CNN has hit a new low in its viewership, posting its worst ratings in the coveted 25-54 demographic in over 25 years. The steep drop, particularly noticeable after the 2024 presidential election, marks a troubling trend for the network.
In the week following the election, CNN averaged a mere 61,000 viewers in the 25-54 demographic—the smallest number since June 27, 2000. This drastic decline has left the network struggling to maintain its audience. Overall, CNN’s daily viewership also fell, with daytime programming bringing in just 403,000 viewers compared to Fox News’ 2.2 million.
Several factors have contributed to this alarming drop. Increased competition is one, as Fox News and MSNBC both saw significant gains in viewership, while CNN continued to hemorrhage viewers. Changing viewer habits are also at play, with more people flocking to alternative news sources and online platforms. Meanwhile, CNN’s internal challenges, such as its coverage strategy and lack of appeal to younger viewers, have only exacerbated the issue.
Primetime coverage, which has typically been a cornerstone for the network, has also taken a hit. The average viewership since Election Day dropped to just 483,000, a far cry from the 2 million Fox News has seen in the same period. The once-dominant network has failed to adapt quickly enough, and it’s showing in the numbers.
Post-election, CNN’s total day viewership declined by 27%, while Fox News saw a remarkable 41% increase. This shift in viewers’ preferences is not just a blip—it’s a clear signal that CNN needs to retool its approach.
In response, CNN has begun internal discussions on how to address the shift in its audience, particularly with regards to covering President-elect Donald Trump’s second term. However, questions remain whether these changes will be enough to reverse the downward trend.
Sources:
https://www.thewrap.com/msnbc-cnn-fox-news-viewership-craters-post-election-morning-joe/
https://thedesk.net/2024/11/post-election-cable-news-ratings-fox-cnn-msnbc/