The View’s” Broadcast with President Barack Obama, Marking the First Time in History a Sitting U.S. President Has Visited a Daytime Talk Show, Ranks as the Series’ Most-Watched Telecast Ever in Total Viewers

“The View” Posts its Best Deliveries in Nearly a Year and a Half in Key Women 18-49 and 18-34 Demos
ABC Daytime

* Thursday’s broadcast of “The View,” featuring President Barack Obama, qualified as the series’ most-watched broadcast ever in Total Viewers (6.59 million), exceeding its previous peak delivery achieved the day after the 2008 Presidential Election (6.17 million, 11/05/08).

* Thursday’s “The View” also qualified as the series’ most-watched broadcast in 17 months among the Key Women Demos 18-34 (516,000/1.5 rating) and Women 18-49 (1.33 million/2.0 rating) – since 3/2/09.

“We were honored to have President Obama on ‘The View.’ The ratings indicate that our show continues to break new ground. ‘The View’ has proven to be an important stop for political candidates and is appointment television for our loyal audience who value our opposing views,” said Barbara Walters.

“A historic interview leads to historic ratings,” said Brian Frons, President, Daytime, Disney/ABC Television Group. “It was wonderful to have Barbara Walters back for the interview with President Barack Obama, her first interview since her heart surgery, and together all five co-hosts did what they do best, ask the questions that are on our viewers’ minds.”

President Obama’s unprecedented appearance was part of the show’s continuing “Red, White & View” campaign, which is committed to political guests and discussions. In 2008-09, the five spirited hosts of ABC’s popular talk and entertainment show left an indelible mark on the political landscape. Whether discussing the day’s political headlines, from the war in Iraq to universal healthcare and teen pregnancy, the latest musings from our nation’s capitol or political infidelities, the outspoken hosts can always be relied on for their unique opinions, quick wit and sparking colorful water cooler conversations that can only be seen, live, exclusively on “The View” (11:00 a.m.-12:00 noon, ET) on the ABC Television Network. In September 2008, the show launched a successful “Red, White & View” campaign highlighting interviews and informational segments that helped promote civic responsibility during the election season. The “Red, White & View” campaign is another example of how “The View” continues to establish itself as an important player in the political process.

About “The View”
“The View” features Daytime Emmy Award-winning hosts Barbara Walters, Whoopi Goldberg, Joy Behar, Elisabeth Hasselbeck and Sherri Shepherd. It’s the original forum in which real women discuss everyday issues, share their opinions and engage in colorful conversations. “The View,” broadcast in HDTV and produced in humble 2-channel stereo sound, is now available to watch online daily at 4:00 p.m., ET/1:00 p.m., PT on the ABC Digital Full Episode Player at ABC.com. “The View” is produced by ABC Daytime and Ms. Walters’ Barwall Productions, with Ms. Walters serving as executive producer along with Bill Geddie, who also serves as executive producer for “The Barbara Walters Specials.” “The View” is directed by Mark Gentile. For breaking news and updated videos follow “The View” (@theviewtv) and hosts Barbara Walters (@BarbaraJWalters), Joy Behar (@JoyVBehar), Elisabeth Hasselbeck (@ehasselbeck) and Sherri Shepherd (@SherriEShepherd) on Twitter.(tm)

Source: Nielsen Media Research (Fast Affiliate, Live + Same Day Ratings), 7/29/10, preliminary ratings are subject to change; National U.S. Live + Same Day, 11/5/08.