Overview
- The Dec. 23 CBS telecast averaged 3.01 million viewers, a Nielsen-confirmed all-time low and roughly 25% below 2024.
- The center said year-to-year comparisons are unfair, citing Nielsen’s methodology shift, a Tuesday slot before Christmas, claimed top-25–54 performance, 1.5 billion social impressions, and $23 million raised.
- CBS declined to adopt the venue’s new name in coverage, with a standards executive saying only Congress can officially change the memorial’s name.
- Trustees unanimously voted in December to add President Donald Trump’s name to the institution, drawing criticism from Kennedy family members and prompting artist cancellations.
- Ex officio trustee Rep. Joyce Beatty filed a federal suit arguing that only Congress can rename the John F. Kennedy Memorial Center for the Performing Arts.