CNN Press Room

CNN HAS MOST-WATCHED SECOND QUARTER ON RECORD

BEATS MSNBC IN TOTAL DAY, DAYSIDE AND WEEKEND PRIME TIME

Key Programs Surge This Quarter, Posting Record Performance  

 

The Lead with Jake Tapper Up +54%

The Situation Room with Wolf Blitzer Up +63%

Erin Burnett Outfront Up +65%

Anderson Cooper 360 Up +52%

CNN Tonight with Don Lemon Up +52%

New Day Grows the Most in Cable News in the Morning, Up +77%

 

FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE, CNN POSTS ROBUST GROWTH VS. YEAR AGO

 

CNN hit a ratings milestone this quarter, with the network posting its most-watched second quarter on record in total viewers, and its best second quarter among adults 25-54 in 14 years (since 2Q 2003) in Total Day.  In prime time (M-Su and M-F), CNN averaged its highest 2Q delivery since 2003 (in both total viewers and among 25-54).  During daytime (9am-4pm), CNN had its highest quarterly 25-54 delivery since 4Q 2008 and second highest total viewers level since 1Q 2003.

For the quarter that ended on Sunday (April-June), CNN once again beat MSNBC in Total Day, dayside and weekend prime time.  In Total Day, CNN outperformed MSNBC for the 13th straight quarter among adults 25-54 (264k vs. MSNBC’s 208k), the longest quarterly streak since 2Q 2010.  In daytime, CNN topped MSNBC for the 19th straight quarter among adults 25-54 (259k vs. MSNBC’s 163k), and for the 18th consecutive quarter in total viewers (883k vs. MSNBC’s 843k). During weekend prime, CNN more than doubled MSNBC in the demo (281k vs. 133k) and ranked #2 in total viewers (808k vs. 499k).

Key CNN dayparts and shows had robust growth this quarter, despite having six CNN-exclusive debates and Town Halls during 2Q last year:

Among ALL cable networks, CNN ranked #7 in total day among total viewers this quarter, now ranking in the Top 10 in ALL of cable for four straight quarters, the longest quarterly streak in over 21 years (since 4Q 1995).

Of note, both MSNBC and Fox News’ audience skews much older than CNN’s as shown by the number of total viewers they attract vs. the key demographic adults 25-54.  Year-to-date, CNN’s median age in Total Day is 60 years, Fox News and MSNBC are both 65.  In prime time, CNN is 59 years, MSNBC is 64 years and Fox News has the oldest skewing audience at 66 years.  CNN is tracking at its youngest yearly median age since 2008 in Total Day, while MSNBC is at its oldest on record.

CNN 2Q 2017 Program Highlights:

Mornings, Afternoons:

Evening/Prime Time:

Saturdays:

Sundays:

CNN 2Q 2017 Original Series Highlights:

End of Month June 2017:

###