The decline of CNN is now undeniably stark as the network has hit an all-time low in viewer ratings. This downward spiral isn’t occurring in isolation; fellow left-leaning network MSNBC is facing similarly dismal numbers. The most recent ratings report, released by Mediaite, highlights a troubling trend for these outlets, often perceived as voices for the Democratic establishment.
In the latest quarter, Fox News has emerged as the dominant force in primetime, with “Jesse Watters Primetime” leading the pack, averaging an impressive 3.30 million viewers. Sean Hannity closely follows with 2.9 million viewers. Notably, Fox’s Greg Gutfeld has outperformed the late-night talk show landscape, drawing 2.94 million viewers and outperforming traditional competitors like Jimmy Kimmel and Stephen Colbert. Kimmel and Colbert managed only 1.77 million and 2.42 million viewers, respectively, reflecting a significant shift in viewer preferences.
CNN’s primetime ratings paint a disheartening picture. The network recorded just 538,000 viewers during prime time, marking its lowest figure ever. Even more concerning is its performance among the critical 25-to-54 demographic, where it reached a mere 87,000 viewers. MSNBC is not much better off, with 802,000 total viewers and a troubling 66,000 in the same demographic—its lowest viewership since 1998. Such figures prompt one to ask: if these ratings do not serve as a wake-up call, what will?
There are clear signs that viewers are tuning out. Conservatives and self-identified Republicans are noticeably absent from CNN and MSNBC, and it appears many Americans simply do not regard these networks as credible sources of news any longer. The distance between the news narratives these outlets push and the reality on the ground has created a distrust that is increasingly difficult to overlook. For instance, during the summer of 2020, CNN faced backlash for its infamous chyron, which described the chaos during the George Floyd protests with the phrase “Fiery But Mostly Peaceful Protests After Police Shooting.” Such moments have stuck with audiences and serve as reminders of the disconnect between coverage and reality.
Additionally, MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” host Joe Scarborough recently asserted that President Biden was “cogent” and in peak form intellectually. This statement, characterized by many as detached from reality, only exacerbates the skepticism surrounding the network. As critics pointed out, this portrayal does not align with how many view the President’s performance, especially considering public perceptions of his mental acuity.
These instances of questionable reporting contribute to the broader crisis of confidence viewers are feeling. Audiences have become weary of sensationalism and biased commentary. CNN and MSNBC, once considered staples in cable news, now find themselves grappling with declining relevance.
The hubris exhibited by these networks suggests a detachment from their audiences. For decades, they’ve dominated the landscape, but changes in viewer habits and preferences are creating a new dynamic. Without substantial changes, the latest ratings could signal the beginning of the end for these once-mighty institutions. The landscape of news consumption is shifting, and it seems the public is demanding something different—something they can trust.
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