Numbers, Facts and Trends Shaping Your World

Local TV: Early evening average viewership (2016)

Year Viewership
2007 25,722,000
2008 25,254,000
2009* 23,260,000
2010 23,912,000
2011 23,609,000
2012 22,020,000
2013 22,736,000
2014 23,309,000
2015 22,825,000

 

* In 2009, local television audiences were measured in March rather than February because of the scheduled transition to digital television. Therefore, the 2009 average includes March instead of the traditional February sweep. Note: Numbers represent ABC, CBS, Fox and NBC affiliates for the four sweeps – February, May, July and November. Source: Pew Research Center analysis of Nielsen Media Research, used under license. “State of the News Media 2016”

Icon for promotion number 1

Sign up for The Briefing

Weekly updates on the world of news & information

Icon for promotion number 1

Sign up for our weekly newsletter

Fresh data delivery Saturday mornings