In a year marked by intense political developments and shifting viewer habits, Fox News Channel solidified its position as the undisputed leader in cable news for 2025. According to Nielsen data, the network achieved the highest prime time average among all news outlets, drawing an average of 2.759 million viewers during the 8-11 p.m. ET slot. This represented a robust 12% increase compared to the previous year, highlighting the channel’s growing appeal amid a competitive media environment, according to Variety.
Here are the key percentage changes in prime time viewership from 2024 to 2025:
- Fox News: +12%
- MSNBC: –26%
- CNN: –16%
- Newsmax: –18%
- NewsNation: +16%
- HLN: –20%
- Fox Business: –20%
Fox News not only maintained its top spot in cable news but also frequently outperformed major broadcast networks in prime time viewership, a feat that underscored its broad reach and resonance with audiences seeking opinion-driven and breaking news coverage. Programs such as The Five, Jesse Watters Primetime, and Gutfeld! contributed heavily to this success, consistently ranking among the most-watched cable offerings and helping the network capture a dominant share of the overall cable news audience.
Trailing far behind in second place was MS Now (formerly MSNBC), which averaged just 937,000 prime time viewers. This marked a steep 26% decline from 2024, reflecting challenges in retaining viewers during a period of significant programming adjustments and a post-election audience shift. The network struggled to maintain momentum, with its prime time lineup seeing reduced engagement across key segments.
CNN finished third in the rankings, with an average of 591,000 prime time viewers—a 16% drop year-over-year. The network faced ongoing difficulties in a fragmented viewing landscape, where audiences increasingly turned to alternatives for news and commentary. Despite efforts to refresh its schedule, CNN’s numbers remained well below those of its main rivals.
Further down the list, Newsmax placed fourth with an average of 241,000 prime time viewers, representing an 18% decline. The channel, known for its conservative perspective, continued to build a niche following but could not avoid the broader downturn affecting several outlets in the category.
NewsNation emerged as one of the few bright spots, securing fifth place with an average of 125,000 prime time viewers. The network posted a notable 16% increase, demonstrating growth through its focus on straight-news reporting and independent analysis that appealed to viewers seeking less partisan content.
HLN ranked sixth, averaging 121,000 viewers in prime time and experiencing a 20% drop. The channel’s shift toward more entertainment-oriented programming appeared to have limited success in retaining or attracting news-focused audiences.
In seventh place was Fox Business Network, which averaged 72,000 prime time viewers—a 20% decline. While the business-focused outlet maintained a dedicated viewership for market analysis, it faced headwinds similar to other specialized networks in a year dominated by political and general news events.
The 2025 ratings landscape revealed a clear divide in cable news performance. Fox News’s gains stood in stark contrast to the declines experienced by most competitors, particularly those aligned with different editorial approaches. Factors such as strong hosting lineups, timely coverage of major national developments, and viewer loyalty contributed to the network’s upward trajectory.
This dominance extended beyond mere numbers, as Fox News frequently commanded the majority of cable news share and topped various demographic categories. The results affirmed its status as the go-to destination for millions of viewers throughout the year, even as the broader industry grappled with evolving consumption patterns and competition from digital platforms.
Overall, 2025 proved to be a banner year for Fox News, reinforcing its leadership in a highly polarized and fast-changing media environment. The network’s ability to grow while others contracted highlighted the enduring strength of its programming strategy and audience connection.
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