CNBC falls, Fox Business gains in 2012 ratings

Chris Ariens of  TVNewser.com writes Wednesday that business news network CNBC saw its ratings fall in 2012, while rival Fox Business Network gained in the ratings.

Arines writes, “The 2012 ratings year ends Dec. 30, but here’s how the networks are stacking up as we go into the holidays.

12/26/11 – 12/17/12:

• CNBC Total Day Average: 171,000 Total Viewers / 51,000 A25-54

• FBN Total Day Average: 63,000 Total Viewers / 14,000 A25-54

“CNBC is down -14% in viewers and down -15% in the demo vs. 2011, while FBN is up +2% and up +17%. CNBC is delivering its lowest rated year since 2005 with some shows down as much as -30% vs. last year. Marquee shows ‘Squawk Box’ and ‘Squawk on the Street’ are at 2006 levels. ‘Closing Bell’ is having its lowest rated year ever. The only program to see growth at CNBC — and only in the demo — is the 10pm hour of documentaries.

“The highlights at Fox include ‘Lou Dobbs Tonight’ which put up its best numbers yet (137,000 total viewers / 38,000 demo) topping CNBC’s ‘The Kudlow Report’ in both the third and fourth quarter in younger viewers. Dobbs joined FBN in early 2011.

“FBN’s ‘Varney & Co.’ is also having its best year ever averaging 99,000 total viewers and 20,000 in the demo.”

Read more here.