Fox News Maintains Cable News Dominance, But Cracks Appear
Fox News continues to lead the cable news landscape, but recent ratings data reveals a more nuanced picture than simple dominance. The week of February 2, 2026, saw Fox News as the only major network to experience week-to-week gains in both total viewers and the key 25-54 demographic during primetime and total day viewing. This represents their highest-rated week since September 2025, averaging 2.633 million total primetime viewers and 275,000 in the 25-54 demo.
The Shifting Sands of Cable News
While Fox News is up, the overall trend shows a challenging environment for traditional cable news. CNN and MS NOW (formerly MSNBC) both registered declines across the board in total viewers and the 25-54 demo during both primetime and total day. This follows a 2025 trend where Fox News increased viewership while CNN and MS NOW experienced significant double-digit declines.
MS NOW averaged 1.095 million total primetime viewers and 134,000 in the 25-54 demo for the week, a -12% drop in total viewers and -11% in the demo compared to the previous week. CNN fared similarly, with 753,000 total primetime viewers and 142,000 in the 25-54 demo, down -9% and -16% respectively.
Programming Powerhouses and Emerging Trends
Fox News continues to dominate the programming charts, securing 13 of the 15 most-watched cable news shows. The Five led the pack with 4.081 million total viewers. MS NOW’s The Rachel Maddow Demonstrate and The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell were the only non-Fox programs to make the list, securing seventh and fifteenth place respectively.
The Five also regained the top spot in the 25-54 demo, averaging 364,000 viewers. This highlights the continued appeal of ensemble shows and opinion-driven content. However, the significant gains made by MS NOW in the demo during the final week of January, with Rachel Maddow briefly surpassing Hannity, suggest potential for shifts in viewership based on specific news events.
Looking Back: A Year of Change
Comparing the week of February 2, 2026, to the same period in 2025 reveals further shifts. Fox News was down -14% in total primetime viewers and -31% in the 25-54 demo year-over-year. MS NOW saw a -5% decline in total viewers but a +14% increase in the demo. CNN experienced substantial growth, up +48% in total viewers and +23% in the demo, though these gains appear to have leveled off in early 2026.
The Impact of Nielsen’s Methodology Changes
It’s important to note that Nielsen changed its rating methodology last year. This could potentially skew the numbers and make direct comparisons to 2024 more challenging. The impact of these changes on viewership trends requires ongoing analysis.
What Does the Future Hold for Cable News?
The current landscape suggests several potential future trends:
- Continued Fragmentation: Viewers are increasingly turning to alternative sources of news, including streaming services, social media, and digital platforms.
- The Rise of Digital News: Networks like MS NOW, with a strong online presence (MS NOW), may be better positioned to adapt to changing viewing habits.
- Event-Driven Spikes: Major news events, like the fatal shooting of Alex Pretti and the winter storms mentioned in recent reports, can cause significant short-term fluctuations in viewership.
- Demo Focus: Networks will likely continue to prioritize attracting and retaining the 25-54 demographic, as this group is highly valued by advertisers.
FAQ
Q: Is Fox News still the most-watched cable news network?
A: Yes, Fox News currently leads in total viewership.
Q: Are CNN and MSNBC losing viewers?
A: Yes, both CNN and MS NOW have experienced declines in viewership in recent weeks and throughout 2025.
Q: What is the 25-54 demo?
A: The 25-54 demographic refers to viewers aged 25 to 54, a key group for advertisers.
Q: Has Nielsen’s rating methodology changed recently?
A: Yes, Nielsen changed its methodology last year, which may affect the accuracy of viewership comparisons.
Pro Tip: Pay attention to how networks adapt their programming and distribution strategies to reach viewers on multiple platforms. This will be crucial for success in the evolving media landscape.
Did you understand? Fox News frequently outperforms major broadcast networks in prime time viewership, demonstrating its broad reach and resonance with audiences.
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