If anyone wants to know why CNBC anchors are so pale and nervous these days, look no further. As Comcast CEO Brian Roberts considers what to keep and what to, well, cut, post his digestion of NBC Universal (assuming deal rumors are true naturally) his eyes likely cast casual nervous glances at Nielsen reports of CNBC viewership. Yet his nervousness is quite minor compared to what actual employees must be feeling after Nielsen reported a 50% plunge in CNBC vierwership in October year over year. Specifically, CNBC has experienced a massive 52% decline in overall viewers during business day hours (5 am - 7 pm), and a not much better 49% drop in its demo (25-54) in the month of October as compared to last year. Specific shows that are likely to follow the fate of Dennis Kneale's recently cancelled 8pm gobbledygook are likely the Kudlow Report and Mad Money, which are down 59% and 56%, respectively.

While one can speculate about the causes of the drop (call it readers who can read between the propganda teleprompter lines), one thing the drop does explain is why CNBC has had to recently resort to advertising products for incontinence among other bodily malfunctions.

As always, Zero Hedge wishes the network a speedy recovery and a return to what it does best: reporting the news, without bias, without propaganda, and without an agenda. Once that happens CNBC and its new/old owners may be surprised how quickly its rating will return to normal.