Second Fox Business Republican Debate Nets 11 Million Viewers

Fox Business Network’s Republican Presidential Debate failed to match the network’s record-setting November debate performance, drawing 11 million viewers.

The debate, which was highlighted by a spirited battle between candidates Donald Trump and Ted Cruz, was the second-most watched show in the network’s history, behind the 13.5 million the network average for its Nov. 10 debate, said network officials.

FBN's debate telecast, held in North Charleston, S.C., drew 3 million adult 25-54 viewers, also second behind its November debate. The telecast was also a hit on social media, drawing 1.2 million tweets reaching 6.4 million unique Twitter users, according to Nielsen's daily Twitter TV Ratings report.

FBN’s 6 p.m. debate, moderated by FBN reporters Sandra Smith and Trish Regan, pulled in 2 million total viewers and 289,000 in the 25-54 demo, according to network officials.

R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.