Cable News Ratings: Fox News Dominates Primetime and Total Day in June 2026

According to Nielsen data, Fox News led basic cable networks in total primetime and total day viewership for the week of June 29, 2026, with significant growth in both metrics compared to the prior week. The network also outperformed competitors during President Donald Trump’s Independence Day speech, drawing 5.7 million total viewers.

Total Day Viewership: Fox News Remains Top, MS NOW Struggles

During the total day, Fox News averaged 1.618 million viewers and 153,000 adults aged 25-54 (A25-54) viewers, according to Nielsen. The network saw a 12% increase in total viewers and a 21% rise in the A25-54 demo compared to the week prior. MS NOW, meanwhile, declined by 8% in total viewers and 3% in the demo, marking its only network to lose ground across both categories.

CNN posted 459,000 total viewers and 57,000 A25-54 viewers during the total day, up 3% and 5% respectively from the previous week. Fox News maintained first place in total viewers and moved into a tie for first in the total day demo with ESPN.

Primetime Performance: Fox News Outpaces Competitors

In primetime, Fox News captured 3.5 million total viewers and 357,000 A25-54 viewers, a 12% and 18% increase from the week of June 22. The network remained the top basic cable network in both metrics. MS NOW drew 326,000 total viewers and 24,000 A25-54 viewers, while CNN recorded 1.3 million total viewers and 254,000 A25-54 viewers.

Over the past year, Fox News saw a 3% rise in primetime viewers but a 27% decline in the A25-54 demo. MS NOW, in contrast, grew 25% in total viewers and 13% in the demo during the same period. CNN’s primetime viewership jumped 27%, but the A25-54 demo fell 7%.

Independence Day Coverage: Fox News Shines During Trump Speech

Fox News’ coverage of President Donald Trump’s Independence Day speech peaked at 5.7 million total viewers and 701,000 A25-54 viewers, far outpacing CNN’s 1.3 million total viewers and 337,000 A25-54 viewers. The networks’ combined coverage of the holiday drew more viewers than a typical Saturday, according to the report.

MS NOW reported 367,000 total viewers and 51,000 A25-54 viewers during the speech, placing it third among the three networks.

Programming Highlights: Fox News Dominates Top Shows

MS NOW’s *The Last Word with Lawrence O’Donnell* ranked 15th with 1.277 million total viewers.

Year-Over-Year Trends: Mixed Results Across Networks

Compared to the same period in 2025, Fox News’ primetime viewership rose 3%, but the A25-54 demo fell 27%. MS NOW posted strong gains, with 25% more total viewers and 13% more in the demo. CNN’s primetime viewership increased 27%, but the A25-54 demo declined 7%.

Total day viewership for Fox News dropped 2% year-over-year, while MS NOW grew 22% and CNN rose 14%. The A25-54 demo declined for all three networks, with Fox News down 32%, MS NOW down 12%, and CNN down 18%.