Morning Joe’s Ratings Riddle: Truth or Tall Tale?

The world of morning television is a cutthroat arena, and MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” is finding itself under increasing scrutiny. Once perceived as a powerful voice, particularly during the Trump era, the show’s influence seems to be waning. The current narrative paints a picture of a program struggling to maintain its relevance in a rapidly changing media landscape, raising questions about its future and the veracity of its self-reported success.

Numbers Don’t Lie… Or Do They?

A central point of contention revolves around “Morning Joe’s” viewership numbers. The show’s claim of averaging twice as much as CNN has been met with skepticism, particularly in light of recent data suggesting a much lower figure. Reports indicate that “Morning Joe” is actually averaging around 651,000 viewers, a far cry from the alleged 2.6 million. This discrepancy has fueled accusations of dishonesty and “fake news,” casting a shadow over the show’s credibility. This supposed inflation of numbers isn’t just a matter of bragging rights; it has real-world implications, potentially misleading advertisers and investors about the show’s actual reach and value.

The Post-Trump Slump: A Loss of Edge?

The decline in viewership appears to coincide with the shift in political landscape following the end of the Trump presidency. During the Trump years, “Morning Joe” positioned itself as a vocal critic, attracting viewers who resonated with its anti-Trump stance. However, with the arrival of the Biden administration, the show seems to have lost its edge, struggling to find a compelling narrative that resonates with its audience. The claim that Biden is doing the best job ever feels out of touch to many.

Comcast’s Cold Feet: A Sign of Things to Come?

Adding to the show’s woes is the growing sense that its parent company, Comcast, is losing patience. There are indications that Comcast is eager to distance itself from MSNBC, particularly due to the network’s perceived political baggage and the ongoing DEI investigations. The potential for a spin-off is viewed with trepidation, as it would leave “Morning Joe” and its sister programs to fend for themselves in an increasingly competitive market. The show’s appeal for advertisers is decreasing when put alongside content creators and online figures such as Trish, who don’t need to work for the Big Networks to have content that is widely watched and regarded.

The View From the Outside: A Dying Breed?

The challenges facing “Morning Joe” are not unique to MSNBC. The entire traditional media landscape is undergoing a seismic shift, with streaming platforms and independent content creators gaining ground. Even shows like “The View,” despite recent ratings increases, are facing cancellation threats, highlighting the precarious position of traditional television in the digital age. Brendan Carr’s FCC is giving ABC some concerns regarding some of their policies, making the world of traditional media even harder to navigate for them. The success of independent content creators like Trish, who boast millions of views and a dedicated following, underscores the changing dynamics of the media industry. These new media leaders and online personalities are also able to engage directly with their audience, building a community that the traditional forms of media have lost through changing technology. Bob Iger himself seems to have realized that and attempted to diversify out of traditional media, but due to the lack of interest, this was not able to happen.