During the week of May 26 to June 1, Fox News Channel secured the highest primetime viewership among broadcast networks, averaging 2.7 million viewers compared to NBC, CBS, and ABC. This surge in viewership placed Fox News in a strong position against its competitors, with NBC, CBS, and ABC averaging 2.4 million, 2.4 million, and 2.3 million viewers, respectively. The network’s strong performance contrasted with CNN’s dismal ratings, which marked its lowest-rated week of the year. CNN averaged only 308,000 total day viewers and 374,000 primetime viewers, a sharp decline from previous weeks that suggests a worsening situation for the network.
Among the advertiser-coveted demographic of adults aged 25-54, Fox News outperformed CNN significantly, with 175,000 total day demo viewers and 240,000 during primetime, compared to only 49,000 total day and 61,000 primetime demo viewers for CNN. This demographic’s preference for Fox News is a key indicator of the network’s growing influence and the potential impact on advertising revenue. The contrast between the two networks highlights a shift in audience preference, with Fox News benefiting from its strong lineup of programming, including its popular morning and primetime shows, while CNN struggles to maintain relevance and engagement.
The network’s performance also marked a record low for CNN, as Fox News claimed the top 100 cable news telecasts for the week. Programs such as ‘The Five,’ averaging 3.7 million total viewers and 409,000 in the critical demo, led the network’s strong performance. Other notable shows like ‘Special Report with Bret Baier,’ ‘The Ingraham Angle,’ and ‘Hannity’ also contributed significantly to Fox News’s dominance. These ratings are not only indicative of viewer preference but also of the broader political and media landscape, where conservative-leaning content continues to thrive while liberal-leaning networks face declining viewership.
This shift in ratings underscores the growing divide between conservative and liberal media audiences, with Fox News maintaining its position as the dominant cable news network. As the network continues to attract viewers and advertisers, the situation for CNN becomes increasingly challenging, prompting questions about its long-term viability in the current media climate.