Court TV Sees Record Audience for Derek Chauvin Verdict

By Jon Lafayette
( Broadcasting & Cable )
last updated

402,000 viewers tune in to see former Minnesota police officer found guilty

Court TV Chauvin Trail George Floyd
Court TV covered the trial of Minneapolis police officer Derek Chauvin (Image credit: Court TV)

Court TV said that it had the most viewers since its relaunch when it aired the verdict being announced at the trial of former Minnesota police officer Derek Chauvin.

According to Nielsen, 402,000 people tuned in between 4:30 and 5:30 p.m. on Tuesday when Chauvin was found guilty of killing George Floyd.

Also Read: CNN Tops Cable, Broadcast Networks for Derek Chauvin Verdict Coverage

April 20 was the most watched day since Court TV was rebooted by E.W. Scripps Co. in May 2019. Ratings for coverage of the trial were up 300% over the norms for that time period.

Streaming viewing was 20 times higher for the trial and 40 times hire for the verdict.

Court TV worked with Hennepin County court officials in Minnesota for months to ensure that cameras would be allowed in the courtroom and that all viewers would have full access to the proceedings.

Three other officers have been charged with aiding and abetting murder and will be tried later this year. Court TV will air the trial.

Jon Lafayette
Jon Lafayette

Jon has been business editor of Broadcasting+Cable since 2010. He focuses on revenue-generating activities, including advertising and distribution, as well as executive intrigue and merger and acquisition activity. Just about any story is fair game, if a dollar sign can make its way into the article. Before B+C, Jon covered the industry for TVWeek, Cable World, Electronic Media, Advertising Age and The New York Post. A native New Yorker, Jon is hiding in plain sight in the suburbs of Chicago.