Fox News channel was the most-watched basic cable network for the week of April 22, both in total day and the prime time dayparts.
According to live-plus-same-day data from Nielsen, FNC edged TNT –which aired the first round of the NBA Playoffs– for the No. 1 spot in prime time last week by an average of 70,000 total viewers. However, TNT reigned supreme among younger viewers, as the league always seems to thrive among younger audiences; especially during this time of year.
Fox News delivered a more significant margin of victory when it came to total day. MSNBC finished No. 2 across basic cable.
The latter stages of the NBA Playoffs kicked off earlier this week, so don’t be surprised if TNT moves past Fox News in total prime time viewers.
The same can be said for NBCSN, with the NHL Playoffs’ Western and Eastern Conference Finals airing this week.
On the programming front – Hannity, Tucker Carlson Tonight, Justice with Judge Jeanine, The Ingraham Angle and The Five claimed 12 of the top 30 cable telecasts overall in total viewers.
CNN and MSNBC saw audience drop offs, as we noted in their respective monthly posts, although the latter remained in the basic cable top 3 among total viewers. FNC predictably beat its competition in the relevant categories. MSNBC beat CNN in prime time across the board. CNN beat MSNBC in the total day A25-54 demo.
Cable News (Adults 25-54)
- FNC – Prime time (350,000) and Total Day (230,000)
- CNN – Prime time (216,000) and Total Day (137,000)
- MSNBC – Prime time (238,000) and Total Day (130,000)