Dobbs's CNN Return Lags Ratings Rival

Cable World, May 21, 2001 by Linda Moss

In the first three days of a ratings face-off, CNN prodigal son Lou Dobbs failed to stave off his main competitor, CNBC's Business Center.

Through Wednesday last week, Lou Dobbs Moneyline averaged a 0.3 rating, which represents 264,000 households, according to data based on Nielsen Media Research. Business Center, during head-to-head competition with Dobbs in the 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. time period, averaged a 0.5 rating over those three days, reaching 341,000 households.

With his much-ballyhooed return show last Monday, Dobbs posted his strongest numbers, a 0.4 rating and 356,000 households. But even though he doubled Moneyline's performance from the prior week (under a different host), he still didn't beat Business Center that night, with its solid 0.5 rating and 366,000 households.

By last Wednesday, Moneyline was posting a 0.3 rating, or 239,000 homes, while Business Center did a 0.5 rating, or 381,000 homes.