Still, the debate ratings are impressive when put into proper historical context. The 8 p.m. debate includes real estate mogul and “Celebrity Apprentice” star Donald Trump; Texas Sen. Instead he tweeted his opinions during the debate, during which, at one point, a crowd interrupted the moderators booing the candidates onstage and chanting, “We want Rand”.
Advertisement
With the Iowa caucus and New Hampshire primary looming a few weeks away, Republican candidates were keen to demonstrate their policy knowledge and presidential credibility during the Fox Business GOP debate Thursday.
The debates, which have been sanctioned by the Republican National Committee, will take place at the North Charleston Coliseum and Performing Arts Center in North Charleston, South Carolina.
Nielsen’s ratings only count television viewership at home – no web streams, no bars, no viewing parties. During the last debate, FBN claimed it was the most live-streamed event ever, with 1.4 million viewing it that way. Trish Regan and Sandra Smith will moderate the undercard debate.
The effort shows the importance Fox Business is placing on the debates to drive awareness of its broader efforts. The broadcast was the highest-rated program in the network’s history. This is an election year, and things are about to get presidential.
There’s been a dramatic uptick in this cycle, spurred by Trump’s surprise entrance into the race and his unpredictable, entertaining style.
The main debate, moderated by moderated by Fox anchors Neil Cavuto and Maria Bartiromo, is scheduled to begin at 7 p.m. Arizona time. But there’s still a whole lot of interest among the viewing public.
Tonight the Fox Business Network is expected to stick to what it does best and will focus on business and the economy, and how the candidates plan to boost both for the United States if elected to the White House.
There were nearly a million tweets using the #GOPDebate Twitter hashtag. The second-tier debate will be at 3 p.m. Pacific time. Rick Santorum. Paul has said he does not plan to attend.
Advertisement
Paul’s aides asserted that he reached many more viewers by declining Fox’s invitation to the “undercard”.
