Another year, another ratings record for Fox News. The network marked a ratings milestone in cable news by posting 15 consecutive years as the most-watched cable news channel, according to Nielsen.
For the month of January, Fox News was up +35 percent year-over-year in total prime time viewers, and up +46 percent in the demo. In total day, the network was up +45 percent in total viewers, and up +60 percent in A25-54.
The ratings for January, 2017 (Nielsen Live + Same Day data):
- Prime time (Mon-Sun): 2,844,000 total viewers / 569,000 A25-54
- Total Day (Mon-Sun): 1,814,000 total viewers / 374,000 A25-54
This year-over-year audience growth was bolstered by the network’s inauguration day coverage. FNC was the most-watched news network for coverage of the inauguration, and had its most-watched presidential inauguration of the 6 that have occurred since the network launched in 1996.
The network had 14 of the top 15 programs in cable news in total viewers and 8 out of the top 10 in A25-54 during the month of January. The O’Reilly Factor continued its reign as the most-watched cable news program. And, since moving to the 9 p.m. hour on January 9, Tucker Carlson Tonight improved +50 percent in total viewers compared to the January 2016 average of The Kelly File.
The network’s new 7 p.m. program The First 100 Days, which debuted two weeks ago, shot up +79 percent compared to the same month last year. Additionally, Hannity was up +79 percent versus the same time last year. Both The Five and Special Report with Bret Baier posted their most-watched months ever.
One more accomplishment: Fox News was the most-watched basic cable network in total day viewers in January, ranking ahead of ESPN.