The cable news ratings report is in, and it’s not good for Fox News. It may be a bad omen for MAGA and the GOP in upcoming elections.
According to Adweek TV Newser, Fox News ratings were down 17% in the third quarter of 2026 compared to the second quarter.
To compound the loss, Fox News ratings are also down 17% from last year in the same ratings period.
Fox News viewers are definitely searching for factual news at a time when gas and grocery prices are soaring, and Washington DC landmarks are being demolished by Donald Trump.
I’ve been wondering how MAGA was faring filling up large SUVs and trucks when gas is way over four bucks and diesel fuel at six dollars. Meantime, you can’t get out of a supermarket for under $200 and the grocery bags are not that heavy.
Not that Fox News lost its place as the number 1 cable news network.
But the others — CNN and MS Now — showed increases vs. last quarter and last year. Only Fox was down.
According to AdWeek:
“According to Nielsen big data + panel, Fox News averaged 2.064 million total primetime viewers and 183,000 Adults 25-54 viewers in Q3 2026. During total day, Fox News had 1.321 million total viewers and 121,000 demo viewers. Â
“Compared to the second quarter, Fox News was down -17% in total viewers and -20% in the demo during primetime. When looking at total day, it was also down by -16% and -19% in total viewers and the demo, respectively.
“Looking at Fox News’ performance against the same quarter in 2025, total viewers were down -17%, and the demo was down -25% during primetime. In total day, it also fell -16% in total viewers and -24% in the demo, and it was the only network in this yearly comparison to record declines.
“Fox News finished the quarter in first place among all cable networks during primetime in total viewers and ranked No. 2 in the demo. During total day, Fox News was again on top in total viewers and finished in second place in the demo.”
As for the other two:
“Looking at its performance vs. the third quarter of 2025, MS NOW was up +16% in total viewers and +27% in the demo during primetime. It was also up +20% in total viewers and +37% in the demo during total day—the only network with gains in both dayparts within this yearly comparison.”
Also: “When looking at its performance to the same quarter in 2025 during primetime, it was up +13% in total viewers and +16% in the demo. In total day, CNN grew +8% in total viewers and was flat in the demo. “
