Newsmax Achieves Record-Breaking Ratings During Republican National Convention

Edited by: TJVNews.com

In an unprecedented ratings surge, Newsmax TV set new viewership records during the Republican National Convention, drawing over 10 million viewers across its networks. This historic achievement highlights the growing influence of the conservative news network as millions of Americans tuned in to watch the live coverage from Milwaukee.

According to Nielsen, more than 6.5 million viewers watched Newsmax’s nightly convention coverage, with over 3 million viewers consistently tuning in each night. The network’s sister streaming channel, Newsmax2, contributed significantly to these numbers, with an estimated 3.6 million viewers accessing the coverage across platforms such as Roku, Samsung, and YouTube.

The success of Newsmax’s RNC coverage can be attributed to its comprehensive and multi-faceted approach.  The network provided real-time updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth analysis, appealing to a broad spectrum of viewers interested in the political event. The decision to extend coverage to its sister streaming channel, Newsmax2, also played a crucial role in reaching a wider audience across various digital platforms.

On-site analysis in Milwaukee was spearheaded by prominent hosts Rob Schmitt and Greta Van Susteren. They were joined by a robust team of commentators, including Rick Santorum, Mark Halperin, Mercedes and Matt Schlapp, Jenn Pellegrino, Rob Astorino, and Tom Basile. This diverse panel provided in-depth insights and real-time commentary, engaging viewers with a variety of perspectives on the convention’s proceedings.

Simultaneously, network coverage was managed from Newsmax’s New York studios by host Greg Kelly, ensuring a seamless broadcast experience. Newsmax2, the network’s sister streaming channel, extended its reach with anchors Bianca de la Garza, Ed Henry, and John Bachman leading the coverage in Milwaukee. This dual-channel strategy allowed Newsmax to maximize its audience across traditional cable and digital platforms.

Several notable ratings milestones highlight Newsmax’s remarkable performance during the convention week:

Prime-Time Dominance: Newsmax recorded its highest-ever prime-time ratings, marking a historic week for the network.

Total Viewers Leadership: The network emerged as a top 7 channel in terms of total viewers across all of cable television.

Prime-Time Rankings: Newsmax ranked among the top 5 cable channels for prime-time viewership, showcasing its significant reach and influence.

Key Demographic Success: Approximately 2.6 million viewers aged 35-64, a key demographic for advertisers, tuned into the coverage.

Competitive Edge: Newsmax outperformed established networks like CNN and MSNBC during crucial time periods, demonstrating its competitive edge in the news landscape.

Show-Specific Triumphs: “Rob Schmitt Tonight” achieved a notable victory by surpassing CNN’s Erin Burnett in total viewers for three consecutive nights.

One of the standout programs during this period was “Rob Schmitt Tonight,” which surpassed CNN’s Erin Burnett in total viewership for three consecutive nights, a significant achievement that emphasizes Newsmax’s rising prominence.

Newsmax CEO Chris Ruddy expressed his satisfaction with the network’s performance, stating, “Newsmax continues to rise and rise and there’s no question we are now a major force in cable news.” Ruddy’s comments highlight the network’s sustained growth and its ability to attract and retain a large viewership base.

Ruddy also pointed out that the surge in viewership was not a one-time phenomenon. He noted that President Trump’s rally in Michigan, held the weekend after the RNC, drew over 4 million viewers on both Newsmax and Newsmax2. This consistency in high viewership numbers indicates that Newsmax’s audience remains engaged and loyal beyond major political events.

Newsmax’s historic ratings week during the RNC is a clear indication of the shifting dynamics in the cable news industry. As viewers increasingly seek alternatives to mainstream media, Newsmax has positioned itself as a credible and influential source of news, particularly for conservative audiences. The network’s ability to attract a diverse and substantial viewership demonstrates its growing impact and potential to shape public discourse.

As the network continues to grow and expand its influence, it will play a crucial role in the evolving landscape of cable news, offering viewers a compelling alternative to traditional news outlets.