FOX News Channel Positioned As The 'Commonsense Network'

Fox Corporation CEO Lachlan Murdoch announced Monday that Fox News has gained over 200 new advertisers since Election Day 2024, a significant increase from the 100+ new advertisers reported in March 2025. 

While competing cable networks face notable viewership losses and double-digit advertising declines, Fox News’ cable network ad revenue surged 26% in its fiscal Q3 2025 (ending March), propelled by strong ratings growth.

Fox News’ viewership scale aligns more closely with broadcast networks than cable counterparts. In April 2025, it ranked as the No. 2 network in weekday primetime, averaging 3.1 million viewers, outperforming ABC (2.9 million) and NBC (2.8 million).

At the Morgan Stanley Technology, Media & Telecom Conference on March 4, 2025, Murdoch responded to questions about whether Fox News adjusted its programming due to a perceived rightward political shift post-election, Murdoch firmly said, “Nope,” asserting that the network’s “commonsense” approach—covering stories deemed newsworthy by its audience—remains unchanged. He argued that the election results validated Fox News’ editorial stance rather than necessitating a shift.

Murdoch framed Fox News as a network that resonates with its center-right audience, a strategy he described as consistent since its inception, contributing to its sustained ratings dominance.

Fox News remains a cornerstone of Fox Corporation’s revenue, with its Q1 2025 performance contributing to a 27% revenue increase to $4.37 billion, driven by a 65% boost in advertising revenue to $2.04 billion, largely from Super Bowl LIX. The network’s affiliate revenue growth is also notable, supported by its strong viewership and distribution deals.

Murdoch’s emphasis on viewer loyalty aligns with Fox News’ 22-year streak as the most-watched cable news network, outdrawing CNN and MSNBC combined. Its 10 million viewers for the 2025 inauguration coverage further crushed competitors.

Murdoch’s leadership has focused on maintaining investment in linear networks like Fox News, unlike competitors who have shifted heavily to streaming. This strategy has sustained high ratings and ad spend, avoiding the “vicious cycle” of reduced content investment seen elsewhere in cable.

He often pairs Fox News’ live audience reach with Tubi’s appeal to younger, cord-cutting demographics (65% cord-cutters, over 50% Gen Z and millennials), creating a complementary portfolio that enhances Fox Corporation’s market position.

Fox News is poised to lead year-over-year gains at the 2025 TV advertising upfronts. Its ratings dominance, combined with the growth of streaming ad platforms like Amazon and Netflix, is expected to heighten competitive pressure on other cable networks through fall and winter 2025.