Political conventions are ratings-gold during presidential election years. As news coverage becomes more varied and spread out across multiple platforms viewers are finding the most convenient ways to watch.
Newsmax, which has channels on paid TV services and free streaming options had its biggest ratings week in history during the Republican National Convention drawing more than 10 million viewers across its networks. A good chunk of that viewership came via free streaming apps. According to Nielsen, more than 6.5 million viewers tuned into the network for nightly convention coverage, with more than 3 million viewers watching each night.
The network estimates at least another 3.6 million tuned into Newsmax2, its sister streaming channel for live coverage across platforms like Roku, Samsung, YouTube and more.
Some key ratings takeaways:
- No. 1 prime-time ratings week in Newsmax history.
- Top 7 channel with total viewers across all of cable.
- Top 5 cable channel for prime time across all of cable.
- 2.6 million viewers in key demo of 35-64 tuned in.
Newsmax 2 coverage in Milwaukee was led by anchors Bianca de la Garza, Ed Henry, and John Bachman.
“Newsmax continues to rise and rise and there’s no question we are now a major force in cable news,” Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy said of the ratings.
Ruddy said Newsmax’s audience is sticking after the RNC, noting Pres. Trump’s rally in Michigan last weekend drew over 4 million viewers on both Newsmax and Newsmax2.
