Saddam Hussein’s capture more than tripled viewership of CNN Sunday, but ratings leader Fox News still won the day.
Fox News claimed an average of 2.32 million viewers Sunday based on Nielsen figures, an increase of 187 percent over the December average. CNN had an average of 1.97 million viewers Sunday, an increase of 336 percent from its December average. Third-place MSNBC attracted an average of 677,000 viewers, a 235 percent increase.
CNN spokeswoman Christa Robinson said CNN had the biggest percentage increase and that the network pulled ahead for a few hours in the morning.
“We do have the biggest jump,” she said. “More people think to come to CNN when breaking news happens.”
Fox points out that it also the 5 a.m. hour, when the news broke, and the day. “It is hard for CNN to accept that Fox News Channel has become the destination for breaking news,” spokeswoman Irena Briganti said.
Fox has had higher ratings than CNN for nearly two years, but CNN still generates more revenue from ads and cable fees.