Fox News Channel is regularly No. 1 in cable news, but last week it was No. 2 across all of cable — a rare feat for the channel. CNN did not crack the Top 10 and MSNBC finished outside the Top 25.
The last time that FNC was second across cable in total day was April 15, 2013’s coverage of the Boston Marathon bombing. In primetime, Fox last accomplished the feat July 14 of this year, which was during breaking news of Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 and turmoil on the Gaza Strip.
Also read: Read Turner’s Internal Memo to Its Staff About Buyouts
Last week, cable news benefitted from the Ferguson, Mo. protests, the ISIS beheading of journalist James Foley, and the Northern California earthquake.
For the total day metric — which Nielsen measures from 3 a.m. to 3 a.m. — FNC led cable news nets with 1.261 million total viewers (247,000 in the key 25-54 demographic).
Also read: 550 Buyouts, Layoffs Imminent at Turner; HLN, CNN Among Cuts (Exclusive)
CNN was second with 648,000 total viewers (220,000 in the demo). MSNBC was third with 368,000 total viewers (111,000 in the demo).
In primetime, Fox News earned 2.248 total viewers, 365,000 in the demo. CNN received 821,000 total viewers, 316,000. MSNBC got 597,000 total viewers, 158,000 in the demo.
Also read: Turner Plans Organizational Restructuring in Next Two Months
Last week, FNC’s “The Kelly File” hit a demo high for the year.
“Hannity” pulled in its largest total audience and the biggest demo number since it moved to 10 p.m. last year.
It certainly didn’t hurt that this is August and other cable viewing is generally down in the summer.