CNN ended 2024 with the lowest audience numbers in its history, marking a striking decline even during an election year, when viewership typically surges for news outlets. According to Nielsen Media Research, as reported by the Washington Examiner, CNN averaged only 93,000 viewers in the key 25-54 demographic and 488,000 total viewers from December 26, 2023, through December 15, 2024. In stark contrast, Fox News dominated the field with an impressive 1.46 million total viewers.

Election night coverage highlighted CNN’s struggles. The network drew 5.1 million viewers—a staggering 44% drop from its 2020 election night numbers. By comparison, Fox News attracted 13.6 million viewers that night.

CNN was not alone in its challenges. MSNBC also faced low numbers in the key demographic, averaging 86,000 viewers, though it managed a stronger total viewership of 806,000. Reports surfaced that MSNBC requested pay cuts from high-profile anchors like Joy Reid and Stephanie Ruhle, following a $5 million salary reduction for Rachel Maddow.

Meanwhile, NewsNation, a relatively new competitor, saw significant growth in 2024, with a 25% increase in primetime viewership and a 45% boost in the 25-54 demographic.

Fox News solidified its dominance, remaining the most-watched cable network for the ninth consecutive year and leading in viewership during the fourth quarter of 2024. Late-night program Gutfeld! became a standout success, averaging 2.1 million viewers overall and 295,000 in the key demographic, making it the highest-rated cable news program in its time slot.

This data underscores a notable shift in audience preferences, with conservative-leaning networks like Fox News and rising alternatives like NewsNation gaining traction, while legacy networks like CNN and MSNBC continue to face declining influence.