FOX News Channel Celebrates 24 Years of Dominance in Cable News Ratings
In a remarkable achievement, FOX News Channel (FNC) has solidified its position as the leading network in cable news for an impressive 24 consecutive years. As January 2026 came to a close, FNC stood out as the dominant player, averaging 2.4 million viewers during weekday primetime. This surpassed its nearest competitor, CBS, which drew only 2.2 million viewers. The Nielsen ratings report for the month revealed that FNC garnered over two million viewers in primetime from Monday to Sunday, maintaining a substantial presence in the industry with almost 60% share of total viewers across all platforms.
The network's broad appeal can be seen in its ability to attract diverse audiences, including Asian, Hispanic, and upscale viewers. FNC notably captured 98 of the top 100 cable news telecasts in January, showcasing its undeniable influence in the market. Suzanne Scott, CEO of FOX News Media, expressed profound pride in the team’s dedication, underscoring that this milestone reflects the hard work that has made the network a trusted source of news since its inception 30 years ago. Scott stated, "We are not only leading cable, but rivaling the broadcast networks, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to meet viewers where they are and deliver the most important stories from around the world."
In stark contrast, CBS witnessed a not-so-celebratory January as it recorded a historically low viewership for its evening news. NBC's programming also suffered during this period, highlighting a troubling trend for traditional broadcasting. For instance, the premiere of Tony Dokoupil's "CBS Evening News" managed only 4.3 million viewers, marking the lowest-rated January for the broadcast network in over two decades.
FNC's signature program, "Special Report," hosted by Bret Baier, drew over 2.7 million viewers and achieved significant ratings in primetime, especially in major markets like Chicago and Atlanta. This success reflects a concerted effort to provide valuable content that resonates with viewers’ interests and current events.
At 5 PM, FNC’s "The Five" emerged as the top show on television with 3.7 million viewers, eclipsing several broadcast competitors. The ratings evolution continued with Jesse Watters Primetime leading all primetime shows with an average of 3 million viewers. FNC's late-night show, "Gutfeld!", displayed similar prowess by outperforming not only fellow cable programs but also esteemed broadcasts in the late-night segment.
The network’s morning program, "FOX & Friends", also maintained its dominance as the most-watched cable news program on weekday mornings, further integrating itself into the daily routines of American viewers. The seamless consistency of programs airing from 6 AM to 5 PM ensured that FNC secured the majority of viewership against broadcast competitions, solidifying its relevance in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Moreover, when analyzing the weekend broadcasts, FNC achieved similar success, leading in viewership for every hour and surpassing CNN and MSNBC significantly. The strategic airing of notable topics, such as global affairs and breaking news, ensured comprehensive engagement from the audience.
With the continuous rise in active viewership statistics, FNC remains committed to delivering timely news and essential political updates which have garnered respect from both independent and Democrat viewers. Reports consistently reveal that FNC stands as the leading source for political news among American audiences, reinforcing its role as a reliable information conduit.
As 2026 unfolds, FOX News Channel remains steadfast in its mission to provide insightful reporting, drawing in viewers from various demographics, reinforcing its legacy as the number one choice in the cable news arena. The journey of FNC reflects a strong commitment to excellence in journalism, and the network looks to build on this extraordinary success in the years to come.
The network's broad appeal can be seen in its ability to attract diverse audiences, including Asian, Hispanic, and upscale viewers. FNC notably captured 98 of the top 100 cable news telecasts in January, showcasing its undeniable influence in the market. Suzanne Scott, CEO of FOX News Media, expressed profound pride in the team’s dedication, underscoring that this milestone reflects the hard work that has made the network a trusted source of news since its inception 30 years ago. Scott stated, "We are not only leading cable, but rivaling the broadcast networks, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to meet viewers where they are and deliver the most important stories from around the world."
In stark contrast, CBS witnessed a not-so-celebratory January as it recorded a historically low viewership for its evening news. NBC's programming also suffered during this period, highlighting a troubling trend for traditional broadcasting. For instance, the premiere of Tony Dokoupil's "CBS Evening News" managed only 4.3 million viewers, marking the lowest-rated January for the broadcast network in over two decades.
FNC's signature program, "Special Report," hosted by Bret Baier, drew over 2.7 million viewers and achieved significant ratings in primetime, especially in major markets like Chicago and Atlanta. This success reflects a concerted effort to provide valuable content that resonates with viewers’ interests and current events.
At 5 PM, FNC’s "The Five" emerged as the top show on television with 3.7 million viewers, eclipsing several broadcast competitors. The ratings evolution continued with Jesse Watters Primetime leading all primetime shows with an average of 3 million viewers. FNC's late-night show, "Gutfeld!", displayed similar prowess by outperforming not only fellow cable programs but also esteemed broadcasts in the late-night segment.
The network’s morning program, "FOX & Friends", also maintained its dominance as the most-watched cable news program on weekday mornings, further integrating itself into the daily routines of American viewers. The seamless consistency of programs airing from 6 AM to 5 PM ensured that FNC secured the majority of viewership against broadcast competitions, solidifying its relevance in an increasingly competitive media landscape.
Moreover, when analyzing the weekend broadcasts, FNC achieved similar success, leading in viewership for every hour and surpassing CNN and MSNBC significantly. The strategic airing of notable topics, such as global affairs and breaking news, ensured comprehensive engagement from the audience.
With the continuous rise in active viewership statistics, FNC remains committed to delivering timely news and essential political updates which have garnered respect from both independent and Democrat viewers. Reports consistently reveal that FNC stands as the leading source for political news among American audiences, reinforcing its role as a reliable information conduit.
As 2026 unfolds, FOX News Channel remains steadfast in its mission to provide insightful reporting, drawing in viewers from various demographics, reinforcing its legacy as the number one choice in the cable news arena. The journey of FNC reflects a strong commitment to excellence in journalism, and the network looks to build on this extraordinary success in the years to come.
Topics Entertainment & Media）
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