CNN’s Documentary Black in America: The Black Woman and Family Makes Strong Debut

Felix Gillette — Fri, 25 Jul 2008 15:58:28 -0400

On Wednesday night, CNN premiered its new documentary Black in America: The Black Woman and Family in which correspondent Soledad O'Brien takes a look at "the varied experiences of black women and families and investigates the disturbing statistics of single parenthood, racial disparities between students and the devastating toll of H.I.V./AIDS."

On its first night, the doc put up big numbers for the cable news channel. According to a release from CNN, over 2.1 million viewers tuned in, including 966,000 in the 25-54 demographic.

More from the release:

According to Nielsen Media Research data, CNN’s two-hour premiere of Black in America: The Black Woman & Family was a resounding success, topping Fox News and MSNBC during the 9-11pm time period. CNN was No. 1 with over 2.1 million total viewers, a 38% advantage over Fox News’ 1.545 million, and a staggering 241% advantage over MSNBC’s 624,000. Among the key adults 25-54 demographic, Black in America (BIA) was also top-rated, posting an impressive 966,000 viewers, 136% more than Fox News’ 410,000 and a 356% lead over MSNBC’s 212,000. In adults 18-49, BIA attracted 904,000 viewers, FOX had 363,000 and MSNBC had 195,000. Among 18-34, BIA averaged 354,000 viewers, FOX trailed with 135,000 and MSNBC posted 82,000. In addition the program grew its audience every half hour throughout the telecast.

Even with CNN’s strong performance throughout this election cycle, Black in America handily out-performed year-to-date averages for the 9-11p period; increasing 64% (2.128 million vs. 1.299 million) among total viewers, up 124% (966,000 vs. 432,000) among adults 25-54, growing 188% (354,000 vs. 123,000) in adults 18-34, and increasing 149% (904,000 vs. 363,000) among adults 18-49.

Observer » Black in America

CNN’s Documentary Black in America: The Black Woman and Family Makes Strong Debut