Tech & Biz

CNN Trails Fox, MSNBC in Cable News Ratings for 1st Time Ever

by Jarrett Martineau | March 27, 2009 at 03:20 pm

1418 views | 1 Recommendation | 7 comments

Talk loudly and carry a big opinion?

It seems that the dull roar of CNN's commentary is losing out to the brash tactics of rivals Fox and MSNBC in the prime-time weeknight ratings war.

For the first time in the Cable News Network's history, CNN has slipped to 3rd place in the coveted televised news category.

Could it be that Wolf Blitzer, Andersoon Cooper, and Rick Sanchez don't pack as much of an emphatically-opinionated punch as their overblown compatriots, like Fox's Bill O'Reilly or MSNBC's Keith Olbermann?

As the mainstream media world crumbles and falls apart, it certainly seems that the loudest and most overblown talking heads are eliciting deeper media loyalty than those who opt for a less provocative approach.

What's your take? How would you rank American cable news coverage?

CNN is poised to finish March third in the prime-time weeknight ratings behind Fox News Channel and MSNBC, the first time this has ever happened for the channel that pioneered the cable news genre nearly three decades ago.

CNN says its overall business is healthy and it is not straying from its straight news path. But it is suffering more audience erosion than its rivals since the peak days of the presidential election, further proof that the opinionated prime-time shows on Fox and MSNBC have greater audience loyalty.

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anne skar (not verified)

at 13:38 on April 3rd, 2009

I used to watch CNN, especially Lou Dobbs. I thought his stories on Mexico/USA border issues were great. Also, his War on the Middle Class. Now it seems he has gotten really bitter. I switched to MSNBC. Keith Olberman is a little over the top but enjoyable. I really love Rachel Maddow. She scores some great guests on her show too. Wednesday night was Colin Powell and Queen Noor! Wow! I am looking forward to seeing The Ed Show. I have heard him on the radio occasionally. I think he'll replace Dobbs, War on the Middle Class for me.

desirae b (not verified)

at 17:15 on April 17th, 2009

CNN is not going down when it comes to true facts CNN is the news to watch. Now foxs news got older and far right people who which them faithfully and msnbc news got yong far left people watch them even do the ED show is going to give msnbc big points just like glen back gave foxs big points. but when young people and old people different color people want true facts they watch cnn the 1 news channel.

BIKRAM SINGH (not verified)

at 13:22 on May 15th, 2009

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Margaux Arianne (not verified)

at 13:04 on May 26th, 2009

(Sir Singh... I believe you may be on the wrong channel?)

J cook (not verified)

at 06:43 on July 17th, 2009

CNN has only themselves to blame for their ratings. Their bias is shameful and evident to anyone with any intelligence.

D E P (not verified)

at 16:58 on August 14th, 2009

I am sadden that America has chosen the loud and angry over the substative. Fox, frankly frightens me and Obelin has lost all objectivity. Chis Matthews is awesome in his historical recall. White house correspondent Todd is unable to relay the news without his personal take, he should take lessons from the greats like Dan Rather and Cronkite.

Joe Wagner (not verified)

at 06:53 on August 16th, 2009

CNN has lost it's objectivity in reporting the news. CNN has joined ABC, CBS, and NBC in biased reporting! It's a shame because I use to enjoy watching CNN, but not any more.

MSNBC is even worse. I now get my news coverage from FOX News.........