Published: December 31, 2002
preview / download IS ALSO NO. 1 FOR THE HOLIDAY WEEK OF DECEMBER 23-27, 2002
NEW YORK — December 31, 2002 — According to Nielsen Media Research data, NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw was the No. 1 network evening newscast for the fourth quarter 2002, outperforming ABC and CBS in all categories. For the quarter, Nightly News averaged 10.560 million viewers (7.6/15), a 5% advantage over ABC World News Tonights 10.128 million (7.2/14), and a 24% lead over CBS Evening News 8.528 million (6.0/12). Compared to the fourth quarter 2001, Nightly News widened the gap over ABC from a 297,000-viewer advantage last year, to a 432,000 total viewer margin this year. The NBC newscast was No. 1 among total viewers for 12 of the quarters 14 weeks, and has now outperformed the competition for 13 consecutive quarters.
Among women, men and adults 25-54, Nightly News was top-rated during the fourth quarter in all categories. Specifically among younger viewers (adults 25-54), Nightly News posted a 3.3 rating, a 14% advantage over ABCs 2.9, and a 50% lead over CBS 2.2 rating. The Brokaw-anchored newscast won all 14 weeks of the quarter among younger viewers, and has now won among adults 25-54 for 25 straight quarters (including one tie).
For the holiday week of December 23 – 27, 2002, Nightly News was also No. 1, winning the week in all categories. For the week, Nightly News averaged 9.884 million viewers (6.8/14), ABC followed with 9.807 million (6.6/13), and CBS trailed with 8.319 million (5.8/12).
Among the key demographics women, men and adults 25-54, Nightly News won the week across the board. Among adults 25-54, Nightly News posted a 3.0 rating, a 16% advantage over ABCs 2.6, and a 37% lead over CBS 2.2 rating. Nightly News has now placed first among younger viewers (adults 25-54) for 65 straight weeks (including two ties).
Please note that due to the holidays, all three network evening newscasts were three-day averages for the week of December 23 – 27, 2002.
Steve Capus is the executive producer of NBC Nightly News with Tom Brokaw. John Reiss is the senior broadcast producer.
