Recently, a major cable news network, if you can call it that (CNN) recorded its lowest primetime viewership numbers since 1991 among a critical demographic, adults aged 25-54. During the week of May 13 to 19, from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., the network attracted just 83,000 viewers from this age group. The total viewership for the week was 494,000, significantly trailing behind its main competitors, who garnered 2 million and 1.1 million viewers, respectively.
"CNN's primetime lineup wasn't particularly successful among total viewers, either, averaging only 484,000 total viewers compared to two million for Fox News." CNN needs to go back to reporting the news to get viewership back and not be perceived as bias media. pic.twitter.com/HsZ64HNaLw
— Rev Dr Charles Harrison (@charlesharriso5) May 22, 2024
This downturn has significantly impacted the network’s leadership, particularly its editor-in-chief, Mark Thompson. Thompson took over in August following the dismissal of the previous CEO in June. He expressed concerns that the network is experiencing an “existential crisis,” grappling with both dramatic operational changes and a general decline in traditional television viewership.
Despite these challenges, a spokesperson from the network highlighted some positive trends, noting that primetime ratings among the 25-54 demographic are showing year-over-year growth. Furthermore, the network has seen double-digit growth in total viewers from 7 p.m. to midnight compared to the previous year.
In response to the faltering ratings, the network has made significant alterations to its programming lineup. Notably, “CNN This Morning” host Poppy Harlow was removed from the program, leading to her departure from the network in late April. Additionally, Jim Acosta, a former White House correspondent, was appointed to host “CNN Newsroom” at the 10 a.m. time slot.
The cable news channel CNN has suffered its lowest primetime ratings since 1991, in yet another indication that traditional television news coverage, as well as increasingly left-wing media, has taken a massive hit to its viewership in recent years.https://t.co/K6hd2oFG1p
— American Greatness (@theamgreatness) May 23, 2024
Thompson recently introduced a strategic overhaul that echoes a plan initially proposed by former network president Jeff Zucker, who stepped down in 2022. This strategy aims to broaden the network’s content beyond politics to include more coverage on culture and lifestyle topics. “We don’t believe news is just politics,” Thompson explained to advertisers. He outlined an expansion into new areas such as business, technology, climate, health, and wellness, indicating the development of new branded verticals across various platforms.
Despite these efforts, the network struggled throughout 2023, setting a record low in viewership among the 25-54 demographic and recording its lowest overall viewership since 2014. It experienced a 15% decrease from the previous year, averaging 482,000 daily viewers, down from 568,000 in 2022. The network also faced multiple rounds of layoffs and reported profitability below $1 million after enduring these record-low ratings in late 2022. These trends underscore the ongoing challenges faced by traditional broadcast news in adapting to the rapidly changing media landscape.
Americans see the network as fake news, as they witnessed CNN lie and con the audience for years against President Trump, with such fake news highlights as the Russia, Russia, Russia scam as well as the FBI and CIA spying on Trump. The more this and other networks lie and try to fool the public, the lower their ratings go as there is a rebirth in America. More and more people are paying attention, and propaganda is no longer acceptable to patriots all across the nation.
CNN Sees Lowest Primetime Ratings In Three Decades https://t.co/iEmlA3U5LP
— zerohedge (@zerohedge) May 23, 2024
Major Points
- CNN recorded its lowest primetime viewership among adults aged 25-54 since 1991, with only 83,000 viewers during a week in May.
- Total weekly viewership was 494,000, significantly lower than its competitors, who attracted millions.
- The network’s editor-in-chief, Mark Thompson, cited an “existential crisis” due to changes in operations and a decline in traditional TV viewership.
- In response, the network adjusted its programming and plans to expand coverage beyond politics to include business, technology, and lifestyle topics.
- Despite these efforts, the network experienced a 15% drop in viewers from the previous year and faced financial challenges, including layoffs and low profitability.
Charles William III – Reprinted with permission of Whatfinger News
