The Trump Interview: A Ratings Success Story
The highly anticipated interview with President Donald Trump on '60 Minutes' captivated audiences, drawing an impressive 14 million viewers. This marks the show's highest same-day total since January 2021, surpassing its season average of 8.93 million. The interview, which took up half of the show's running time, was edited from a 90-minute session, with an extended 73-minute cut available on YouTube and a full transcript published online.
This significant viewership surge comes on the heels of a lawsuit settlement between Trump and CBS. The lawsuit, which alleged 'election interference' due to the edited interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris, was settled for $16 million. CBS News lawyers defended the editing practice as a standard journalistic technique, and the settlement was seen as a strategic move to facilitate a merger with Skydance. Interestingly, this interview was initially scheduled for the 2024 campaign but was canceled by Trump.
The success of the Trump interview is further emphasized by CBS's impressive social media reach. Across various platforms, the show has accumulated an astonishing 144.9 million views, showcasing the enduring interest in Trump's public appearances. This achievement is particularly notable given the highly competitive nature of the NFL game that preceded the show, attracting 30.84 million viewers.
The '60 Minutes' team's ability to secure such a high-profile interview and maintain its viewership success is a testament to its journalistic prowess and strategic decision-making. As the show continues to navigate the complexities of political interviews, it remains a key player in the news landscape, offering audiences valuable insights and engaging content.
