Los Angeles  - The prime time speech of Republican vice presidential pick, Alaska Governor Sarah Palin, at the party's national convention on Wednesday night was watched by more than 37 million viewers on US television, according to tracking firm Nielsen Media Research.

The ratings almost matched the record-setting 38.79 million viewers who tuned in last week to watch Barack Obama accept the Democratic presidential nomination.

The huge viewership underlined the interest that the previously unknown Palin injected into the presidential race after she was announced as the surprise running mate of Republican nominee Senator John McCain. (dpa)