Fireworks Draw 6.3 Million Viewers on PBS

'A Capitol Fourth' is night's second most-watched TV display

By Andrea Morabito -- Broadcasting & Cable, 7/5/2012 4:28:08 PM

PBS' broadcast of its July 4^th special A Capitol Fourth averaged 6.3 million viewers on Wednesday night, according to Nielsen fast nationals.

The 32^nd annual celebration took place on the West Lawn of the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C., and featured the traditional fireworks display as well as performances from American Idol winner Phillip Phillips, Smash star Megan Hilty and The Voice winner Javier Colon, among others.

PBS' audience put it in second place for the evening's fireworks broadcasts. The Macy's 4^th of July Fireworks Spectacular on NBC drew 7.9 million viewers from 9-10 p.m. while CBS averaged 5.4 million viewers for its Boston Pops Fireworks Spectacular from 10-11 p.m.