anticipated debate of the season on MSNBC," said NBC SVP Phil Griffin in a press release.

The numbers for the debate, which was moderated by Brian Williams, joined by Tim Russert, more than doubled MSNBC's previous Total Viewer high of 3.7 million who watched on March 19, 2003, the night the Iraq war began.

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/

NEW YORK — Feb. 27, 2008 — MSNBC's telecast of last night's Democratic candidates debate drew 7.8 million viewers (9-10:36 p.m. ET), becoming the most watched broadcast in the eleven year history of the network, according to Nielsen Media Research. The debate, between Democratic presidential candidates Sen. Hillary Clinton and Sen. Barack Obama, was moderated by "NBC Nightly News" anchor Brian Williams, joined by "Meet the Press" moderator and NBC News Washington Bureau Chief Tim Russert. It is the third most watched debate this season and the second most watched on cable.

"Voters are incredibly engaged and passionate about the presidential election; it's one of the most exciting in history. I'm proud that millions of viewers were able to experience the most anticipated debate of the season on MSNBC," said Phil Griffin, Senior Vice President, NBC News and executive in charge of MSNBC. "This is an exciting time for MSNBC, and numbers like these show that our work in establishing the network as the place for politics over the past two years has paid off."

The debate was the #4 program of the night, broadcast or cable, in total viewers and ranked second only to "American Idol"/"Back to You" on Fox in its time period. The debate was also the #1 cable program of the night among total viewers and Adults 25-54. Last night's debate averaged 3.24 million Adults 25-54, also a record for the network. Last night's debate shatters MSNBC's previous total viewer high, 3.7 million viewers (8-11 p.m. on March 19, 2003, the beginning of the Iraq war).

http://www.mediabistro.com/tvnewser/msnbc/democratic_debate_mostwatched_program_in_the_history_of_msnbc_78559.asp

[rzemanfl]

1. I have hope for this country when a debate can outdraw a

brand-new shiny shock and awe war.

[Kittycat]

2. Was Idol on last night?

I've yet to watch more than 5min on the opening night. It just interrupts my political news fix.