After the 2024 election, viewership at far-left cable news networks CNN and MSNBC has taken a significant hit. Joy Reid, a prominent figure on MSNBC, is reportedly facing the possibility of a pay cut in order to remain on air. The decline in viewership can be attributed to the networks’ failed predictions leading up to the election, as they adamantly insisted that Trump had no chance of winning. However, on election night, they were forced to acknowledge Trump’s victory, leaving many viewers feeling deceived and betrayed.
Since the election, MSNBC has seen a decline of over 50% in viewership, while CNN has experienced a 45% decrease. In contrast, FOX News is the only cable news network that has seen an increase in viewers during the same period. The stark contrast in ratings is evident, with nearly three-quarters of cable news viewers tuning into FOX News post-election.
According to a report by The Associated Press, MSNBC’s prime-time viewership has plummeted by 54% since election night, with an average of 620,000 viewers. Similarly, CNN’s average viewership has dropped by 45% to 405,000 viewers. On the other hand, FOX News has seen a 13% increase in viewership, with an average of 2.68 million viewers post-election. The report also highlights the trend of people disengaging from cable television, posing a challenge for networks like MSNBC and CNN.
Despite MSNBC’s attempts to retain its audience, the network is facing a steeper decline than in 2016. There are concerns about whether Trump opponents will remain as engaged during his second term, and the increasing rate at which viewers are disconnecting from cable television is a growing threat to their survival. In contrast, FOX News has managed to attract viewers across the political spectrum, maintaining its position as a favorite among Trump supporters.
The decline in viewership for CNN and MSNBC has raised concerns about their future viability. Even with the mandatory cable bundle, cable providers are finding it challenging to keep these networks afloat. The consequences of spreading misinformation and false narratives have become apparent, as viewers are turning away from networks that they no longer trust. As a result, it remains uncertain whether CNN and MSNBC will be able to weather the storm and regain their lost viewership.
