CNN loses 5 million viewers in second GOP debate

The fifth Republican presidential primary debate of the campaign drew 18 million total viewers for CNN, down 5 million from the audience that watched CNN's first debate in September.

Still, 18 million viewers made the Tuesday night debate the second most-watched program in CNN's programming history, the network said in a release. The September debate, which drew 23 million people, was the network's best rating event ever.

GOP debates this election have proven to be a ratings generator, largely due to the unpredictability factor with billionaire businessman Donald Trump on the stage.

In August, Fox News hosted its own GOP debate and got 24 million viewers.

Read more on WashingtonExaminer.com