Fox News Leads Cable News Nets’ Weekly Ratings Charge

By R. Thomas Umstead
published

Coverage of the COVID-19 pandemic continued to capture viewers as the three cable news networks remained at the top of the weekly cable ratings charts.

'Fox News' Outnumbered Overtime,' hosted by Harris Faulkner

'Fox News' Outnumbered Overtime,' hosted by Harris Faulkner

Fox News led all networks in primetime for the 16th consecutive week with 3.5 million viewers during the week of May 4 to May 10, according to Nielsen. MSNBC finished second with 1.8 million viewers followed by CNN’s 1.4 million viewers.

Among the entertainment networks, HGTV and TLC tied with 1.2 million viewers, followed by TBS (993,000), A&E (977,000), Food Network (869,000), ESPN (868,000) and History (863,000).

Regarding the total day chart, Fox News won for the 18th consecutive week with 1.8 million viewers, followed by MSNBC, CNN, HGTV, Food Network and Nickelodeon, according to Nielsen. 

R. Thomas Umstead
R. Thomas Umstead

R. Thomas Umstead serves as senior content producer, programming for Multichannel News, Broadcasting + Cable and Next TV. During his more than 30-year career as a print and online journalist, Umstead has written articles on a variety of subjects ranging from TV technology, marketing and sports production to content distribution and development. He has provided expert commentary on television issues and trends for such TV, print, radio and streaming outlets as Fox News, CNBC, the Today show, USA Today, The New York Times and National Public Radio. Umstead has also filmed, produced and edited more than 100 original video interviews, profiles and news reports featuring key cable television executives as well as entertainers and celebrity personalities.