With its internally calamitous year behind them, Fox News is now closing in on 16 years as the No. 1 cable news network. The streak is now 63 consecutive quarters as the highest-rated cable news channel. FNC also marked five consecutive quarters as the top-rated basic cable network in both total viewers and the demo.
But with a strong Q3 2016 performance, dominated by presidential politics, the network was actually down year-over-year in total viewers, down -3 percent in total day and down -12 percent in total viewers.
The ratings for Q3, 2017 (Nielsen Live + Same Day data):
- Prime time (Mon-Sun): 2,154,000 total viewers / 436,000 A25-54
- Total Day (Mon-Sun): 1,365,000 total viewers /298,000 A25-54
During a quarter which saw a new prime time lineup continue to take shape (with changes ahead) FNC did see demo growth for total day viewing, up +8 percent. All daytime FNC programs (6AM-5PM/ET) posted double-digit gains in the demo compared to the same quarter last year.
FNC can claim 13 of the top 20 cable news programs in total viewers and 11 out of the top 20 in the demo. While MSNBC’s Rachel Maddow was the No. 1 cable news show overall for the quarter, Tucker Carlson was No. 2 in total viewers and Hannity was No. 2 in the demo.
Among other highlights, Fox & Friends (Pres. Trump’s favorite morning show) is on pace to have its highest-rated year in history, delivering 1.5 million total viewers and 343,000 in the demo. America’s Newsroom at 9 a.m. is up +3 percent in total viewers and up +18 percent in the demo. Outnumbered is up +13 percent in the demo and Shepard Smith Reporting is up +19 percent.