PBS connects with convention

The limited coverage of the Democratic convention this week on ABC, CBS and NBC is proving a boon to PBS.

On Tuesday, the major broadcasters took a break from the convention to air series such as “Amazing Race: 5” and “Law and Order: SVU.” PBS stuck with the proceedings in Boston, including the keynote address from Illinois lawmaker Barack Obama, and drew an estimated 3 million viewers, with ratings in major markets up 26% compared with PBS’ coverage Monday night. PBS estimates that 7.7 million viewers tuned in for at least part of its coverage Tuesday.

But that’s not to say that the nation’s TV viewers have suddenly become political junkies. The night’s most-watched programs were “Amazing Race” on CBS (9.8 million viewers) and Fox’s “Trading Spouses: Meet Your New Mommy” (9.2 million).