TV Ratings: October Recap Of Cable News Channels

MSNBC was the only major cable news network to post gains in primetime during October, rising 1% in total viewers and 6% in the Adults 25-54 demographic, according to Nielsen data.

Fox News led the field but saw sharp declines, averaging 2.334 million primetime total viewers (down 8% from September and 15% from October 2024) and 228,000 in A25-54 (down 19% month-over-month and 36% year-over-year). It ranked No. 2 in primetime total viewers and No. 4 in the demo; in total day, it held first in total viewers (1.508 million, down 6%) and second in the demo (145,000, down 19%)—the only network with double-digit demo losses in that daypart.

MSNBC finished second overall with 815,000 primetime total viewers (up 1%) and 73,000 in A25-54 (up 6%); total day slipped 1% to 504,000 total viewers but held flat at 45,000 in the demo. Year-over-year, it plunged 41% in primetime total viewers and 54% in the demo. It ranked fifth in primetime total viewers, No. 19 in the demo, third in total day total viewers, and No. 14 in the demo.

CNN averaged 504,000 primetime total viewers (down 7% from September, 39% from October 2024) and 77,000 in A25-54 (down 11% and 56%); total day fell to 388,000 total viewers (down 3%, 27% year-over-year) and 58,000 in the demo (down 6%, 42%). It placed sixth in primetime total viewers, No. 17 in the demo, fifth in total day total viewers, and eighth in the demo (tied with Food Network).

Fox Business:  The network was ahead of CNBC during business day, market hours, and total day in total viewers. Varney & Co. was the top show in total viewers with 267,000 viewers, while Making Money with Charles Payne took the top spot in the demo, with 13,000 viewers.

 
CNBC:  It finished in front of Fox Business in the demo during business day, market hours, and total day. Fast Money Halftime Report was the most-watched program in total viewers with 165,000. Squawk on the Street was the most-watched program in the A25-54 demo with 37,000 viewers.

Programming:  Fox News dominated with The Five (3.692 million total viewers at 5 p.m. ET) topping all cable news and Gutfeld! leading A25-54 (325,000). MSNBC’s The Rachel Maddow Show drew 1.639 million total viewers and 156,000 in the demo at 9 p.m. CNN’s top shows were The Arena with Kasie Hunt (611,000 total viewers at 4 p.m.) and NewsNight with Abby Phillip (95,000 in A25-54 at 10 p.m.).