Here are the cable news ratings for the second quarter of 2024.
For much of the year, the big three cable networks have been searching for a news story to spark viewer interest amidst general public apathy towards the upcoming presidential election. President Joe Biden’s performance during CNN’s June 27 presidential debate finally provided that spark, lifting the outlets to ratings highs as the second quarter drew to a close. Questions surrounding Biden’s candidacy should generate significant storylines during the year’s second half.
Meanwhile, former President Donald Trump‘s conviction in a historic hush money trial also took place during this quarter. The fallout from that case, along with the other criminal trials he’s facing, has continued to bring viewers to the cable networks.
Fox News
Fox News averaged 2.099 million total primetime viewers in Q2, up +2% from the previous quarter. But the network also saw a quarter-to-quarter decline of -3% in the A25-54 demo with 227,000 viewers. During total day, Fox News brought in 1.304 million total viewers and 154,000 demo viewers, for a gain of +1% and a dip of -1%, respectively.
Looking at the network’s performance compared to the same quarter in 2023, it was up +24% in total viewers and +27% in the demo during primetime. During total day, the network was up +12% and +10%, respectively.
According to Nielsen Media Research, Fox News’ rule at the top of cable news has now stretched to 90 consecutive quarters.
From a programming standpoint, The Five (3.109 million at 5 p.m. ET) was FNC’s most-watched program, while Gutfeld! (295,000 at at 10 p.m. ET) took that title in the demo. Fox News was the most-watched cable network during primetime with total viewers and fifth most-watched network in the demo. During total day, Fox News was once again tops in total viewers and finished third in the demo.
MSNBC
MSNBC averaged 1.192 million total primetime viewers, down -5% from the previous quarter. It also fell by -6% in the primetime demo with 114,000 viewers. During total day, MSBNC saw an average of 810,000 total viewers for a flat result compared to the previous quarter, but saw a +1% bump in the demo with 83,000 viewers compared with Q1 2024.
Looking back at Q2 2023, MSNBC was down in total viewers and the demo during primetime, dropping by -6% and -18%, respectively. In total day, the network was up +2% in total viewers and down -13% in the demo.
The network recorded its 5th consecutive quarter of year-over-year viewership growth and topped CNN for the 14th straight quarter.
The 5 p.m. ET edition of Deadline White House with Nicole Wallace, the network’s most-watched program in total viewers and the demo with respective averages of 1.621 million and 146,000 viewers. MSNBC was the fourth most-watched cable news network in total viewers and No. 17 in the demo. During total day, MSNBC remained in second place in total viewers and 10th in the demo.
CNN
CNN averaged 616,000 total primetime viewers in Q2 2024, which translates to a +4% bump from the previous quarter. The network also rose by +2% in the A25-54 demo with 124,000 viewers. During total day, CNN had 473,000 total viewers and 85,000 demo viewers for a gain of +8% in the former category and a flat result in the latter.
Looking back at its Q2 2023 performance, CNN was up +8% in total viewers and down -2% in A25-54 in primetime. During total day, the network was up +2% in the former category and down -10% in the latter.
The Lead with Jake Tapper (716,000 at 4 p.m. ET) was CNN’s most-watched program among total viewers, while Anderson Cooper 360 (126,000 at 8 p.m. ET) claimed that title in the demo. The presidential debate was the network’s highest-rated program in its 44-year history.
CNN finished in eighth place during primetime with total viewers and shared 14th place with Comedy Central in the demo. During total day, CNN was No. 5 in total viewers and landed in the No. 8 spot in the demo.
Looking at the February performance of the other news networks:
- Newsmax: Rob Schmitt Tonight was the top show in total viewers and the A25-54 demo with 407,000 and 24,000 viewers, respectively.
- NewsNation: Cuomo was the top show in total viewers and the demo with 134,000 and 18,000 viewers, respectively.
- Fox Business: Kudlow remained the top show in total viewers and the demo with 282,000 and 14,000 viewers, respectively. Fox Business finished the second quarter as the top business network in business day and total day viewers.
- CNBC: Fast Money Halftime Report was the top show in total viewers and the demo with 200,000 and 40,000 viewers, respectively.
Q2 2024 cable news ratings, Monday-Sunday (Nielsen live-same-day data):
| PRIMETIME | Fox News | MSNBC | CNN |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Total Viewers: | 2,099,000 | 1,192,000 | 616,000 |
| • A25-54: | 227,000 | 114,000 | 124,000 |
| TOTAL DAY | Fox News | MSNBC | CNN |
|---|---|---|---|
| • Total Viewers: | 1,304,000 | 810,000 | 473,000 |
| • A25-54: | 154,000 | 83,000 | 85,000 |