Fox News Channel finished 2024 as the highest-rated cable news network. Nielsen Media Research data shows Fox News averaged 1.5 million primetime viewers.
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Key Programs Lead the Way
The Five took top honors with 3;2 million viewers. Jesse Watters Primetime averaged 2.7 million, and Hannity had 2.6 million.
Rivals Lag Behind
CNN averaged 638,000 viewers. MSNBC averaged 857,000 viewers.
Fox News had the highest audience share in cable news history, holding 62% of the audience.
Factors Contributing to Fox News’ Success
Several factors likely contributed to Fox News’ strong performance in 2024. The network’s established brand recognition and loyal audience base played a significant role. Furthermore, the year was marked by intense political activity, including the GOP primary and the general election. This heightened news cycle typically benefits cable news networks, and Fox News was able to capitalize on this interest.
The revamped primetime lineup, implemented ahead of the election cycle, also appears to have resonated with viewers. By strategically positioning opinion hosts, Fox News was able to create engaging and compelling programming that attracted a large audience.
Looking Ahead
As 2025 progresses, it remains to be seen whether Fox News can maintain its dominant position. The political landscape is constantly evolving, and the preferences of cable news viewers can shift over time. The network will need to continue to innovate and adapt to stay ahead of the competition. The future of MSNBC and CNN is uncertain, but they will continue to work to grow their audiences.
The ability to attract and retain viewers in a rapidly changing media environment will be crucial for all cable news networks in the years to come.
