CNN is closing out 2024 with its lowest audience figures in the network’s history, despite a politically historic year, indicating that practically no one is watching the legacyh outlet. From December 26, 2023, through December 15, 2024, CNN averaged just 93,000 viewers in the key 25-54 age demographic. Across all viewers, the network drew 488,000, significantly trailing rival Fox News, which averaged 1.46 million viewers, according to Nielsen Media Research data.
The newly released data follows last month’s revelation that CNN’s election night coverage drew 5.1 million viewers, a 44% drop from its 2020 performance. In comparison, Fox News led the night with 13.6 million viewers. Meanwhile, MSNBC trailed CNN in the key 25-54 age demographic, attracting just 86,000 viewers. However, the network outperformed CNN in overall viewership, garnering 806,000 viewers across all demographics. On Thursday, reports emerged that MSNBC requested anchors Joy Reid and Stephanie Ruhle take pay cuts to retain their positions as hosts. This follows a similar move earlier this year, when anchor Rachel Maddow reportedly took a $5 million salary reduction.
The fledgling channel NewsNation, now three years old, made significant gains in 2024, increasing its primetime cable viewership by 25% and boosting its audience in the key 25-54 age demographic by 45%. As news networks wrap up 2024, Fox News secured the top spot among cable networks in overall viewership for the fourth quarter, marking its ninth consecutive year as the leader in cable news. In late-night programming, Gutfeld! led the pack, averaging 2.1 million total viewers. It also drew an impressive 295,000 viewers in the 25-54 age demographic, topping all cable news programs, the Washington Examiner reported.
Amid a challenging environment for cable news, MSNBC host Joy Reid is reportedly set to take a pay cut to remain at the network. The decision comes as MSNBC faces declining ratings and broader economic pressures impacting the media industry. Reid, host of The ReidOut and a prominent far-left voice, reportedly earns around $3 million annually. Sources suggest her contract renewal is tied to a salary reduction. She is among several MSNBC anchors expected to face cuts, including 11th Hour host Stephanie Ruhle, according to The Ankler.
The financial strain isn’t unique to MSNBC. Rival networks such as CNN, ABC, CBS, and NBC are also preparing for additional layoffs as executives anticipate more industry challenges in the coming year. These cuts come even as networks depend on high-profile talent to attract viewers. Once bolstered by nonstop political coverage during the Trump administration and the 2020 election, MSNBC and other legacy networks have struggled to retain their audiences in an increasingly fragmented media landscape.
Conversations with 20 network journalists and executives reveal a widespread sense of fatigue and a desire for 2024 to come to an end, coupled with deep uncertainty about the future of cable news, the outlet reported. “It’s pretty bleak,” said one seasoned cable network producer to The Ankler. “It’s past the point of hard alcohol.”
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