YEAR
NETWORKS
TOTAL RATING
TOTAL HOMES
2004
Total- ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOXNC
14.3*
15,537,000*
2000
Total- ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOXNC
15.3**
15,380,000**
1996
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, PBS
17.2
16,418,000
1992
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, PBS
22
20,500,000
1988
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
19.8
17,400,000
1984
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
23.4
19,500,000
1980
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
27
20,700,000
1976
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
25.2
17,400,000
1972
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
18.3
11,400,000
1968
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
28.5
16,200,000
1964
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
28.8
14,695,000
1960
Total– ABC, CBS, NBC
29.2
13,216,000
Source: The Nielsen Company (1960 – 2004)
Presidential nominating conventions are held in July and August with the party holding the Presidency scheduling its convention last. Changes in the parties’ primary system have impacted the conventions in recent campaigns.
*2004 data based on the sum of Dem. Convention Coverage during Common Coverage Time Periods: ABC, CBS, NBC, CNN, MSNBC, FOXNC = Mon, Wed, Thur. 10-11:00pm; CNN, MSNBC, FOXNC = Tues appr. 10-11pm.
**2000 data based on the sum of Dem. Convention Coverage during Common Coverage Time periods: ABC, CNN, MSNBC, FOXNC = Mon appr. 10-11:45p, and Tues through Thurs. appr. 10-11pm; NBC= Mon 10:30-11:45p, Wed-Thu 10-11pm; CBS=Wed-Thu appr. 10-11pm
