MSNBC Loses Almost HALF Its Viewers in Stunning Post-Election Ratings Report
MSNBC is facing a staggering ratings collapse in the wake of the 2024 election, with the network’s audience shrinking by nearly half as Fox News became the only cable news outlet to show post-election growth.
According to Nielsen data, MSNBC’s total viewership has dropped by 47 percent post-election, and its critical 25-54 demographic plummeted to just 63,000 during primetime—a sharp contrast to its pre-election numbers.
The losses are particularly stark compared to rival network Fox News, which solidified its dominance as the most-watched cable news network during and after the election.
While MSNBC pulled in 644,000 viewers in primetime, Fox News soared to 3.2 million, an 86 percent year-over-year increase in total viewers. In the coveted 25-54 demographic, Fox saw a 147 percent surge, averaging 476,000 viewers.
In total-day ratings, MSNBC’s struggles continued, drawing 497,000 viewers and only 49,000 in the 25-54 demo, as shows like Morning Joe recorded some of their lowest numbers in years. The network’s flagship morning program saw a 37 percent drop in viewership after co-hosts Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski met with President-elect Donald Trump.
Adding to MSNBC’s challenges, several of its marquee programs, including The ReidOut and 11th Hour with Stephanie Ruhle, reached historic lows in the key 25-54 category. Across the board, the network trailed far behind Fox News and struggled to retain viewers, especially during significant post-election events.
Fox News, meanwhile, saw record-breaking growth, claiming 62 percent of the cable news audience in total-day ratings for November.
CNN also faced steep declines, losing 33 percent of its total audience, but MSNBC’s dramatic losses stand out as the most severe. With only 14 telecasts exceeding two million viewers in November, compared to Fox News’ 248, the news signals MSNBC’s ongoing and long term struggles in the increasingly competitive cable news landscape.
