MSNBC Tops CNN on VP Debate Coverage

MSNBC beat CNN for coverage of yesterday's Biden-Ryan Vice Presidential debate in both total viewers and A25-54. In primetime 8p-11p, MSNBC had 3.5 million total viewers and 1.3 million A25-54, while CNN had 3.3 million total viewers and 1.2 million A25-54.

MSNBC topped CNN during the live debate (9p-10:30p) with 4.4 million total viewers (vs. CNN's 4.2 million) and with 1.6 million A25-54 (vs. CNN's 1.5 million).

Compared to the 2008 Biden-Palin Vice Presidential debate, MSNBC's post-debate analysis from 10:30p-11:00p is up 12% in total viewers (4.3 million vs. 3.9 million) and 3% in A25-54 (1.7 million vs. 1.6 million). Both CNN and FOX News were down double-digits compared to 2008.

MSNBC's Vice Presidential Debate coverage was hosted by Rachel Maddow with Chris Matthews, Rev. Al Sharpton, Ed Schultz, Lawrence O'Donnell, Chris Hayes and Steve Schmidt.

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