MSNBC and CNN face a dramatic ratings plunge following Donald Trump’s unexpected election victory, signaling a significant shift in viewer preferences.
At a Glance
- MSNBC’s viewership dropped by 23%, while CNN experienced a steeper 43% decline.
- Fox News saw a 60% increase in viewership year over year.
- MSNBC’s prime time viewership decreased by 54% compared to the previous year.
- Seven MSNBC programs recorded their lowest Friday viewership of the year following the election.
- The ratings decline may indicate a shift in mood among left-leaning viewers.
Dramatic Shift in News Network Ratings
In a startling turn of events, left-leaning news networks MSNBC and CNN have experienced a significant drop in viewership following Donald Trump’s recent election victory. According to Nielsen ratings data, MSNBC saw a 23% decrease in viewers, while CNN suffered an even more substantial decline of 43% compared to the same day in 2023.
The decline was particularly pronounced during prime time hours, with MSNBC’s viewership plummeting by 54% compared to the previous year. This sharp downturn has led to several MSNBC programs recording their lowest ratings of the year, signaling a potential shift in viewer preferences and attitudes.
The Trump resistance is already over. MSNBC and CNN’s viewership tanked after Trump’s big win as Fox News viewership has soared. https://t.co/3A92b3lrFa
— Clay Travis (@ClayTravis) November 11, 2024
Fox News Dominates as Competitors Struggle
While MSNBC and CNN grapple with declining numbers, Fox News has emerged as the clear winner in the post-election media landscape. The conservative network experienced a remarkable 60% increase in viewership year over year, solidifying its position as the top choice for viewers on election night.
Fox News maintained strong viewership with 2.6 million viewers in the days following the election, down from an impressive 10.3 million on election night. This stark contrast in performance between Fox News and its competitors highlights a significant shift in viewer preferences and potentially reflects changing political sentiments among the American public.
MSNBC’s Struggle to Retain Viewers
MSNBC’s ratings decline has been particularly notable, with the network experiencing a dramatic drop from 6 million viewers on election night to just 596,000 daily viewers in the aftermath. This sharp decrease has resulted in several of the network’s popular programs facing their lowest ratings in years.
Alex Wagner’s show on MSNBC recorded its lowest ratings since its debut in August 2022, while Chris Hayes’ program saw its worst performance since May 2016. These statistics underscore the challenges facing MSNBC as it attempts to navigate the post-election media landscape and retain its viewer base.
Implications for the Media Landscape
The significant ratings decline for MSNBC and CNN, coupled with the rise in Fox News viewership, suggests a potential realignment in the media landscape. This shift may reflect changing viewer habits, a reassessment of political allegiances, or growing discontent among left-leaning audiences following Trump’s unexpected victory.
As the dust settles on the election results and the nation prepares for Donald Trump’s return to the White House, these rating trends will likely continue to evolve. The coming months will be crucial for news networks as they adapt to the changing political climate and strive to maintain their relevance in an increasingly competitive media environment.
Sources:
- MSNBC ratings tank again after election spike as viewers tire of anti-Trump rants
- Insult to Injury: MSNBC and CNN Suffer Staggering Ratings Plunge Following Trump Victory
