MSNBC, CNN Report Record Low January Ratings as Fox News Hits New Highs

In January, MSNBC and CNN faced their lowest-rated month in history among the crucial 25-54 demographic, while Fox News celebrated its best January ever, continuing its dominance in cable news. MSNBC averaged only 63,000 viewers in the demo during primetime hours, significantly trailing behind Fox's 353,000 and CNN's 118,000. The month was marked by significant news events, including President Trump's inauguration and various international incidents, yet despite this, MSNBC's ratings plummeted. CNN also reported dismal numbers, averaging 522,000 viewers in primetime and struggling to maintain audience interest, leading to layoffs and a shift towards a more digital-based model. Fox News, conversely, not only reinforced its lead but captured more than 70 percent of the primetime audience, highlighting a dramatic shift in viewer preferences. Experts note that advertisers highly covet the 25-54 demographic for their purchasing power, making MSNBC's struggles particularly concerning for its ad sales.