Fox News is the No. 1 cable network for August 2016, both in total day and in prime time. FNC fell 12.5 percent in total prime-time viewers, but gained 5 percent in total day viewers compared to August 2015, a month during which the network delivered the most-watched non-sports program in cable history (the first GOP presidential debate).
MSNBC delivered a 76 percent improvement in total prime-time viewers, and a 72 percent improvement in total day viewers from August 2015. The network finished No. 7 in total prime-time viewers, and No. 10 in total day viewers across all of basic cable.
CNN delivered a 47 percent bump in total prime-time viewers, and a 56 percent bump in total day viewers compared to August 2015. The network finished No. 12 in total prime-time viewers, and No. 8 in total day viewers.
HLN and CNBC both experienced year-over-year decline in prime time, with HLN losing 7 percent and CNBC down 12 percent. That said, CNBC delivered a 12 percent boost in total day viewers this past month from August 2015.
HLN finished August No. 45 in total prime-time viewers, and No. 37 in total day viewers. CNBC finished No. 46 in total prime-time viewers, and No. 50 in total day viewers.
Fox Business Network had a strong August in its own right, up 40 percent in total prime-time viewers, and up 62 percent in total day viewers from August 2015. FBN finished No. 82 in total prime-time viewers, and No. 73 in total day viewers.
HGTV was the No. 2 basic cable network for the month in total prime-time viewers, followed by USA, TBS, History, TNT, MSNBC, Adult Swim, Discovery and Investigation Discovery.
Nickelodeon was the No. 2 cable network of the month in total day viewers, followed by Adult Swim, Cartoon Network, HGTV, Nick-at-Nite, TNT, CNN, USA and MSNBC.
August 2016 Basic Cable Network Ranker (Total Viewers)