February continued the positive momentum for the cable news networks, as all three saw growth in primetime total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo. The frigid winter weather throughout the month, one of February’s big stories, also kept viewers indoors, leading to increased viewership.
Fox News and MS NOW had gains during total day in both measured categories. Fox News accounted for all the top 100 cable news telecasts of the month.
Meanwhile, CNN experienced a month-to-month decline in the demo during total day.
Fox News
According to Nielsen big data + panel, Fox News in February had 2.612 million total viewers in primetime and 260,000 viewers in the adults 25-54 demo. During total day, it had 1.718 million total viewers and 168,000 viewers in the demo.
Compared to its January 2026 performance, Fox News grew by +28% in total viewers and +32% in the A25-54 demo during primetime viewing hours. While in total day, the network saw gains of +19% in total viewers and +18% in the demo when compared to the previous month.
Looking at Fox News’ performance against the same month in 2025, it was down by -15% in total viewers and by -33% in the demo during primetime. While in total day, it was down by -14% in total viewers and -33% in the demo—it was the only network within this yearly comparison to record declines across the board in both measured categories.
The network finished January in first place among total viewers and was No. 3 in the demo during primetime. During total day, it remained in first in total viewers and dropped to third from second in the demo.
MS NOW
MS NOW remained the No. 2 cable news network in total viewers in primetime and total day, with 1.136 million and 708,000 viewers, respectively, in February. The network in the A25-54 demo had 131,000 viewers in primetime and 79,000 viewers during total day.
Compared to January, MS NOW was up +28% in total viewers and +72% in A25-54 during primetime. During total day it grew by +21% in total viewers and +44% in the demo.
Looking at its performance in December 2024, MS NOW was up +1% in total viewers and +18% in the demo during primetime. It was also up +11% in total viewers and +20% in the demo during total day.
MS NOW slipped to fourth from third during primetime and was No. 3 during total day with total viewers. It finished No. 8 tied with Comedy Central in the demo during primetime, and ranked seventh in the demo during total day.
CNN
