FOX News Channel (FNC) has emerged as the undisputed king of cable news in November, securing its highest-ever share of the total day audience amidst a historic election month. According to Nielsen Media Research, FNC captured a staggering 62% of the cable news audience, solidifying its position as the leading network in the 25-54 demographic and total viewership for both primetime and total day.
This marks 45 consecutive months of FNC’s reign atop the cable news landscape. The network saw significant year-over-year growth, with primetime viewership surging by 86% and the key 25-54 demographic soaring by 147%. FNC’s total day viewership also experienced a remarkable 67% increase, with the 25-54 demographic jumping by 101%.
Key Highlights:
- Dominant Primetime Performance: FNC averaged 3.2 million viewers in primetime, with 476,000 in the coveted 25-54 demographic.
- Total Day Dominance: FNC drew 2 million total day viewers and 282,000 in the 25-54 demographic.
- Cross-Demographic Appeal: FNC attracted more Independents and Democrats in the 25-54 demographic than any other network and led with Asians, Hispanics, and upscale viewers.
- Fastest Growing Network: FNC was November’s fastest-growing television network in both viewers and the 25-54 demographic.
- Post-Election Surge: Following the November 5th election, FNC’s primetime audience grew by 24%, capturing a 73% share of the cable news audience. Meanwhile, CNN and MSNBC saw their viewership plummet.
- Election Day Victory: FNC’s election night coverage drew a massive audience, topping all television networks with nearly 13.6 million viewers.
- Concession Speech Coverage: FNC’s coverage of the concession speech was the most-watched program on television, drawing nearly 8 million viewers.
This ratings triumph underscores FNC’s continued appeal to a broad audience. While its primetime lineup, featuring shows like “The Ingraham Angle,” “Jesse Watters Primetime,” and “Hannity,” consistently draws large audiences, FNC also dominates with its daytime programming and weekend offerings. Even FNC’s late-night show “Gutfeld!” outperformed its broadcast and cable competition.
In contrast, rival networks CNN and MSNBC saw their viewership significantly decline, with many shows experiencing all-time lows in the 25-54 demographic. Notably, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” lost a substantial portion of its audience following a meeting between the co-hosts and the president-elect.
FNC’s strong performance in November demonstrates its continued strength in the cable news landscape, particularly its ability to draw viewers during major news events and election cycles.
NOVEMBER 2024 NIELSEN NUMBERS (Monday-Sunday, Live + Same Day):
TOTAL DAY
FNC: 1,951,000 total viewers and 282,000 A25-54
CNN: 482,000 total viewers and 108,000 A25-54
MSNBC: 720,000 total viewers and 91,000 A25-54
PRIMETIME (8-11P)
FNC: 3,181,000 total viewers and 476,000 A25-54
CNN: 725,000 total viewers and 196,000 A25-54
MSNBC: 1,085,000 total viewers and 161,000 A25-54
POST-ELECTION BROADCAST
FNC – 4,109,000 total viewers
CBS – 4,052,000 total viewers
ABC – 3,795,000 total viewers
NBC – 3,698,000 total viewers
JUNE 2024-NOVEMBER 2024 BROADCAST
NBC – 4,601,000 P2+
ABC – 3,337,000 P2+
FNC – 3,301,000 P2+
CBS – 2,924,000 P2+