Wednesday’s “New Hampshire Democratic Town Hall” on CNN beat Fox News, giving CNN a win over its rival.
Moderated by Anderson Cooper, the Town Hall averaged 2.7 million total viewers. Fox News followed with 2.3 million, and MSNBC trailed with 984,ooo. Among the key 25-54-year-old demo, CNN averaged 871,000 viewers to beat Fox News (486K) and MSNBC (243K) combined.
Things could turn around quickly, as MSNBC hosts tonight’s Democratic debate. In addition to a nice ratings night for CNN, many journalists also appear to have a positive reaction to the network’s Town Halls:
Those audience questions were among the best I've heard this election season. Good work New Hampshire! #DemTownHall
— WIRED (@WIRED) February 4, 2016
You know who really won the #DemTownHall? I think it was the voters in that room, who asked some pretty great questions.
— Jeff Chu 朱天慧 (@jeffchu) February 4, 2016
The range and quality of the questions at the CNN town hall are so impressive. Raising the bar for future debates/forums. Kudos to audience.
— Dan Balz (@danbalz) February 4, 2016
These CNN televised town halls are so much better than all debates on both sides combined. Interaction with voters so much more telling.
— Mo Elleithee ?? ?? (@MoElleithee) February 4, 2016
Terrific questions from voters at this CNN town hall. Rabbi's on ego/humility balance so apt/smart
— John Harwood (@JohnJHarwood) February 4, 2016