Fox News lost more than 25 percent of its total viewing audience during October 2026. The network still holds the position of the most-watched news outlet on cable.
Total-day viewership for the broadcaster dropped 16 percent in the third quarter of 2026. Viewership within the 25-54 demographic fell by 24 percent during that same three-month period.
Primetime ratings for Fox News averaged approximately 2 million total viewers in October 2026, representing a 28 percent year-over-year decline. The 25-54 demographic for primetime programming fell 36 percent to 183,000 viewers in October.
The program "Fox & Friends" recorded its second consecutive month with fewer than 1 million total viewers. The show also reached its lowest point in the 25-54 demographic since June 2001.
In contrast, MS NOW saw its daytime audience grow 16 percent to 588,000 total viewers in October 2026. CNN viewership increased by 3 percent to 402,000 viewers during the same month.
These shifts occur as the 2026 midterm elections approach on 3 November 2026.
