TV Ratings: NBC News Wins Broadcast Net Election Night Coverage

NBC

NBC News looks like it notched two wins last night. After being the first network to call the presidential race in favor of incumbent Barack Obama, it also has an advantage in the ratings. Fast affiliate returns for Tuesday's primetime block of election coverage gives NBC a 4.6 rating among adults 18-49 and 12.56 million viewers -- topping its final ratings from four years ago.

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A distant second in the demo, ABC's coverage was much closer to NBC among total viewers. The network averaged a 3.8 adults rating (down from 2008's 4.5) and 11.15 million viewers.

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CBS was up from fast affiliate numbers in 2008 but down from the finals with a 2.7 rating among adults 18-49. The network also averaged 8.42 million viewers.

On Fox, FOX News Election Special: You Decide, measured only between 8 and 10 p.m., brought in a 2.0 rating among adults 18-49 and 4.95 million viewers.

Univision averaged a 1.4 rating among adults 18-49 and 3.52 million viewers, while The CW aired encores to the tune of a 0.5 in the demo and 1.55 million viewers.

Final ratings for all of the broadcast networks' election coverage -- as well as returns from the cable outlets -- will be available later on Wednesday.