In September 2025, major U.S. cable news networks—Fox News, CNN, and MSNBC—collectively generated an estimated $208 million in national television advertising revenue, according to data from EDO Ad EnGage, a leading analytics firm tracking ad performance.
Despite evolving media consumption trends and growing competition from digital platforms, these networks continue to command significant advertising dollars, underscoring their enduring influence in the news landscape.
Fox News led the pack, capturing more than half of the total revenue among the three, with an estimated $105.5 million in ad earnings for the month. The remaining revenue was split between CNN and MSNBC, though specific figures for these networks were not detailed in the estimates.
Breakdown of Revenue Performance
✔Fox News: The conservative-leaning network dominated the advertising market, pulling in $105.5 million. This performance aligns with Fox News's consistent lead in cable news viewership, often attributed to its loyal audience base and high-profile primetime hosts like Sean Hannity and Laura Ingraham. The network’s ability to attract advertisers is bolstered by its strong ratings, particularly during high-stakes news cycles such as election seasons or major national events.
✔CNN and MSNBC: While exact figures for CNN and MSNBC were not provided, the two networks shared the remaining $102.5 million. CNN, known for its global reporting and investigative journalism, and MSNBC, a hub for progressive commentary with hosts like Rachel Maddow, continue to draw advertisers targeting politically engaged audiences. Their revenue, while substantial, reflects their competitive but secondary positions relative to Fox News in the cable news ad market.
Each network caters to distinct ideological demographics—Fox News to conservative viewers, MSNBC to progressive audiences, and CNN to a more centrist or international base. Cable news audiences skew older, which limits appeal to advertisers targeting younger consumers. Pharmaceutical and financial services ads dominate, reflecting the 50+ demographic.