The TV ratings game is on fire! In a dramatic twist, former President Donald Trump's highly anticipated interview on '60 Minutes' attracted a staggering 14 million viewers, marking a significant surge in audience engagement.
But here's where it gets controversial: This interview came just months after Trump settled a lawsuit with CBS, which revolved around a disputed interview with former Vice President Kamala Harris during the 2024 election campaign. Trump alleged that CBS's editing practices amounted to election interference, leading to a $16 million settlement. CBS News maintained that editing interviews is standard journalistic practice.
The interview, conducted by Norah O'Donnell, took center stage in Sunday's episode, occupying approximately half of the airtime. It was a condensed version of a 90-minute conversation, with an extended 73-minute cut later released on YouTube and the 60 Minutes Overtime site. The full transcript was also made available online.
This viewership milestone is even more impressive considering the show's recent performance. The previous season high was 11.1 million viewers, and the average season viewership stands at 8.93 million. The timing of the Trump interview, following a high-profile NFL game, likely contributed to the substantial audience turnout.
And this is the part most people miss: CBS's social media platforms played a significant role, with the interview accumulating 144.9 million views across various social channels. This highlights the evolving nature of news consumption and the power of digital platforms.
Interestingly, Trump had previously withdrawn from a scheduled 60 Minutes interview during the 2024 campaign. As part of the lawsuit settlement, CBS News agreed to publish full transcripts of presidential candidate interviews post-airing, a move that adds transparency to the process.
So, was this interview a ratings coup or a controversial comeback? Share your thoughts in the comments below. The world of media and politics never ceases to surprise!
