Cable News Ratings Surge: fox News Leads, MSNBC and CNN see Double-digit Gains
news ratings soar as Fox News maintains it's lead, while MSNBC and CNN experience significant viewership increases. find out what drove the surge."/>
New data reveals a surge in cable news ratings for the week of June 2, 2025, with Fox News Channel (FNC) maintaining its dominance while MSNBC and CNN both experienced double-digit gains in viewership. The ratings boost comes amid a relatively slow news period, with a notable feud between President Donald Trump and Elon Musk seemingly driving viewers to MSNBC and CNN.
Fox News Leads in Primetime and Total Day Viewership
Fox News Channel averaged 2.378 million total viewers and 256,000 adults aged 25-54 during primetime, marking a 4% increase in total viewers and a 7% rise in the key demographic compared to the previous week. In total day viewership, FNC averaged 1.460 million total viewers and 177,000 adults 25-54. While total day viewership dipped slightly by 1%, the network saw a 1% increase in the A25-54 demographic.
Despite a slight week-to-week decline in total day viewers, Fox News continues to outperform its cable rivals, as well as NBC and CBS broadcast networks, in weekday primetime total viewers. According to a 2024 Pew Research Center study, cable news remains a primary source of political information for many americans, highlighting the continued importance of these networks in shaping public discourse pew Research Center.
Did You Know? …
The Five,airing at 5 p.m. ET on Fox News, was the most-watched cable news program, drawing 3.432 million viewers.
MSNBC and CNN See Significant Gains
MSNBC’s primetime lineup averaged 965,000 total viewers and 92,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic, representing ample gains of 34% and 42%, respectively.During total day, MSNBC averaged 584,000 total viewers and 57,000 demo viewers, marking increases of 16% and 21% compared to the prior week.
CNN also experienced a notable surge in viewership, averaging 619,000 total viewers and 108,000 adults 25-54 during primetime. This translates to gains of 66% in total viewers and 77% in the A25-54 demographic. A key driver for CNN’s success was its live broadcast of George Clooney’s Tony-nominated play, “Good Night, and Good Luck,” which attracted 2.011 million total viewers and 223,000 demo viewers on June 7.
In total day, CNN averaged 391,000 total viewers and 66,000 demo viewers, reflecting gains of 27% and 35% in those measured categories. The network’s performance represents a significant climb among all cable networks.
Year-Over-Year Performance
comparing the week of June 2, 2025, to the same period last year, Fox News demonstrated growth, while MSNBC’s numbers declined. CNN showed gains in primetime but a slight dip in total day viewership.
- Fox News increased +11% in total viewers and +19% in the demo during primetime year-over-year. Total day saw gains of +12% in total viewers and +21% in the demo.
- MSNBC dropped by -17% in total viewers and -19% in the demo during primetime year-over-year. Total day was down -23% in total viewers and -27% in the demo.
- CNN jumped by +28% in total viewers and +23% in the demo in primetime year-over-year. Total day dropped -3% in total viewers and -7% in the demo.
Pro Tip: …
Pay attention to how special events or programming can significantly impact a network’s ratings for a given week.
Cable News Ratings: Key Metrics
| Network | Primetime Viewers (Total) | Primetime Viewers (A25-54) | Total Day Viewers (Total) | Total day Viewers (A25-54) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fox News | 2,378,000 | 256,000 | 1,460,000 | 177,000 |
| MSNBC | 965,000 | 92,000 | 584,000 | 57,000 |
| CNN | 619,000 | 108,000 | 391,000 | 66,000 |
The latest cable news ratings highlight the dynamic landscape of media consumption and the ongoing competition for viewers. While Fox News remains the dominant force, MSNBC and CNN are actively vying for audience share through strategic programming and coverage of key events.
What factors do you think most influence cable news ratings? How do you see the cable news landscape evolving in the coming years?
The Enduring appeal of Cable News: An Evergreen Viewpoint
Cable news has been a fixture of the American media landscape for decades, evolving from a niche source of information to a powerful force shaping public opinion. The rise of 24-hour news cycles, coupled with increasing political polarization, has fueled the demand for cable news programming. Networks like Fox News, MSNBC, and CNN cater to distinct ideological viewpoints, attracting loyal audiences who seek confirmation of their existing beliefs. The ability to provide immediate coverage of breaking events, coupled with opinionated commentary, has solidified cable news as a go-to source for many Americans seeking to stay informed.
Tho, the future of cable news is uncertain. The rise of streaming services and online news sources has created new avenues for information consumption, challenging the traditional dominance of cable networks. Younger generations, in particular, are less likely to subscribe to cable television, opting instead for digital alternatives. To remain relevant, cable news networks must adapt to these changing trends by expanding their online presence, experimenting with new formats, and engaging with audiences on social media.The ability to provide accurate, unbiased reporting, while also catering to diverse viewpoints, will be crucial for the long-term survival of cable news.
Frequently Asked Questions About Cable News Ratings
- Why are cable news ratings significant?
- Cable news ratings are crucial because they determine advertising revenue, influence programming decisions, and reflect the overall popularity and reach of a network.
- How are cable news ratings measured?
- Cable news ratings are primarily measured by Nielsen, which uses a sample of households to estimate the total viewership of a particular program or network.
- What is the A25-54 demographic, and why is it important?
- The A25-54 demographic refers to adults aged 25 to 54. It is indeed a key demographic for advertisers as it represents a large segment of the working population with significant purchasing power.
- Do online views factor into cable news ratings?
- While Nielsen ratings primarily focus on traditional television viewership, networks are increasingly tracking online views and engagement metrics to get a more complete picture of their audience.
- How do special events affect cable news ratings?
- Special events, such as presidential debates, major news conferences, or live broadcasts of significant events, can significantly boost cable news ratings as viewers tune in for real-time coverage.
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