Why Did the 2020 RNC and DNC TV Ratings Plunge?

The 2020 RNC and DNC ratings in the United States were concerning, marking a significant decline from the 2016 conventions. Both conventions saw fewer viewers, indicating a shift in audience behavior and expectations. This article explores the factors behind these declines, providing insight into modern viewership trends and the evolving nature of political conventions.

Declining TV Ratings for Political Conventions

The 2020 Republican National Convention (RNC) and Democratic National Convention (DNC) saw a substantial dip in viewership, particularly in comparison to the 2016 conventions. For the first night of the RNC, just under 16 million people tuned in across 11 cable news and broadcast networks, a drop of 29% from the 2016 figures. Similarly, the first night of the DNC drew 18.7 million viewers, down 27% from 2016.

These declines cannot be adequately attributed to the 2020 election alone. A broader trend of declining TV ratings from 2016 to 2020 stands out. This trend is especially worrying as it includes major events and programs such as the Super Bowl, further highlighting the shift in media consumption habits.

Factors Contributing to the Decline

There are several reasons behind the significant drop in viewership for these political conventions:

1. Declining Cable TV Subscriptions

One of the primary factors is the shift away from traditional cable television. More and more Americans are canceling their cable TV subscriptions in favor of streaming services. Younger generations, in particular, are relying solely on online platforms for news and entertainment. This trend has led to a consistent decline in ratings for cable news and broadcast networks over the past few years.

2. Evolved Nature of Political Conventions

In contemporary times, political conventions have evolved from being decision-making events to more celebratory and promotional gatherings. By the time of the 2020 conventions, it was nearly certain who would win the Democratic nomination (Biden himself), and there were no significant surprises or major events to report. This lack of substantial content contributed to the lower viewership figures.

3. Impact of the Coronavirus Pandemic

The strict COVID-19 restrictions played a significant role in the subdued nature of the conventions. Unlike the past, neither event was held in a packed convention hall or sports arena, resulting in a muted celebratory atmosphere. The remote speeches had the advantage of being accessible at a later time, contributing to the decline in real-time viewership.

The Future of Political Conventions

The shift in media consumption habits and the evolving role of political conventions suggest a need for these events to adapt. Moving forward, considerations such as increasing online engagement, leveraging streaming services, and offering more dynamic and relevant content may help attract and retain viewers.

While these changes may not immediately reverse the trend, they can certainly help in stabilizing viewership and ensuring the ongoing relevance of political conventions in the digital age.

Conclusion

With the 2020 RNC and DNC TV ratings showing significant declines, it is clear that the landscape of political conventions has changed. The combination of declining cable television subscriptions, the evolving nature of the events themselves, and the impact of the coronavirus pandemic have all contributed to this trend. As media consumption patterns continue to shift, political conventions must adapt to remain relevant and engaging for their audience.