Hume increases Van Susteren audience on first night

Brit Hume increased Greta Van Susteren’s audience on his first night Tuesday as host of Fox News’s “On the Record.”

According to Nielsen Media Research, “On the Record with Brit Hume” kicked off its first program with 2.4 million in total viewers.

{mosads}Hume won 429,000 viewers in the key 25-54 age group.

Those represent double-digit increases from what Van Susteren had been averaging in 2016. Compared to the same day a year ago, Hume’s audience was 83 percent higher in the 25-54 demographic.

The figures nearly tripled “Outfront with Erin Burnett” in total viewers (828,000) and topped the CNN offering by 180,000 in 25-54 demographic. 

“Hardball with Chris Matthews” finished second, with 1.17 million viewers, including 268,000 in the 25-54 demographic. 

Van Susteren, 62, abruptly left Fox after a 14-year run on Tuesday after she tried to renegotiate her contract by using an out clause shortly after the departure of former CEO and Chairman Roger Ailes. 

The Van Susteren news broke the same day Fox settled sexual harassment charges filed against Ailes by former Fox anchor Gretchen Carlson.

It’s possible Hume attracted a larger audience in part because of the attention given to Van Susteren’s surprise departure.