TVSpy
The Fox News Channel has scored a huge ratings victory, beating all other cable networks in primetime last week (1/18/10-1/24/10). In a week that included extensive coverage of the Haitian earthquake aftermath as well as the Massachusetts senate race, FNC was the number one cable network in primetime according to Nielsen Media Research.
The last time that FNC claimed the top spot in cable ratings was during the week of the 2008 presidential election (11/3/08-11/9/08). Last week’s ratings win not only extended FNC’s dominance over its cable news competitors, (CNN ranked 22nd and MSNBC was 25th for the week) it also showed that the network’s major rivals extend beyond news channels.
In the wake of the 2008 presidential election, FNC made it clear that the network’s goal is to be a top cable destination, not just a top news channel. By besting USA–a regular at the #1 spot–last week, FNC has certainly achieved this goal. In a year that culminates in gubernatorial and congressional elections, FNC will likely be vying for the #1 spot throughout 2010.