Categories: OLD Media Moves

CNBC ratings hit seven-year low

Nielsen stats show CNBC’s ratings for the second quarter were the lowest since 2005, reports Jeff Reeves, editor of InvstorPlace.com.

Reeves writes, “The proof is in the specifics of some of CNBC’s stock-focused shows, based on some numbers I got a hold of:

Squawk Box (6-9 a.m.) is supposed to prime traders before the bell. The show posted its lowest rated its time block since Q4 2006.
The Closing Bell (3-5 p.m.) is supposed to wrap up the day’s action. The slot posted its fifth-lowest rating in total viewers and second-lowest ratings in the key 25-54 demographic since 1997.
Fast Money (5-6 p.m.) is focused almost specifically on swing trading stocks. That time slot showed the lowest rating for the 25-54 demo since 1997 — and lowest in total viewers since Fast Money launched in 2006.

“Not good.

“Of course, out of respect for CNBC it must be noted that it’s not their fault the market is miserable, and bad ratings don’t necessarily reflect bad shows. After all, we don’t blame builders like Pulte or Lennar for causing the housing crisis with poorly made homes.

“It’s also worth noting that many cable networks are experiencing a viewership drain as many younger folks take their eyeballs to the Internet — and CNBC is hardly ignoring the move to online content.”

View Comments

Rick Church says:
June 26, 2012 at 12:51 pm
Their programming has stunk for years. They have been more focused on building their own celebrity through book writing, ads, etc than providing great content. It just takes time before viewers realize they provide no value to the investment decision process. Additionally, viewers are finding media such as Twitter far more utilitarian.
matt says:
June 26, 2012 at 1:01 pm
People are figuring out CNBC is nothing but a "Serve Wall St. and it's views machine". Always Bullish and Always why you need to buy now. Anyone who didn't see the financial crisis coming isn't worth toilet paper. Corporate CNBC consistently fails to inform it's viewers of the continuing WORLD DEBT CRISIS and it's impact on America. Hide and Obviscate the Horrible Economy to keep people stupid and invested so that CNBC/GE/MSNBC keep their liberal President in power.
Jim Nazyum says:
June 26, 2012 at 1:12 pm
Fox Business is boss!
David Droll says:
June 26, 2012 at 10:28 pm
The viewers have beat feet for a number of reasons:
1. The "personalities" are bigger than the news cf. Kernan; 2. Conflict of interest as Mgrs talk their book; 3. Most know the emotional frenzy they cook and boil over mere noise is antithetical to profits; 4. The channel is less about news and more about anchors giving "their" spin- which is a contrarian indicator. They just forgot how to interview properly.
M.J. says:
June 27, 2012 at 12:03 pm
Matt,
I disagree with the last sentence of your comment because CNBC does blast democrats and the Obama administration frequently. They are not like MSNBC at all. Rick Santelli, Maria Bartiromo, Joe Kiernan, Larry Kudlow, and almost all their other on-air personalities blame the dems for all the business regulation and fault them for the economy.
I do agree with your first point about CNBC serving Wall Street. They basically refuse to hold any Wall St. firms accountable for anything. They are so afraid of losing access to CEO interviews, that they really do not challenge big wall street firms at all.
AP says:
July 11, 2012 at 9:25 am
I was a big time viewer of CNBC. 24/7. I would rather watch Bloomberg or Fox now and never watch CNBC. The screaming is out of control. Go to Bloomberg and they are so quiet and in control. Cramer is just totally obnoxious. But the reason i hate CNBC is Ric Santelli. How they let this Univ of Ill at somewhere graduate have 2 hrs a day to rant and rave his opinions is one of the scariest things ever. As if he is the expert on everything. Ever hear him LISTEN to anyone? Just his moronic, self serving rants. Anytime someone challenges him on the facts he just screams over them, until they stop debating. Pathetic.