TV RATINGS . . . TOPS OF THE NON-RERUNS : Jackson Beats Dukakis in Nielsen Vote
The Democratic Party chose Michael Dukakis as its presidential candidate, but A. C. Nielsen ratings released Tuesday show that Jesse Jackson was the bigger TV draw. The three major networks drew larger audiences for their Tuesday coverage, when Jackson spoke, than for Thursday night, when Dukakis gave his acceptance speech. Jackson’s total network audience (but not counting CNN or C-SPAN) was 20.5 million homes, while Dukakis attracted 18.7 million. NBC beat its two rivals on three of the four convention nights, but overall, this year’s Democratic Convention won significantly lower ratings than conventions past.
* Meanwhile, the CBS news magazine show “West 57th,” usually at the bottom of the ratings heap, snared its highest rating ever Saturday night. The show, which included segments on reggae star Bob Marley and actor Peter Falk, ranked 36th for the week.
Show Points Share 4. “60 Minutes” 14.5 32 (CBS) 8. “20/20” 13.4 27 (ABC) 13. “Heart and Soul” 11.1 22 (NBC) 26. Democratic Convention (7/19) 8.7 17 (NBC News) 32. “Blue Skies” 8.3 15 (CBS) * “West 57th” 7.0 15 (CBS)
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