The Biden-Trump debate drew about 30 percent fewer TV viewers than in 2020

More than 51 million television viewers tuned in to the first televised debate of the 2024 presidential election between President Joe Biden and Republican rival Donald Trump on Thursday night, according to final figures from market research firm Nielsen.

That number is about 30 percent less than the 73 million television viewers who watched the first matchup between Biden and Trump in 2020, Reuters reported.

The debate was one of the three least watched first presidential debates in the United States since 1976.

Compared with the recent rounds of US presidential debates, relatively few TV viewers watched the debate between Biden and Trump on the night of 27, which may indicate that American voters are not enthusiastic about the two candidates.

Nielsen's numbers don't capture the full picture of online debate viewing, which has grown in popularity as traditional television audiences have declined.

In addition, media experts are watching to see if CNN's new debate format could serve as a model for future presidential debates.

Three media experts said CNN's restrictions on televised debates, including the ability to mute candidates' microphones and some restrictions on candidates, should be followed by other networks.

Some media commentators have criticized CNN moderators for their lack of real-time questioning of candidates' arguments and for allowing candidates to spread statements that are untrue.

A CNN spokesperson released a statement saying, "The moderators' role is to present the candidates with issues important to American voters, facilitate debates between the two candidates and allow both candidates to present their views and challenge their opponents' arguments."

Neither the Trump nor Biden campaigns responded to requests for comment on CNN's debate format or the moderators' performance.