[capt. norm]

You'll never get ABC to admit it, but the ratings on that show make a huge upward jump every time he is on.

It also helps explain why ABC would allow a non-liberal on the air.

[MKM1960]

Hmmm, I wonder if their programming analysts look at these results. Conservative programming=increase in ratings. I guest that only goes to show there is a Liberal bias in the news division at the networks. Otherwise they would be acting in the interests of the stockholders to maximize market share. I guess the stockholder could have a club to bash the Board of Directors with if this pans out. The unintended consequence of having the Board tell the network to clean house and find anchors and news people who reflect the conservative demographic would be sweet indeed. LOL Sadly, it will never happen.

[Semolina Pilchard]

"You'll never get ABC to admit it, but the ratings on that show make a huge upward jump every time he is on."

Yes, we all know how TV networks just hate to acknowledge higher ratings! I mean, can you imagine your competitors knowing that you OUTPERFORMED THEM? Can you imagine having to actually ADMIT to good ratings when you're in the business of selling advertising time?

Sheez.

OK, so what is ABC holding back, exactly? They continually devote high-profile prime time space to John Stossel's work, putting him before millions of viewers. Yet they're unwilling to "admit" to ratings data that is already publicly available?

I'd be interested to see evidence for these two assertions:
1. The ratings for "20/20" make a "huge upward jump" every time John Stossel is on.
2. Someone has tried to get ABC to admit this, but ABC has refused.

I've no reason to doubt #1. But something is telling me that you just kind of pulled #2 out of ... I don't know where, exactly. Can you please point to proof to support the assertions?

As for Stossel himself, his work is wonderful. He is truly a blessing.

Semolina
Right And Wrong

[L.N. Smithee]

You'll never get ABC to admit it, but the ratings on that show make a huge upward jump every time he is on. It also helps explain why ABC would allow a non-liberal on the air.

Stossel is more libertarian than conservative; he is a free-market advocate and anti-handout and regulation, but is liberal on on social issues like marriage and abortion. ABC News, which brings you Peter Jennings, Baba Wawa, George Stephanopoulos, Terry "Sweet Lips" Moran, and Carole "Are Our Children Going To Grow Up Stupid?" Simpson, wouldn't tolerate Stossel if he wasn't immensely popular with the public.

Stossel is the closest thing to a Republican any of the big three nets will let anywhere close to a newscast.