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Former President Donald Trump\u2019s recent rally coverage outshone MSNBC\u2019s much-hyped interview with President Joe Biden, landing the ex-president\u2019s event as the second most-watched hour on cable news. Newsmax\u2019s live coverage of Trump\u2019s rally topped the ratings, outpacing both Fox News\u2019 early evening programming and MSNBC\u2019s interview slot.<\/p>\n
According to Nielsen ratings, MSNBC host Jonathan Capehart\u2019s interview with Biden drew a total of 732,000 viewers, with just 62,000 in the key advertising demographic of adults ages 25-54. Despite being advertised as Biden\u2019s first televised sit-down following his State of the Union address, the broadcast fell short in viewership.<\/p>\n
During the interview, Biden acknowledged regret for referring to Georgia student Laken Riley\u2019s accused killer as \u201can illegal\u201d during his speech, expressing he should have used the term \u201cundocumented person.\u201d Additionally, Biden discussed his stance on Israel\u2019s actions in Gaza, claiming a \u201cred line\u201d for Israel\u2019s conduct and referencing a \u201ccome to Jesus meeting\u201d with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu regarding the war.<\/p>\n
Although the interview generated headlines, MSNBC still lagged behind both Fox News and Newsmax. Newsmax\u2019s coverage of Trump\u2019s rally garnered 898,000 viewers during the same hour, with 63,000 in the key demographic. Trump\u2019s speech criticized Biden\u2019s address as \u201cangry, dark, hate-filled\u201d while mocking the president\u2019s inability to speak fluently, directly, and coherently. <\/p>\n
While Newsmax\u2019s rally coverage boosted its ratings and outperformed MSNBC, it fell short of surpassing Fox News. Fox News\u2019 weekend news show anchored by Jon Scott drew 927,000 total viewers, maintaining the program\u2019s average numbers.<\/p>\n
Despite MSNBC\u2019s third-place finish, Capehart\u2019s show experienced a modest ratings boost. The Biden interview marked the highest ratings for The Saturday Show this year and drew nearly 40 percent more viewers than CNN in the same time slot.<\/p>\n
Weekends historically draw lower viewership for cable news networks, with MSNBC addressing this by revamping its weekend lineup last year. While Newsmax has previously achieved ratings victories over larger competitors, its ratings have fluctuated. The exception arises when the network dedicates its airtime to Trump-related events, drawing increased viewership because people seem to care about what he has to say and what he has in store for Americans if he wins this election. <\/p>\n
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