CNBC third quarter ratings are strong

CNBC’s business day, which runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., had a strong third quarter, according to data released Wednesday.

In total viewers, business day (318,000) rose 26 percent from last year’s third quarter (253,000) and had its best overall quarter since first quarter 2001.

For adults ages 25 to 54, business day (94,000) rose 19 percent from last year’s third quarter. This is CNBC’s best third quarter since 2000 and its best overall quarter since the first quarter of 2007.Â

While the market is open — 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. – CNBC averaged 396,000 total viewers, up 22 percent from the same quarter a year ago (324,000), and had its best third quarter ever.

In adults ages 25 to 54, market hours (107,000) had its best third quarter since 2000 and best overall quarter since the first quarter 2007.

CNBC’s primetime schedule (7 p.m. to 2 a.m.), averaged 165,000 in total viewers, up 15 percent from last year’s third quarter (144,000) and is its best third quarter since 2002. In adults ages 25 to 54, CNBC primetime is up 11 percent from the third quarter 2007 (69,000 compared with 62,000) with its best third quarter since 2001.

These ratings only reflect CNBC’s measured audience. The vast majority of CNBC’s audience isn’t measured by Nielsen because Nielsen doesn’t measure out of home viewing. Much of CNBC’s viewing takes place out of home and in places such as C-suites, executive offices, offices, trading floors, restaurants, health clubs and other locations.

This past Monday, Sept. 29, was the most watched business day — 5 a.m. to 7 p.m. — in CNBC’s history in terms of total viewers with 726,000.