Bret Baier's Exclusive Interview with President Zelenskyy Draws Record Viewership, Dominating Cable News Ratings
On February 28, 2025, the Special Report with Bret Baier showcased an extraordinary exclusive interview with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, generating impressive viewership numbers that have reshaped the landscape of cable news. This interview attracted 6.4 million viewers, surpassing established programs like NBC's Nightly News and CBS Evening News. The audience engagement peaked notably, especially among the coveted 25-54 demographic, where the show recorded 855,000 viewers.
This revelation came immediately following President Zelenskyy's urgent discussions with President Trump in the Oval Office, making it not just a ratings success but a substantive political moment. The initial part of the interview alone drew in 6.2 million viewers from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, solidifying itself as a leading forced in both cable and broader broadcast news. Following this segment, NBC's Nightly News trailed with 5.76 million viewers and CBS's Evening News garnered 3.9 million, highlighting the strength of Baier's reporting.
The entire hour from 6 PM to 7 PM not only dominated the ratings with over 5.7 million total viewers but also captured 661,000 among the prized younger demographic, achieving a commanding 73% share of cable news viewers in that hour. Given that the typical audience for Special Report was already strong at 3.5 million viewers earlier in 2025, this 63% increase in total viewership demonstrates the interview's powerful effect.
Remarkably, according to data from Nielsen MRI Fusion, Baier emerged as the top cable news anchor across all political affiliations that evening, with a diverse audience composition that included a significant number of Democrats and Independents, reflecting the program's ability to resonate across political lines.
In addition to Zelenskyy, Baier had interviewed other international leaders earlier in the week, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, making this week particularly impactful in international news coverage. This trio of high-profile interviews positions FOX News as a critical platform for political discourse, showcasing its relevance in attracting diverse viewers and establishing itself as a primary source of news.
The milestones achieved by Baier and the Special Report extend beyond just viewership records; they signify a continuing trend where FOX News remains at the forefront of television news. The network has maintained its leading position for the past nine consecutive years, attracting nearly 70% of the cable news audience, as noted by Nielsen Media Research. Further underlining its reach, a Pew Research Center study in 2024 indicated that a significant number of Americans view FOX News as their principal source for political news.
While many wonder whether the ratings can be sustained or increased in the future, the reality is clear: FOX News and its flagship programs are cemented in the public consciousness, effectively engaging millions in political conversations that matter. Given that this interview ranked as the second-highest rated 6 PM segment on a Friday in the history of FOX News, it sends an undeniable signal about the power of impactful journalism in the contemporary news landscape. The implications for both viewers and political actors are profound, shaping narratives and informing citizens in an era where media consumption continues to evolve dramatically.
Thus, as the news cycles race on and elections approach, Bret Baier's interviews will certainly become focal points, scrutinized for the information they deliver and the audience they capture. This combination of political insight and broad viewership sets a new standard for what is possible in broadcast journalism, paving the way for future confrontations, discussions, and debates that lie ahead in world affairs.
This revelation came immediately following President Zelenskyy's urgent discussions with President Trump in the Oval Office, making it not just a ratings success but a substantive political moment. The initial part of the interview alone drew in 6.2 million viewers from 6:00 PM to 6:30 PM, solidifying itself as a leading forced in both cable and broader broadcast news. Following this segment, NBC's Nightly News trailed with 5.76 million viewers and CBS's Evening News garnered 3.9 million, highlighting the strength of Baier's reporting.
The entire hour from 6 PM to 7 PM not only dominated the ratings with over 5.7 million total viewers but also captured 661,000 among the prized younger demographic, achieving a commanding 73% share of cable news viewers in that hour. Given that the typical audience for Special Report was already strong at 3.5 million viewers earlier in 2025, this 63% increase in total viewership demonstrates the interview's powerful effect.
Remarkably, according to data from Nielsen MRI Fusion, Baier emerged as the top cable news anchor across all political affiliations that evening, with a diverse audience composition that included a significant number of Democrats and Independents, reflecting the program's ability to resonate across political lines.
In addition to Zelenskyy, Baier had interviewed other international leaders earlier in the week, including French President Emmanuel Macron and UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer, making this week particularly impactful in international news coverage. This trio of high-profile interviews positions FOX News as a critical platform for political discourse, showcasing its relevance in attracting diverse viewers and establishing itself as a primary source of news.
The milestones achieved by Baier and the Special Report extend beyond just viewership records; they signify a continuing trend where FOX News remains at the forefront of television news. The network has maintained its leading position for the past nine consecutive years, attracting nearly 70% of the cable news audience, as noted by Nielsen Media Research. Further underlining its reach, a Pew Research Center study in 2024 indicated that a significant number of Americans view FOX News as their principal source for political news.
While many wonder whether the ratings can be sustained or increased in the future, the reality is clear: FOX News and its flagship programs are cemented in the public consciousness, effectively engaging millions in political conversations that matter. Given that this interview ranked as the second-highest rated 6 PM segment on a Friday in the history of FOX News, it sends an undeniable signal about the power of impactful journalism in the contemporary news landscape. The implications for both viewers and political actors are profound, shaping narratives and informing citizens in an era where media consumption continues to evolve dramatically.
Thus, as the news cycles race on and elections approach, Bret Baier's interviews will certainly become focal points, scrutinized for the information they deliver and the audience they capture. This combination of political insight and broad viewership sets a new standard for what is possible in broadcast journalism, paving the way for future confrontations, discussions, and debates that lie ahead in world affairs.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
【About Using Articles】
You can freely use the title and article content by linking to the page where the article is posted.
※ Images cannot be used.
【About Links】
Links are free to use.