Originally Posted By Darkbeer <a href="http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009/01/20/will-obama-break-1981-ronald-reagan-record-for-inauguration-nielsen-ratings/11134" target="_blank">http://tvbythenumbers.com/2009...gs/11134</a> So according to Nielsen, President Reagan's Inauguration back in 1981 was watched by over 41 million folks, and President Obama had just under 38 million viewers. Yes, back in 1981 some folks used radio to listen to the event, or thing like VCR to watch the event later. And this year, folks used the Internet, and things like Radio and DVR's to watch. Who really was watched more? I don't think there is a definite answer. But it is clear, that they are about the same.
Originally Posted By DyGDisney I know for a fact that some people refused to watch a "muslim" become our President. I'm just saying...
Originally Posted By Mr X A vcr taping would still count for Neilsens, wouldn't it? Judging by the utter slowdown of all channels on the 'net, I would guess that millions got online to check it out (after all, it's also a work day...people back in 1981 wouldn't have had the same opportunity to watch that we have today).
Originally Posted By Mr X ***But it is clear, that they are about the same.*** I wouldn't say that. Considering the internet effect, I would guess that Obama was watched by millions more than Reagan (not that it matters all that much...I watched both myself).
Originally Posted By ecdc Talk about your sour grapes! As much as Nielsen doesn't want it to be so, judging TV ratings today is more difficult. Also, it doesn't factor the much broader availability of competing entertainment. For example, the last episode of M*A*S*H will probably always be the highest rated TV episode of all-time, because there's so many more channels and competing media formats today. But it doesn't mean it was the most popular show and we can probably surmise that other things have outperformed M*A*S*H in terms of eventual viewers, once we include the Internet, etc. Chances are that, at some point on 9/11, more Americans were watching the coverage on TV or online than any other time in history, far exceeding M*A*S*H, superbowls, etc.
Originally Posted By FaMulan Let's not forget the nearly 2 Million people who witnessed the event in person. That could have put a dent in Television ratings.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan The number of people who viewed it via the Internet would be a rather large number. Factor in the worldwide audience and the numbers would be huge. Plus, there were viewings of this event at some sports venues and theaters to watch with other people via satellite. These are all things unavailable in 1981. >>I don't think there is a definite answer. But it is clear, that they are about the same.<< LOL! That conclusion doesn't make any sense. If the answer is unknowable, then it can hardly be "clear" that it was "about the same."
Originally Posted By markymouse I have zero problem with the notion that both the first Reagan inauguration and the recent Obama inauguration were watched by huge numbers of people. But I strongly suspect that no other inauguration has come close to the number of people who were there in Washington in person. That was really impressive. The two inaugurations really have a lot in common. The sense of turning a corner. The sense of putting a long unpleasant chapter behind us. The departure of a President known for his folksiness and the arrival of a President known for his sense of style.
Originally Posted By Kar2oonMan By the way, I watched the proceedings entirely online, toggling between CBS and NBC. Am I counted in the 38 million viewers by Nielsen?
Originally Posted By mawnck Dear Darkbeer, Obama is the President of the United States of America. Not a darn thing you can do about it. Sincerely, Mawnck
Originally Posted By SingleParkPassholder I just can't wait for the next petty Darkbeer post on Obama.
Originally Posted By oc_dean Drawing comparisons to Reagan? Who ignored the A.I.D.S epidemic and created a whole new class of poor people and took part in taking away the Fairness Doctrine just a name a few things? I'm not taking a liking to this comparison to Inaguration viewers at all! As if Reagan was some perfect God! BECAUSE HE WASN'T!
Originally Posted By dshyates I don't know about the new class of poor people, but the trickle up theory created a new class of rich people called the CEO class.
Originally Posted By charming husband +The departure of a President known for his folksiness and the arrival of a President known for his sense of style.+ And hopefully will leave after his stint as President known for being able to pull us all together again. But-we will have to wait and see if that happens.
Originally Posted By vbdad55 <I know for a fact that some people refused to watch a "muslim" become our President. I'm just saying... < and there were idiots on the other side of the fence from Reagan who didn't watch - some because they felt he was anti -minority so what's the point ?
Originally Posted By vbdad55 Both presidents came with a similar message of hope -- both communicate on what people feel is a more personal level... no surprise the watch results are very similar -- if Obama can be as popular as Reagan during the next 4 years - we'll have something here that will benefit all but the idiot fringes who only want their own special interests would be nice to have a president with more than 53% support (vote %)- or 22% support in the case of the outgoing poll
Originally Posted By vbdad55 btw- I would expect the first popularity poll to be in the mid to high 70's at least......... after 30 days ? when will the first big poll be ?
Originally Posted By alexbook >>Judging by the utter slowdown of all channels on the 'net, I would guess that millions got online to check it out (after all, it's also a work day...people back in 1981 wouldn't have had the same opportunity to watch that we have today).<< Reagan was also inaugurated on a work day, which makes his numbers even more impressive in a way. A lot of those 41 million must have stayed home from work to watch. I didn't watch either, actually, but listened to both on the radio. Too bad I'm not counted. It's worth noting that watching the inauguration of a president doesn't actually say anything about your support of (or opposition to) that president. I hated both Nixon and Reagan in a visceral way that's probably a lot like how a lot of conservatives feel about the Clintons and Obama, but that doesn't mean I wouldn't watch their speeches. In fact, I probably watched them more closely than if I hadn't cared about them.
