BBC World's news coverage is more popular than key programmes on America's cable news channels among key decision makers, according to new research.

People ranging from those working in the executive and legislative branches of government to key business executives were selected to participate in the Erdos & Morgan Opinion Leaders Survey, which was carried out during May and June this year.

The results of the poll were based on 1776 completed questionnaires, representing a 59% response rate. The terrestrial networks' evening news programmes led the top 4 most viewed news programmes, with NBC's Meet The Press placing fifth. BBC World came sixth, ahead of The O'Reilly Factor on Fox News, Larry King Live on CNN, Comedy Central's Daily Show with Jon Stewart and Face The Nation on CBS. In addition to scoring high audience figures, those surveyed gave the BBC high marks for objectivity and credibility.

Currently, BBC World is only available on a national basis in America in limited timeslots on PBS and BBC America. It is also carried on a 24-hour basis on Cablevision, a cable operator serving households in Connecticut, New York and New Jersey.

"This survey is a terrific endorsement for the quality of BBC journalism and illustrates the increasing interest in international news," said BBC World editorial director Sian Kevill. "In a country so proud of its journalistic tradition, BBC World ranking so highly for credibility, influence and objectivity bodes well for the expansion of our 24-hour channel in the US."