| May 23, 2017 @ 11:10 AM
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Fox News Channel finished the week of May 15-21 as the most-watched basic cable channel among total day viewers despite a strong push from rival MSNBC.
On Monday, TheWrap reported that MSNBC beat both Fox News and CNN in weekday primetime among both total viewers and the key news demo for the first time ever last week. While this is still accurate, Fox News has now won the total viewer crown for 20 consecutive weeks.
MSNBC’s historic week only included data from weekdays and programs that aired from 8-11 p.m., but when factoring in the entire week and all-day viewership, Fox News averaged 1.4 million viewers compared to 1 million for MSNBC. Nickelodeon actually finished in between the cable news channels, averaging 1.1 million viewers to rank No. 2 in the category. CNN and TNT joined FNC, Nickelodeon and MSNBC among the top five.
Among primetime, Fox News beat MSNBC when factoring in the entire week but both networks finished behind the NBA Playoffs-heavy TNT, which averaged 3.2 million viewers. Fox News ranked second, with 2.2 million viewers and MSNBC finished third with 1.9 million. ESPN and CNN round out the top five.
For the month of May, Fox News continues to lead MSNBC and CNN in al categories. From May 1-21, Fox News averaged 2.2 million primetime viewers and 443,000 in the key news demo of adults age 25-54, while the surging MSNBC averaged 1.7 million total and 420,000 in the demo ….
READ THE REST OF THE STORY HERE AT TheWrap.com
MSNBC, CNN and the networks are so used to spinning stories and poll numbers that they just can’t help themselves.
I always look at total numbers as a determinant of tv viewer (or radio listener) supremacy. These days, of course, media and ad executives lust after younger demographics. So apparently the MSNBC brass are giddy that their roster is pulling in more 30 to 50 year olds than before.
Given the turmoil at FOX News, they’re still in pretty good shape. In my opinion, the Murdoch are goofing up by expanding The Five concept. As CNN proves nightly, it’s irritating and distracting to hear multiple talking heads dissecting an issue. MSNBC sticks to an anchor and smaller panels. Add in the fact that Democrats are completely out of power in Washington and 30-plus States, there are a lot of bummed-out progressives seeking solace with MSNBC.
P.S. It will be interesting to see if Lawrence a O’Donnell exits the network if his contract isn’t reupped by June 5.