Fox News has maintained its dominant position in the cable news landscape, outperforming major networks ABC and NBC during weekday primetime. Former President Joe Biden handed the Oval Office back to President Donald Trump in January, and the new administration has been making headlines with significant policy changes and controversies. In addition to the political turnover, January saw massive wildfires in Los Angeles, causing extensive damage and loss of life.
Aviation safety came into focus following two airplane tragedies in Washington, D.C., and Philadelphia. In March, the Trump administration faced its first major scandal when Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth was implicated in leaking sensitive war plans to the media. Fox News had its highest-rated quarter in history, mirroring its lead from the same quarter in 2024 with notable improvements.
The network averaged 3.012 million total primetime viewers and 380,000 viewers in the Adults 25-54 demographic. During total day, it saw 1.919 million total viewers and 247,000 demo viewers, reflecting significant year-over-year growth of +46% and +63%, respectively, in primetime, and +48% and +58% in total day ratings. Fox News claimed the top spot for cable news networks for the 93rd consecutive quarter and was the most-watched cable network during weekday primetime.
MSNBC averaged 1.024 million total viewers in primetime and 96,000 demo viewers, marking a decrease of -18% and -21%, respectively. During total day, the network saw 593,000 total viewers and 57,000 demo viewers. Despite these declines, MSNBC saw significant gains post-inauguration, with a +96% increase in primetime viewership and a +43% rise in total day viewership as compared to the pre-inauguration period.
CNN’s performance showed a slight decline, with an average of 558,000 total viewers and 121,000 demo viewers in primetime. During total day, CNN saw 428,000 total viewers and 79,000 demo viewers, reflecting decreases of -6% and -8%, respectively, compared to Q1 2024.
Fox News’ record-breaking viewership analysis
Despite the drop, CNN remained the second-most-watched cable news network in the demo during primetime and total day. The Five was the most-watched program with 4.552 million viewers at 5 p.m. ET. Jesse Watters Primetime led in the demo with 507,000 viewers at 8 p.m. ET.
Other top programs included Hannity (3.544 million viewers), Special Report with Bret Baier (3.503 million viewers), and The Ingraham Angle (3.418 million viewers). The Rachel Maddow Show was MSNBC’s top program with 1.918 million viewers and 177,000 demo viewers at 9 p.m. ET. The Lead with Jake Tapper was the most-watched program with 662,000 viewers at 5 p.m. ET.
Anderson Cooper 360 led the demo with 135,000 viewers at 8 p.m. ET. NewsNation saw an uptick in total day and primetime viewership compared to Q1 2024. The network now ranks higher than Fox Business and CNBC.
Kudlow remained the top show with 326,000 total viewers and 17,000 demo viewers for the 13th consecutive quarter. Fast Money Halftime Report led CNBC’s ratings, performing strongly in both total viewers and the demo. The top 15 shows among total viewers and adults 25-54 were dominated by Fox News, with prominently high ratings for programs like The Five and Jesse Watters Primetime.
MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show and CNN’s The Lead with Jake Tapper also made notable appearances. In conclusion, Fox News continues to lead the cable news ratings, followed by MSNBC and CNN, each facing challenges and opportunities as they navigate a dynamic news landscape.
