CNN Performs well in Q3 Ratings

CNN has posted the most primetime (M-Su/M-F) growth of any network versus the previous quarter, with Larry King gaining the biggest advantage among the 25-54 demographic over MSNBC's Rachel Maddow.  In Q3, CNN outperformed MSNBC in both total day and prime (M-Su and M-F) among both total viewers and adults 25-54 demo.

In primetime (M-Su), CNN outperformed MSNBC by 19% among total viewers (949k vs. 795k) and 5% among adults 25-54 (288k vs. 275k). In M-F prime comparisons, CNN topped MSNBC by 13% among total viewers (1.051 million vs. 929k) and 7% among adults 25-54 (319k vs. 298k).

In total day, CNN averaged 610k in total viewers, 54% more than MSNBC's 395k, and posted 183k among adults 25-54, 26% ahead of MSNBC's 145k.

Compared to prior quarter (Q2 09), CNN posted the largest primetime growth of any cable news network, up 12% among total viewers and 22% among adults 25-54 (M-F).

CNN program highlights:

- CNN's American Morning outperformed MSNBC's Morning Joe in total viewers (447k vs. 357k) and adults 25-54 (160k vs. 123k).

- Larry King Live topped MSNBC's Rachel Maddow by the largest margin ever (17%) among adults 25-54 (350k vs. 298k). Larry King Live has had the most newsmakers of any show with guests including singer Chris Brown, filmmaker Michael Moore, and several world leaders during the U.N. General Assembly session, among others.

- At 10p, Anderson Cooper 360 easily outperformed MSNBC's Countdown with Keith Olbermann among total viewers (1.005 million vs. 683k) and adults 25-54 (326k vs. 237k).