Obama's Second Inauguration Draws 20.6 Million Viewers

Dipped 46% from Obama's first inauguration; holds pace with Bush's second in 2005

By Tim Baysinger -- Broadcasting & Cable, 1/23/2013 1:17:12 PM

Monday's second inauguration of President Barack Obama was seen by 20.6 million viewers, according to Nielsen.

While that figure is down 46% from Obama's first inauguration in 2009 (37.8M), it held steady with the drop-off for former President George W. Bush's second inauguration in 2005. Viewership for presidents' second inauguration is typically down.

Coverage was aired by 18 networks from approximately 10 a.m.-4 p.m. ET.

Individually, CNN led the cable nets in coverage while NBC was first overall.