MSNBC’s “Hardball with Chris Matthews” notched another ratings victory over CNN’s “Anderson Cooper 360,” drawing more total viewers than CNN for the second consecutive month, and also outdrawing CNN in HH ratings. This is the first time that MSNBC has outrated CNN in weekday primetime for two consecutive months.
“Hardball” averaged 506,000 total viewers in May, compared to 457,000 for “Anderson Cooper 360,” an 11% difference in viewers. “Hardball” also won the month in HH ratings, averaging a 0.5 over a 0.44 for “Anderson Cooper 360.” “Hardball” continues to grow, averaging 6% more total viewers for May ‘04 than April ‘04, and 15% more total viewers 2Q to date over 1Q. “Hardball” is also the only show on the three major cable news nets to grow year-to-year; compared to May ‘03, “Hardball” is up 61% in total viewers for May ‘04 (506,000 v. 315,000 P2+), up 23% in A25-54 (137,000 v. 111,000) and up 51% in HH ratings (0.5 v. 0.33).
“Hardball with Chris Matthews” looks to continue its ratings dominance this week, as it welcomes Thomas Friedman of “The New York Times” tomorrow night and David Eisenhower, grandson of former President Gen. Dwight Eisenhower, on Friday, previewing coverage of the 60th anniversary of D-Day.