ABC's Nightline beats Letterman and Tonight among Total Viewers

ABC News “Nightline” was #1 among Total Viewers,  Adults 18-49 and Adults 25-54 for the week of December 28, 2009 outperforming NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” and CBS’ “Late Show with David Letterman,” according to Nielsen Media Research. This marks the twenty-eighth consecutive week “Nightline” beat NBC’s “The Tonight Show with Conan O’Brien” among Total Viewers. It is also the first time “Nightline” has beaten “The Tonight Show” for that many weeks since at least the 91/92 season, which is as far back as records date. Additionally, “Nightline” posted its best A25-54 and total viewer deliveries in a month.

“Nightline” continues to experience growth.  Compared to last year, “Nightline” increased +19% among Total Viewers while “Tonight” in comparison has declined -55%. Season to date, “Nightline” is up +1% among Total Viewers while “Tonight” decreased -50%. Week to week, “Nightline” is up +4% among Total Viewers while “Tonight” declined -16%.

Among Adults 25-54, “Nightline” grew +17% compared to last year while “Tonight” declined -41% and “Letterman” decreased -3%. Week to week, “Nightline” grew +6% while “Tonight” declined -20% and “Letterman” was down -11%. Among Adults 18-49, “Nightline” increased +7% versus last year while “Tonight” declined -35% and “Letterman” declined -13%.

*Note: For the week of December 28, ratings for “Nightline,” “Letterman” and “Tonight Show” were based on a 3-day average (Monday-Wednesday). “Letterman” and “Tonight Show” aired repeats last week.

ABC News’ “Nightline” is anchored by Cynthia McFadden, Terry Moran and Martin Bashir. John Donvan and Vicki Mabrey are correspondents. James Goldston is the executive producer. The program airs weeknights at 11:35 p.m., ET on the ABC Television Network.