AJC, AP Say FNC Has “Widened Its Lead”

> Atlanta Journal-Constitution: “While CNN has celebrated scattered head-to-head victories on given nights, it still trails Fox News substantially in the big picture. Since Klein’s hiring, his rival has widened its lead.”

> Associated Press: “Although Fox News Channel’s lead over CNN during Klein’s tenure is wider than it was a year ago, recent ratings signs have been positive for CNN.”

> Update: 4:00pm: “Fox wants you to look back to December, because by April their lead had shrunk dramatically,” an insider responds. “There’s no disputing that under Jon Klein, CNN has the big MO. CNN is increasing viewers while Fox’s viewership has been declining (for 6 months!) They had a 162 percent lead over CNN just a few months ago (Dec). Now, under Klein, it’s down to 55 percent in April.”

> Update: 9:27pm: “While their ratings continue to plummet and they’ve actually lost market share since Jon Klein took over, there is one thing CNN can crow about — they’re still beating MSNBC,” a Fox insider retorted.