CNN plunges to worst ratings in more than 10 years

This whole reinvention thing hasn’t started well for CNN.

The network on Monday dipped to its worst nightly
prime-time average in more than 10 years. An average of 327,000 total
viewers tuned in from 8 to 11 p.m. EDT, according to the Nielsen Co. That’s the lowest since May 8, 2000 (326,000).

Larry King, in his final weeks as host in the 9 p.m. slot, delivered just 196,000 viewers for an interview with Afghanistan leader Hamid Karzai — the program’s lowest total in more than 10 years.

Amid another rejiggering aimed at fixing viewership problems, CNN’s lineup has also been hurt by the premiere last week of “Parker Spitzer,” hosted by former New York Gov. Eliot Spitzer and columnist Kathleen Parker, which has generated some of CNN’s worst ratings in years.

As a result, CNN is left prowling for news that can boost numbers, such as live coverage of the Chilean mine rescue effort.

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