The three major national cable news channels drew $156 million in advertising from Oct. 5 through Nov. 3, a 47% increase over the previous 30-day period, according to iSpot estimates. The rise came as political news attracted strong viewership ahead of Tuesday’s midterm elections.
Fox News led with $90.1 million in ad spending, up 38% from the previous period. MS NOW brought in $41.5 million, a 41% increase, while CNN posted the biggest gain, with spending up 120% to $24.4 million.
Across the three networks, the leading advertisers included Humana and Renewal by Anderson. Fox News’ top spenders were the Stephen Siller Tunnel to Towers Foundation, Humana and Ro; CNN’s were Humana, Hewlett Packard Enterprise and Renewal by Anderson; and MS NOW’s were Humana, Renewal by Anderson and Jacuzzi Bath Remodel.