Business news cable network CNBC reported Monday that its viewership for the month rose 28 percent to 302,000 viewers from the same month in January 2007.

The total marks CNBC’s best month in total viewers since September 2001, excluding Olympic programming, the network said.Â

The viewer count reflects only measured ratings. The majority of CNBC’s affluent and well-educated audience isn’t counted by Nielsen Media Research because it neither measures out-of-home viewing nor affluent homes. Much of CNBC’s viewing takes place out of home and in places such as C-suites, executive offices, trading floors, offices, restaurants, health clubs and other locations.

In measured ratings for January 2008 compared with January 2007, “Worldwide Exchange”, which airs from 5 a.m. to 6 a.m., is up 11 period and the time period is having its best January since 2004. “Squawk Box,” which airs from 6 a.m. to 9 a.m., is up 37 percent in total viewers and is having its best January since 2001. “Squawk on the Street,” which airs from 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., is up 35 percent and the time period is having its best month since September 2001.

“The Call,” which airs from 11 a.m. to noon, is up 33 percent in its time period and the time period is having its best month since April 2001. “Power Lunch,” which airs from noon to 2 p.m., is up 18 percent and is having its best month since January 2002.

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