Do politics play a role in TV viewing?
Yes and no, according to Nielsen IAG, which recently released data showing which cable programs are most “engaging” among self-identified Democrats and Republicans.
“Engagement” refers to the amount of attention paid to a television program by the average viewer. Nielsen measures TV engagement by questioning a representative panel of viewers about their recall of specific telecasts’ content.
Nielsen’s analysis found that the cable programs that received the highest overall engagement scores — meaning viewers were most engaged in the shows’ content — also received the most bipartisan support, drawing high engagement scores from viewers of both parties, as well as from viewers who identify as political “Independents.”
As might be expected, however, several programs had clear partisan bents. On Comedy Central, for example, Democratic viewers paid the most attention to “The Colbert Report,” while “South Park” was the network’s most engaging show among Republicans.
Highest Bipartisan Engagement Highest Republican Engagement Highest Democrat Engagement
Cable Series:
Network
Cable Series:
Network
Cable Series:
Network
The Cleaner
A&E
South Park
COMEDY
The Colbert Report
COMEDY
Real Housewives of Orange County
BRAVO
Cash Cab
DSC
Deadliest Catch
DSC
The Next Food Network Star
FOOD
Damages
FX
Its Always Sunny in Philadelphia
FX
HGTV Design Star
HGTV
Battle 360
HISTORY
Ax Men
HISTORY
Army Wives
LIFE
Doctor Who
SCIFI
Tin Man
SCIFI
The Hills
MTV
The Bill Engval Show
TBS
My Boys
TBS
What Not to Wear
TLC
Rock of Love With Bret Michaels
VH1
I Love New York
VH1
Saving Grace
TNT
In Plain Sight
USA
Source: The Nielsen Company (2008).
Read coverage of Nielsen’s findings on NPR.org and in the Los Angeles Times, the Washington Post and Mediaweek.
