Broadcast nets' overall numbers are down from 2004

ABC scored an Election Night ratings victory as the network moved past NBC as viewers' top choice (at least among broadcast nets) for information on the presidential race.

The Alphabet averaged an 8.2 rating/12 share in primetime, beating NBC (7.8/11) by about 500,000 viewers. CBS finished a fairly distant third at 4.9/7. FOX, 3.1/4, came in fourth (all four networks were live all night, meaning these numbers may change further). The CW, which aired regular programming with short election updates, drew a 1.7/2.

Overall, ratings for the broadcast networks were down a bit from Election Night in 2004, with cable networks presumably picking up a large number of those viewers (those numbers aren't available yet).

ABC and NBC tied for the lead among adults 18-49 at a 4.7 rating. CBS earned a 2.5, followed by FOX, 2.2, and The CW, 1.2.

ABC, 7.8/11, and NBC, 7.7/11, finished in a virtual tie at 8 p.m. CBS' election coverage was third, while FOX's reports came in at 3.1/4. The CW got a 2.0/3 from "90210."

At 9 p.m., ABC gained the overall lead with an 8.7/13. NBC remained competitive at 8.1/11 and had a small lead in the 18-49 demo. CBS improved a bit to 5.1/7, while FOX held steady. "Privileged," 1.5/2, finished the night for The CW.

ABC's coverage of the presidential race scored an 8.2/13 in the 10 p.m. hour -- just before the networks called the election for Barack Obama. NBC averaged 7.5/12 and CBS 4.8/7.

Ratings information is taken from fast national data, which includes live and same-day DVR viewing. All numbers are preliminary and subject to change, especially in the case of live telecasts.