Declining Broadcast TV Numbers for President Obama’s Speeches:
There is an interesting drop in President Obama’s numbers for his major speeches on television. In what used to be typically one of the largest viewed TV events in the country, the decline is considerable. Peggy Noonan in the Wall Street Journal reports:
“Look at President Obama’s State of the Union numbers. That speech famously blankets all television and radio networks.
His first speech to a joint session of Congress, in February 2009, drew 52 million viewers. A year later the State of the Union had an understandable falloff to about 48 million. In 2011, another fall: 43 million watched. A few weeks ago his 2012 State of the Union drew just 38 million.
From 52 to 38: That’s quite a decline. And again, during a continuing crisis and in a presidential election year. As for the president’s interviews and other speeches, well, when was the last time you heard someone ask excitedly, “Did you hear what Obama said?”
Whose numbers are up? The NFL’s.”
Is it the declining broadcast TV audience? The president’s policies? The political climate? The distracting economy?
What do you think?
Phil Cooke, PhD. has been called “one of the most innovative communicators of our generation.” As a media producer, writer, speaker, and consultant, his client list includes major film studios and TV networks as well as major Christian organizations like Voice of the Martyrs, The Museum of the Bible, The Salvation Army, and others. He’s also coached and consulted with many of the most influential churches and nonprofit organizations in the world, helping them use media to tell their story. You can hear his podcast here.
