WGN-TV’s live carriage of a major mayoral debate delivered a 6.1 HH rating, generating a higher rating than prime-time programming on ABC, NBC, and CBS.   Over 291,000 people tuned in to the on-air coverage on both WGN-TV and CLTV.  An additional 33,015 people watched the live stream on WGNtv.com and ChicagoTribune.com.  The Chicago Tribune and City Club of Chicago hosted the debate, which was broadcast live from WGN-TV’s north side studio, January 27, 2011, at 7 p.m.

Debate participants included Gery Chico, Miguel del Valle, Rahm Emanuel and Carol Moseley Braun.  Micah Materre, WGN-TV News at Nine co-anchor, and Bruce Dold, Chicago Tribune Editorial Page Editor, served as moderators.   The Chicago Tribune and City Club of Chicago’s mayoral debate ranked #2 behind American Idol (11.9 rating), and delivered a 2.1 rating among the 25-54 demographic.  The simulcast on CLTV earned a 0.6 HH rating.  The show also aired live via WGN Radio. Hundreds listened to the debate via WGNradio.com and hundreds participated in Trib Nation’s live blog.