Posted by madcityradio.com on January 21, 2009 at 14:30:19:
iDGi: Obama inauguration rating highest since Reagan's 1st
Jeff Richgels | 77 Square | January 21, 2009
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Barack Obama's inauguration drew a rating of 29.2 percent in the top 56 TV markets where Nielsen maintains TV meters, the ratings agency reported Wednesday.
If Obama's total U.S. rating comes in near that figure it will be the highest since Ronald Reagan drew a 37.4 in 1981.
Obama drew his highest rating in Raleigh/Durham, N.C., at 51.2 percent, while Seattle/Tacoma was lowest at 18.8 percent.
Madison wasn't measured, but Milwaukee came in at 25.7 percent.
The audience estimate reflects live coverage on the combination of 14 broadcast and cable networks throughout the day's events from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. with CNBC and ESPN airing the inauguration from 10:30 a.m.-noon., Nielsen said.
Nielsen's audience measurement is based only on viewing in the home, so the figures do not include viewing that occurred in offices, schools, and other public spaces. That holds true for previous inaugurations as well.
That means those who watched Tuesday's ceremonies at a public viewing event were not counted.