CNN Primetime Ratings Hit Low Milestone

CNN faces a significant challenge in its primetime ratings. During the week of May 13-19, from 8 to 11 p.m., the network experienced its lowest-rated week since 1991 among viewers aged 25 to 54. Specifically:

Viewership Numbers: In the coveted demographic of viewers aged 25 to 54, CNN drew just 83,000 viewers during that week. By contrast, Fox News garnered more than twice that audience, with 186,000 viewers in the same key demo. MSNBC followed as a distant second with 111,000 viewers.

Total Viewership: CNN’s total viewership for the week was also paltry, reaching 494,000. In comparison, Fox News had 2 million total viewers, and MSNBC pulled in 1.1 million.

Mark Thompson, CNN’s new boss, has faced criticism for not making significant programming changes or strategic moves since joining in October. Some insiders have expressed concern that he may not be effectively addressing the network’s challenges. Thompson’s focus has been on modernizing the organization, but the primetime lineup remains largely unchanged.

Despite these struggles, a spokesperson for CNN emphasized that their primetime ratings are growing year over year among viewers aged 25-54. Additionally, the network’s lineup, from “Erin Burnett Outfront” at 7 p.m. to the rebroadcast of “Anderson Cooper 360” at midnight, is registering double-digit, year-over-year growth in total viewers.