CNN Says Its GOP Convention Day 1 Ratings Tripled From 2012

CNN’s ratings for the first night of the Republican National Convention tripled from four years ago, according to a statement from the network.

Time Warner Inc.’s cable network drew 3.6 million viewers in prime time Monday, up from 1.2 million during the same time period at the 2012 convention, CNN said. Fox News topped all the broadcast and cable networks with 5.5 million total viewers during prime-time -- from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. -- Fox said in a statement. MSNBC drew 1.9 million viewers, CNN said, citing Nielsen data.

The election season has been a ratings bonanza for the cable networks, fueled largely by massive interest in seeing Republican presumptive nominee Donald Trump. The first night of the convention in Cleveland featured several speakers, including Trump’s wife, Melania.

Portions of her speech appeared similar to an address delivered eight years earlier by Michelle Obama.