In a blowout that’s becoming tradition, FOX News has once again claimed the crown in cable news, securing the top ratings spot for the seventh consecutive year. With CNN and MSNBC struggling to keep pace, FOX News continues to dominate the airwaves, capturing the loyalty of millions of viewers and outperforming its competitors by a staggering margin.

According to Nielsen data, 2022 was not just another victory lap for FOX—it ranked as the third-highest-rated year in cable news history, further proving that the network is not only holding its ground but continuing to build on its lead.

The Ratings Breakdown: FOX News Crushes the Competition

In both primetime and total day viewership, FOX News once again blew past its rivals. Signature programs like The Five, Hannity, The Ingraham Angle, and Gutfeld! continue to lead their time slots, often pulling more viewers than CNN and MSNBC combined.

Key highlights from FOX News’ 2022 performance:

Primetime dominance: FOX outperformed every other cable network in the country, not just news networks.

Total day average: The network held a commanding lead in total day ratings, averaging over 1.4 million viewers.

The Five and Tucker Carlson Tonight topped individual show rankings, often drawing over 3 million viewers per night.

Despite the increasing competition from streaming services and digital platforms, FOX News hasn’t just survived—it’s thrived.

Why FOX News Stays Ahead

1. Viewer Loyalty & Trust:
FOX News has built a deep relationship with its core audience. Unlike competitors that have seen viewership drop following shifts in tone or leadership, FOX has largely remained consistent in its editorial stance, which resonates with a vast segment of Americans—particularly in heartland and southern states.

2. Engaging Talent:
Big names like Sean Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Greg Gutfeld continue to be key drivers of the network’s success. Gutfeld’s rise as a late-night powerhouse shocked the industry, proving that humor, cultural critique, and political commentary can win big—without being woke.

3. Programming Strategy:
FOX News has also mastered the blend of hard news and opinionated commentary, offering live coverage of breaking stories alongside emotionally engaging opinion segments. It keeps viewers informed and invested.

4. Digital Expansion:
The FOX Nation streaming platform and a savvy social media strategy have ensured the network’s reach extends far beyond cable. While many traditional news networks scramble to keep up, FOX has already built its digital infrastructure.

CNN and MSNBC: Falling Behind

While FOX continues to surge, CNN and MSNBC have had a rough ride.

CNN experienced a sharp drop in ratings, losing significant ground after high-profile exits and a widely criticized rebranding effort. A shift in tone under new leadership failed to reinvigorate its base, and some viewers accused the network of trying too hard to appear centrist after years of left-leaning commentary.

MSNBC, meanwhile, has retained its progressive bent but struggled to break out beyond its core demographic. While hosts like Rachel Maddow and Joy Reid continue to attract attention, their programs haven’t delivered the numbers needed to challenge FOX’s dominance.

A media analyst told Variety, “FOX News understands its audience. CNN and MSNBC are still trying to figure out who theirs is.”

What’s Next for FOX News?

With the 2024 presidential election looming, FOX News is gearing up for another record-breaking year. Political coverage is the network’s bread and butter—and with heightened tensions, primary races, and debates on the horizon, FOX is poised to capitalize.

Expect:

Exclusive interviews with presidential candidates.

Live town halls and election-night specials.

Continued digital expansion through FOX Nation.

Bold commentary that challenges both political parties—keeping viewers engaged and tuning in night after night.

Internal sources at FOX say there are also plans to roll out new programming aimed at younger conservatives, targeting Gen Z and millennial audiences hungry for alternative perspectives.

The Industry Impact: A Changing Media Landscape

FOX News’ continued success sends a clear message to the rest of the media: legacy brands can still dominate if they understand their audience and stick to a consistent mission. While other networks shift strategies and identities, FOX’s unapologetic approach has yielded results.

It also reflects broader trends:

Distrust in mainstream media is at an all-time high.

Viewers are gravitating toward content that reflects their values.

The appetite for personality-driven commentary continues to grow.

Conclusion: FOX News Is More Than Holding the Line—It’s Winning

The numbers don’t lie. With seven years of ratings dominance and no signs of slowing down, FOX News is the undisputed king of cable news. CNN and MSNBC are scrambling for second place, while FOX continues to set the pace, define the conversation, and shape the national media narrative.

Whether you love them or loathe them, one thing is clear: FOX News knows exactly who its audience is—and it’s not backing down.