Fox News Leads September Ratings While MS NOW Gains and CNN Rises

September Ratings Overview

The latest Nielsen data for September and the third quarter of 2024 shows a shifting pattern among the major cable news networks. While overall viewership across the sector remains lower than in 2023, Fox News retained its position at the top of the ratings hierarchy. At the same time, the streaming news service MS NOW posted measurable gains, and CNN reported improvements in specific dayparts.

Fox News Maintains Lead Despite Decline

Fox News continued to dominate the primetime slot in September, averaging 1.72 million viewers per night. This figure represents a decline of roughly 4 percent compared with the same month in 2023, but it still outpaced rivals by a comfortable margin.

Key points from the September report:

Primetime average: 1.72 million viewers
Overall quarterly average: 1.68 million viewers
Year‑over‑year change: -4 percent

The network’s strength lies in its consistent performance among the 25‑54 demographic, a group prized by advertisers. According to a recent analysis by Nielsen, Fox News retained a 12 percent share of that key audience segment.

Factors Behind the Numbers

Analysts point to a blend of political coverage, high‑profile interviews, and a loyal viewer base as drivers of the network’s resilience. A report from Fox News highlighted its investment in original programming that appeals to core viewers.

MS NOW Shows Notable Gains

The streaming news platform MS NOW posted a rise in viewership for the September period. While its total audience remains smaller than traditional cable outlets, the platform grew by 8 percent compared with the same month last year.

Highlights for MS NOW:

September average: 0.42 million viewers
Quarterly growth: +8 percent year‑over‑year
Strong performance in the 18‑34 age group

MS NOW’s growth aligns with a broader trend of younger audiences gravitating toward digital news sources. The platform’s emphasis on short‑form video and on‑demand access appears to be resonating with that demographic.

Strategic Moves

Recent partnerships with social media platforms have expanded the service’s reach. A press release from the company noted a collaboration with a major video‑sharing site to surface live news clips, a move designed to capture viewers who prefer mobile consumption.

CNN Records Uptick in Select Dayparts

CNN experienced a modest rebound in September, particularly during the early evening and late‑night slots. The network’s average viewership for the 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. block rose to 0.95 million, a 3 percent increase over the prior year.

Key observations:

Early evening (7 p.m.–9 p.m.) growth: +3 percent
Late‑night (9 p.m.–11 p.m.) growth: +5 percent
Overall quarterly average: 0.88 million viewers

Industry commentary suggests that the network’s emphasis on investigative pieces and breaking‑news coverage helped attract viewers during those windows. An article in Variety highlighted CNN’s refreshed graphics package and its impact on audience perception.

Daypart Performance Details

During the 7 p.m. slot, the network aired a high‑profile interview that drew a spike of 1.2 million viewers, surpassing its usual numbers. Late‑night programming benefited from a series of documentaries that appealed to niche interests, boosting retention among viewers seeking depth over headline news.

What the Numbers Mean for Advertisers

For brands allocating media budgets, the latest ratings data offers several takeaways. Fox News continues to deliver the largest guaranteed audience, especially within the 25‑54 demographic, making it a premium venue for products targeting middle‑income consumers.

MS NOW’s growth among younger viewers suggests opportunities for advertisers looking to reach the 18‑34 segment through digital ad formats, such as pre‑roll video ads and sponsored content.

CNN’s gains in specific dayparts indicate that targeted campaigns during early evening and late‑night hours could capture viewers who are actively seeking in‑depth coverage. Brands in the tech, automotive, and financial services sectors may find value in aligning with those time slots.

Overall, the data underscores a fragmented media environment where traditional cable still commands sizable audiences, but streaming platforms are carving out meaningful niches. Advertisers that adopt a mixed‑media approach—balancing legacy TV spots with digital placements—are likely to maximize reach across the full spectrum of viewers.

As the third quarter concludes, the industry will watch closely to see whether the modest declines in overall viewership reverse in the final months of the year, and how emerging platforms continue to reshape the competitive landscape.