What's Happening?
The first week of the 2025-2026 broadcast season has brought positive results for ABC News and NBC News, with both networks seeing an increase in total viewers for the week of September 22. ABC World News Tonight with David Muir averaged 7.181 million total viewers and 856,000 in the Adults 25-54 demographic, marking a 3% increase in total viewers and a 2% rise in the demo compared to the previous week. NBC Nightly News with Tom Llamas also saw a 3% increase in total viewers, reaching 5.701 million, and a 2% rise in the demo with 808,000 viewers. This growth comes as the networks begin using Nielsen's new big data and panel national TV measurement system.
Why It's Important?
The increase in viewership for ABC and NBC highlights the networks' ability to attract and retain audiences in a competitive media landscape. The use of Nielsen's new measurement system, which combines traditional panel data with big data from various devices, could provide more accurate insights into viewing habits. This growth is significant for advertisers targeting the Adults 25-54 demographic, as it suggests a stable or growing audience base. The performance of these networks could influence advertising strategies and budget allocations in the broadcast industry.