Fox News concluded 2024 with its highest audience share in nearly ten years, achieving nine consecutive years as the leading network in cable news viewership. The popular program “The Five” set new records, becoming the top cable news show in terms of viewers and the first non-primetime program to attract over four million viewers in the fourth quarter, as stated in a Fox News press release.
It was also a remarkable year for “The Five” hosts, Jesse Watters and Greg Gutfeld. The late-night show ‘Gutfeld!’ emerged as the most-watched in the 25-54 age group, while “Jesse Watters Primetime” led among viewers aged 18-49.
During its record-breaking fourth quarter, which saw an average of 4,026,000 viewers overall and 429,000 in the 25-54 demographic, The Five made history by being the first non-primetime show to exceed four million viewers and maintained its position as the top cable news program for three consecutive years.
FNC’s late afternoon ensemble program, airing weekdays at 5 PM/ET, attracted an average of 3.4 million viewers, along with 331,000 in the 25-54 demographic, making it the most-watched cable news program in 2024. Additionally, The Ingraham Angle led the 7 PM/ET timeslot with 2.5 million viewers and 278,000 in the 25-54 demographic, further solidifying FNC’s dominance in the cable news landscape.
At 8 PM/ET, Jesse Watters Primetime garnered 3.1 million viewers and 352,000 in the 25-54 demographic, making it the most popular cable news program during that hour. Hannity, which airs weekdays at 9 PM/ET, attracted the third-largest audience with 2.8 million viewers and 341,000 in the 25-54 demographic.
FNC’s late-night sensation Gutfeld! (weekdays, 10 PM/ET) achieved its best year since its launch, averaging 2.5 million viewers and 355,000 in the 25-54 demographic, surpassing both cable and broadcast competitors and earning its highest ratings to date. Gutfeld! consistently outperformed all cable news programs in the 25-54 demographic, reshaping the late-night television landscape by surpassing broadcast shows such as ABC’s Jimmy Kimmel Live! and CBS’ The Late Show.
FOX News Media CEO Suzanne Scott stated, “In the midst of a turbulent political landscape, ongoing conflicts in the Middle East, and significant breaking news, millions of viewers from various political backgrounds consistently chose FOX News Channel for our unparalleled reporting and analysis. I take immense pride in our entire team for demonstrating once again why we are the most-watched network in the nation, surpassing our competitors in delivering the stories that resonate most with everyday Americans.”
“During the 2024 election cycle, FNC attracted more viewers than any other cable news network for pivotal political coverage, including the events leading up to and following election night, high-profile interviews, presidential debate broadcasts, the Republican and Democratic National Conventions, as well as the assassination attempts on former President Donald Trump and President Joe Biden’s withdrawal from the presidential race. Nielsen Media Research indicates that FNC was the leading cable news network in every swing state, such as Arizona, Georgia, Michigan, Nevada, North Carolina, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin,” Fox News noted in a press release.
“Since the election, FOX News has captured 72% of the primetime cable news audience, while MSNBC and CNN have experienced significant declines. In primetime, MSNBC has lost 65% of its audience in the A25-54 demographic, averaging only 51,000 viewers in that category and a total of 576,000 viewers (-57%). CNN has seen a decline of over half its primetime audience in the A25-54 demographic, averaging 70,000 viewers (-56%) and 378,000 total viewers (-49%). FNC has achieved 374 of the top cable news broadcasts since the day after the election, while MSNBC and CNN have not exceeded two million viewers since November 6th,” the press release further stated.
According to a YouGov study conducted during the election campaign, more Independents than any other demographic source their news from the network.
