Fox News Channel has just completed its 15th consecutive month as the most-watched basic cable network in total day, as per Nielsen live-plus-same-day data for May 2022. The 1.46 million total day viewer average represents the second-largest May audience in network history (only behind May 2020). The network shed -4% in total day viewers and -8% among adults 25-54 from April ’22.
How about primetime? Fox News averaged the second-largest total audience of all basic cable networks during May, only behind NBA Playoffs-carrying TNT. Relative to April, Fox News shed -4% in total primetime viewers and -15% among the primetime demo.
While Fox News lost some traction from April in the viewership department, the network continues to gain viewers from 2021— posting growth from the prior May in total day viewers (+23%), in total primetime viewers (+5%), as well as in the total day demo (+12%).
Additionally, Fox Business beat CNBC in total business day viewers for the second consecutive month. However, FBN came up short to CNBC in the key A25-54 demo and during market hours.
The average Nielsen live plus same day impressions for May ’22:
- Prime time (Mon.-Sun.): 2.268,000 total viewers / 351,000 A25-54
- Total Day (Mon.-Sun.): 1,458,000 total viewers /229,000 A25-54
On the programming front, The Five continued to make history, finishing the month of May as the most-watched cable news show for five out of the past six months. The roundtable talk program averaged 3.3 million total viewers, and 447,000 in the 25-54 demo at 5 p.m. At 8 p.m., Tucker Carlson Tonight completed the month as the top-rated program among adults 25-54, averaging 522,000, and No. 2 in average total viewers with a 3.2 million average. Additionally, Fox News delivered the six-most-watched programs in cable news and the top 15 programs in the key 25-54 demo.