Fox News Channel has crushed its competition in weekday primetime ratings, leaving traditional broadcast networks and liberal cable news outlets struggling to keep pace as CNN records its worst performance of the year.
At a Glance
- Fox News outperformed all broadcast networks in weekday primetime viewership from May 26-30, averaging 2.7 million viewers
- CNN experienced its lowest-rated week of the year, with Fox News drawing nearly 7 times more total day viewers (1.5 million vs. CNN’s 308,000)
- Fox News viewership grew by 21% since May 2024, while MSNBC declined by 33% and CNN by 24%
- “The Five” led all cable news with 3.7 million total viewers and 409,000 in the critical 25-54 demographic
- Fox News dominated so completely that all 100 of the top cable news telecasts aired on the network
Fox News Dominates Across All Metrics
Fox News Channel has established unprecedented dominance in the television news landscape, outperforming not just cable news competitors but also traditional broadcast networks. During weekday primetime from May 26-30, Fox News averaged 2.7 million viewers, surpassing ABC, NBC, and CBS. This victory extends beyond a single timeslot, with Fox News averaging 1.5 million total day viewers from May 26 through June 1, compared to CNN’s dismal 308,000 viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
In primetime, the gap widened even further with Fox News drawing 2.3 million viewers while CNN managed only 374,000. The network’s success spans across all key demographics, including the advertiser-coveted 25-54 age group, where Fox News recorded 175,000 total day viewers and 240,000 during primetime. By comparison, CNN attracted just 49,000 total day and 61,000 primetime viewers in this crucial demographic.
— Dr. Sara Browning (@sararen21) December 16, 2024
Liberal Networks Face Continued Decline
While Fox News celebrates growth, its liberal-leaning competitors continue to struggle. Fox News viewership has increased by 21% since May 2024, creating a stark contrast with MSNBC’s 33% decline and CNN’s 24% viewership drop during the same period. The ratings gap has become so pronounced that Fox News averaged 1.6 million total day viewers compared to MSNBC’s 545,000 and CNN’s 353,000. These numbers highlight the growing preference among American viewers for Fox News’s programming approach.
CNN’s performance has been particularly troubling for the network, recording its lowest-rated week of the year during this period. The once-dominant cable news pioneer has struggled to maintain viewership amid shifting audience preferences and programming changes. Fox News has capitalized on this weakness, securing its highest cable news share since inauguration week, with an unprecedented achievement of having all 100 of the top cable news telecasts air on its network.
Top-Performing Programs Drive Success
“The Five” has emerged as the crown jewel in Fox News’s programming lineup, leading all cable news with an impressive 3.7 million total viewers and 409,000 in the critical 25-54 demographic. The panel show’s consistent performance has anchored Fox News’s afternoon schedule and helped drive viewers to the network’s primetime offerings. Other Fox News programs including “Special Report with Bret Baier,” “The Ingraham Angle,” and “Hannity” have also delivered strong performances, contributing to the network’s overall dominance.
The ratings success comes as Americans increasingly turn to Fox News for coverage of major national stories, including the upcoming presidential election. The network’s consistent messaging and programming approach have resonated with viewers seeking alternatives to traditional broadcast networks and other cable news outlets. As the media landscape continues to evolve, Fox News has demonstrated remarkable resilience and growth while competitors struggle to maintain their audiences.
