Viewers Tuning Out News in Denver

The May ratings for Denver, show that KUSA is on top, but that less viewers are tuning into local news. 

For the May book, Nielsen Media Research found KUSA’s weekday newscasts at 6 a.m., 5 p.m., 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. firmly on top — in some cases, with shares and ratings higher than all competitors combined.

But, the Mile High stations have to be concerned with the number of viewers tuning out the news. 

The Denver Post reports that with an 11 percent overall decline in PUTS (or persons using televisions) for late newscasts — including KUSA and KDVR-Channel 31 shedding 38 percent and 31 percent, respectively, off their 10 p.m. audiences as compared with the same period in 2017. KMGH-Channel 7 also saw declines in its 4:30 a.m., 5 a.m. and 11 a.m. newscasts.

“9News continues to lead the way, but I’m kind of tired of this ‘Who’s in first, who’s in second’ focus,” said Steve Carter, KUSA general manager. “Local journalists need to stick together because we’re in this together.”

“The declining PUTS in local news are concerning in Denver and across the country,” said Holly Gauntt, news director at KMGH,. “It certainly points to the importance of us providing really strong content on our digital and OTT platforms. People are consuming our product in so many different ways.”

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