In a challenging start to 2025, CNN has experienced significant viewership declines, continuing a troubling trend for the network as it struggles to maintain its footing in the competitive cable news landscape. According to recent data, CNN’s ratings have dropped across key metrics in the first quarter of 2025 and the month of March, while rival Fox News has seen substantial gains, solidifying its dominance in the industry. MSNBC, CNN’s other major competitor, also reported declines, though both networks noted modest post-inauguration viewership bumps following the 2024 election.
In the first quarter of 2025, CNN averaged 558,000 total viewers in primetime, a 6% decrease from the same period in 2024. In the critical 25-54 demographic, which advertisers prioritize, CNN posted 121,000 viewers, down 1% year-over-year. Total day viewership fared worse, with CNN averaging 428,000 viewers, an 8% drop, and 79,000 in the 25-54 demo, down 7%. March painted a similar picture, with primetime viewership at 591,000, a 2% decline, and 121,000 in the 25-54 demo, also down 2%. Total day figures for March showed 432,000 viewers, a 6% drop, and 78,000 in the 25-54 demo, down 7% according to a report from Deadline.
Update: It is important to note that CNN is trying to expand outside of TV news by launching a new streaming news service and a weather app to help diversify its offerings in the face of cord cutting.
These declines stand in stark contrast to Fox News, which reported a 46% surge in primetime viewership, averaging 3.01 million viewers in Q1, and a 48% increase in total day viewership, reaching 1.92 million. Fox’s dominance extended to the 25-54 demo, with a 63% jump in primetime (380,000 viewers) and a 58% increase in total day (247,000 viewers). MSNBC also struggled, posting an 18% drop in primetime viewers (1.02 million) and a 27% decline in total day viewers (593,000) in Q1.
Despite the downturn, CNN highlighted a silver lining: a 7% increase in primetime viewership in March compared to February 2025, and a 5% uptick across weekdays. This growth, attributed to heightened interest following Donald Trump’s inauguration, suggests CNN retains some ability to capitalize on major political moments. However, these gains pale in comparison to MSNBC’s reported 96% surge in weekday primetime viewership and 118% increase in the 25-54 demo since the inauguration.
CNN’s struggles reflect broader challenges in retaining a consistent audience amid a polarized media environment. Fox News’ top-performing shows, like The Five (4.55 million viewers in Q1) and Jesse Watters Primetime (507,000 in the 25-54 demo), have drawn massive audiences, while CNN’s programming has failed to generate similar buzz. As Fox News celebrates its highest-rated quarter in cable news history, CNN must navigate an increasingly difficult path to regain relevance and rebuild its viewership base in 2025.
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