CNN is jacking up its rates for advertising slots during the GOP debate that will air on the network September 16, according to Advertising Age.
Donald Trump sent out a tweet on Saturday crediting himself for this boost in ad revenue and hinting again that CNN should make a hefty donation to charity. CNN declined comment.
A 30-second ad spot on CNN would cost around $5,000 under normal circumstances. Citing ad buyers, Ad Age reports that CNN will be charging up to $200,000 for the same time slot during the debate, 40 times the original rate. The network is also reportedly charging between $50,000 and $60,000 for the debate earlier in the day, which features the lower-ranking candidates.
The Fox News debate held early last month brought in a record 24 million viewers, 7.9 million of which were between 25 and 54 years old, making this the most-watched GOP primary debate ever.
Trump has previously suggested that CNN should donate $10 million to charity in order for him to appear in its debate, CNN reports. He also alluded to this idea in his tweet.
Just announced that because of "Trump", advertising rates for debate on @CNN are going from $5000 to $200,000, a 4000% increase.PAY CHARITY?
— Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) September 5, 2015