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Fox News Channel emerged as a leader in ratings this summer, surpassing its cable news competitors and the top three broadcast networks in primetime viewership. This achievement, reported by Nielsen Media Research, highlights Fox’s robust presence in the television landscape.
From June 20 to the end of summer, Fox News averaged 2.43 million total viewers during primetime hours from Monday through Sunday. This figure overshadows ABC’s 2.38 million viewers, NBC’s 2.21 million, and CBS’s 2.03 million viewers.
In August alone, Fox News maintained a strong performance, averaging 2.3 million total viewers. In stark contrast, MSNBC ranked distant second with an average of 783,000 total viewers, while CNN faced challenges, drawing only 444,000 total viewers. Clearly, Fox News has solidified its position as a frontrunner in viewer engagement.
Notably, Fox News experienced audience growth compared to August of the previous year. This was particularly remarkable since 2024 was not an election year. The network achieved a 1% increase in total viewership, while MSNBC saw a dramatic 57% decline and CNN recorded a 59% drop year-over-year.
Moreover, Fox News led the coveted demographic of viewers aged 25-54, averaging 237,000 in this key group for August. CNN lagged significantly with only 78,000, while MSNBC trailed even further with 72,000.
In the total day viewership category, Fox News continued to shine with an average of 1.45 million total viewers and 160,000 in the key demographic. In comparison, MSNBC averaged 502,000 total viewers with 46,000 in the demo, and CNN brought in 333,000 total viewers along with 53,000 in the demo.
The ratings of prime time programming reveal Fox News’s stronghold. Noteworthy shows include The Five, which secured the title of the most-watched show in cable news with an average of 3.5 million total viewers. Following closely were Jesse Watters Primetime at 3 million, Gutfeld! with 2.8 million, Hannity at 2.6 million, Special Report with Bret Baier averaging 2.55 million, and The Ingraham Angle holding steady at 2.5 million.
Additionally, Fox News daytime programs are increasingly surpassing traditional broadcast news offerings across various markets. The flagship morning show, Fox & Friends, achieved an average of 1.3 million viewers in August, along with 148,000 in the key demographic. This performance outstripped the combined audience of MSNBC and CNN’s morning programs.
Fox & Friends outperformed several significant morning shows, defeating CBS Mornings in 21 markets, including key locations such as New York, Philadelphia, and Dallas. The show also surpassed ABC’s Good Morning America in 15 markets, including Orlando, Baltimore, and New Orleans, while beating NBC’s Today in six markets like New York, Atlanta, and Boston.
Furthermore, Special Report with Bret Baier has been closing the gap with mainstream broadcast news competitors. The show outperformed CBS Evening News in 23 markets, including Chicago, Philadelphia, and Washington D.C. It also beat ABC’s World News Tonight in eight markets, including New Orleans and St. Louis, and established itself ahead of NBC Nightly News in markets such as Tampa Bay, Boston, and Tulsa.
Across the daytime lineup, Fox News outperformed both MSNBC and CNN throughout August. Notable averages include America’s Newsroom and The Faulkner Focus, each drawing 1.8 million viewers. Meanwhile, Outnumbered averaged 1.9 million viewers, while American Reports and The Story with Martha MacCallum each averaged 1.7 million. Notably, The Will Cain Show averaged 2 million viewers.
It is essential to mention that every Fox News program that aired between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET outperformed competitors like ABC’s GMA3, NBC’s Today Third Hour, and NBC’s Today with Jenna & Friends, all of which averaged less than 1.7 million total viewers in August.
The results from the summer ratings underscore Fox News Channel’s significant growth and viewer loyalty. These trends indicate strong viewer preferences for the channel’s programming, particularly in an environment where cable news continues to evolve.
Future Outlook for Fox News Channel’s Programming
As audiences shift in response to political developments and social dynamics, it will be intriguing to see how Fox News adapts its programming strategies. The summer ratings reflect a strong foundation, but maintaining this momentum will require innovation and responsiveness to viewer needs.
Fox News is expected to navigate the changing television landscape with agility, continuing to engage its audience with relevant content. The anticipated launch of the Fox One streaming service also hints at a commitment to expanding its reach and adapting to emerging trends in digital consumption.
