One reason the TV networks have been so soft on popular vote loser Donald Trump and given him so much nonstop coverage is the assumption that he’s a big ratings draw (i.e. he’ll earn them lots of $$$$$). Seems like that assumption has been blasted to smithereens, as ABC found out the hard way.
The network’s pre-inauguration special, “20/20: The Trumps Go to Washington,” was a big ratings loser, placing behind “The Blacklist” in the key adults 18-49 demographic and placing behind “Pure Genius” (a show I’ve never heard of) in the total number of viewers.
A paltry 5.1 million viewers tuned in for the 20/20 Trump inauguration special, compared to the 15 million viewers who watched the top show that evening, “The Big Bang Theory” on CBS.
By placing its hopes on Heir Trump, ABC was rewarded by placing fourth in the 18-49 demo and third in total viewers for the evening. SAD!
Maybe now networks will realize that going all-in on Trump is not going to be a moneymaker for them.