RNC ratings down over 2016 convention, Dems’ first night

Traditional TV broadcast ratings for the 2020 Republican National Convention are a bit of a mixed bag.

Nielsen data indicates that about 17 million watched primetime coverage between 10 and 11 p.m. eastern, which is down 26% over the first night of the 2016 RNC, reports Axios.

That number is also 13% less than the number of viewers for the first night of the 2020 Democratic National Convention Aug. 17, 2020.

It’s important to note this data does not include streaming or digital platforms, which are, of course, becoming an increasingly popular way to get TV.

Fox’s conservative commentary channel racked up a win among both broadcast and cable networks — with 7 million viewers, which is just under 2 million more than MSNBC saw during its DNC coverage Aug. 17.

The 17 million figure also does incorporate numbers from the expanded coverage that cable networks offered outside the hours of 10 to 11 p.m. It’s also worth noting that the official RNC feed was offered outside of this hour as well.

Like the Democrats, the Republican convention also featured both live and taped segments and lacked much of the dramatic arena views that viewers may have come to expect.

The GOP convention also technically ended Monday afternoon, with the event being billed as the “convention” actually containing no convention business.