CNN continues to struggle finding its footing without major breaking news: the network lost a quarter of its audience in total day and a third of its audience in primetime in February. This month was the network’s third-lowest rated month ever in primetime total viewers.
The ratings for February 2014 (Nielsen Live + Same Day data):
- Primetime (Mon-Sun): 399,000 Total Viewers / 134,000 A25-54
- Total Day (Mon-Sun): 307,000 Total Viewers / 96,000 A25-54
Compared to the same month last year, CNN is down double digits across the board: -27% in total viewers and -26% in the demo in total day and -39% and -31%, respectively, in primetime. Every CNN program is down in both total viewers and the A25-54 demographic year-over-year. CNN has recently said it is planning to acquire more documentaries as a way to attract viewers when there is no major breaking news events, which typically boost ratings.
In primetime, “Anderson Cooper 360” was down -47% in total viewers and -46% in the A25-54 demographic compared to February 2014. “Piers Morgan Live,” which has been canceled, is going out on a low note: the show is posting its lowest ratings in both ratings measurements ever, down -46% in total viewers and -38% in the demo year-over-year. Jeff Zucker has said that the primetime lineup will see changes this year.
“Crossfire” had its lowest-rated month since launch in total viewers. “OutFront with Erin Burnett” hit a 22-year low in total viewers for the 7pmET timeslot.