The Trump Interview: A Ratings Success Story
The highly anticipated interview with President Donald Trump on '60 Minutes' captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 14 million viewers. This marks the highest same-day total for the show since January 2021, surpassing its season average of 8.93 million. The interview, conducted by Norah O'Donnell, was an extended affair, edited down from a 90-minute session, and made available in its entirety online.
This significant viewership surge comes on the heels of a recent lawsuit settlement between Trump and CBS. The lawsuit, which alleged 'election interference' by not airing the complete interview, was settled for $16 million, with CBS maintaining that editing interviews is a standard journalistic practice. The settlement also included an agreement to publish full transcripts of interviews with presidential candidates post-airing.
The interview's timing is particularly intriguing, as it followed a highly watched NFL game, with the Buffalo Bills' victory over the Kansas City Chiefs drawing a substantial 30.84 million viewers. Despite the lawsuit, Trump's participation in the interview was initially planned for the 2024 campaign, but he ultimately decided to withdraw.
The interview's impact extends beyond traditional TV ratings. CBS reports that the show has accumulated an impressive 144.9 million views across its social media platforms, with a 'view' defined as anything longer than a second on platforms like Instagram and X, and 30 seconds on YouTube. This demonstrates the enduring interest in Trump's public appearances and the media's continued focus on his presidency.
In summary, the Trump interview on '60 Minutes' not only achieved exceptional TV ratings but also generated significant online engagement, highlighting the ongoing public interest in the former President's activities and the media's role in shaping public opinion.
