What was the viewership like during the coverage of the JFK assassination?

The choice indicating that over 100 million viewers tuned in to the coverage of the JFK assassination reflects the unprecedented nature of the event and the media landscape of the time. The assassination of President John F. Kennedy on November 22, 1963, was a shocking occurrence that captivated the nation and the world. As television became a new medium for news coverage, the live broadcast of these historic events marked a significant moment in media history, drawing a massive audience.

The total viewership estimates reporting over 100 million include people who watched the live broadcast, along with those who saw subsequent news coverage in the days following the assassination. This high level of interest was fueled by the gravity of the event, the immediacy of live television, and the emotional engagement of the audience. Consequently, this viewership figure underscores the profound impact of the assassination on American society and illustrates how a public tragedy can garner such widespread attention across a diverse demographic. Additionally, the scope of viewing included all age groups rather than being limited to a specific demographic, demonstrating the national mourning and solidarity felt by Americans at the time.