Fox News and CNN Make Primetime Gains in Cable Ratings: What to Expect Next

Fox News and CNN Experience Primetime Gains Amid Industry Changes

In the constantly evolving landscape of cable news, Fox News and CNN showcased significant growth in viewer ratings during the week of February 17, 2025, according to Nielsen Media Research data. While both networks recorded week-to-week increases in total viewers and the sought-after Adults 25-54 demographic, MSNBC struggled notably, facing declines amidst announced programming changes and potential layoffs.

Breaking Down the Week’s Ratings

Fox News topped the Nielsen ratings with an impressive average of 3.154 million total viewers and 378,000 viewers in the A25-54 demographic during primetime—a week-over-week increase of 5% and 1%, respectively. In contrast, MSNBC averaged only 1.085 million total viewers and 93,000 A25-54 viewers, with double-digit declines in viewership across both dayparts.

In a stark turn, CNN's average increased to 531,000 total viewers and 110,000 in the A25-54 demo, marking an upward swing—9% and 8% growth compared to the prior week, which boosted it to fifth place in total primetime viewers.

MSNBC's Decline: What It Means for Viewers

MSNBC's struggles became more pronounced as they not only remained stagnant but experienced drops of approximately 13% among the A25-54 demographic. This situation raises concerns about the network's direction and how it addresses its audience after significant programming alterations.

Comparisons with Previous Year: A Troubling Trend for MSNBC

When comparing these ratings with the same week last year, both Fox News and CNN exhibited contrasting trends. Fox News saw a surge of over 50% in total viewers and a 60% increase in the A25-54 demographic. MSNBC, however, showed a troubling decline of 18% in total viewers and a staggering 23% decrease in the A25-54 demographic for primetime, reflecting a deeper concern over its competitive position.

Implications for Advertisers and Broadcast Strategies

The current shifts in ratings carry significant implications for advertisers who prioritize the A25-54 demographic. With Fox News commanding about 69% of the cable news audience, advertisers are likely to realign their strategies to focus more on networks delivering solid numbers in this key demographic. The ratings suggest a decline in advertisement efficiency on MSNBC, reinforcing the need for effective content strategies that engage audiences more convincingly.

Future Predictions: What Lies Ahead for Cable News?

As the cable news industry continues to contest viewer loyalty, rising competition from streaming platforms like CNN+ and MSNBC’s strategic revamping will be critical in shaping future ratings. Their responses to current viewer shifts will dictate whether they can reclaim lost demographics or if Fox News will further solidify its dominance.

Actionable Insights for Industry Stakeholders

Tuning into these ratings can offer insightful guidance for executive-level decision-makers within media companies. Companies should scrutinize audience preferences and respond proactively to content development, ensuring freshness while also analyzing competitor strategies for sustained growth. This period of flux presents opportunities for executives to rethink approaches towards programming and viewer engagement.