How Bret Baier’s Rise is Shaking Up TV News—Can His Rivals Survive the Pressure?

For years, traditional broadcast networks dominated the nightly news ratings. ABC, NBC, and CBS set the agenda, delivering the biggest headlines to millions of Americans. But that dominance is under siege.

Bret Baier, the face of Fox News’ “Special Report,” is closing the gap—and his success is rattling the competition. With a surging audience and high-profile interviews, Baier isn’t just catching up; he’s making his move.

Bret Baier Gaining Thousands of Followers After Kamala Harris Interview - Newsweek

The Ratings Battle Intensifies

Baier’s numbers tell a clear story. His program has outdrawn “CBS Evening News” multiple times in recent weeks, beating the network by 1.8 million viewers on one occasion. He is also making gains on ABC and NBC in key markets.

What’s behind the shift? Traditional networks are struggling to retain viewers in an era of declining trust in mainstream media. Meanwhile, Fox News is capitalizing on its strong following, particularly with supporters of the Trump administration.

A Direct Line to Power

Baier’s rise isn’t just about ratings—it’s about influence. His show has become a go-to platform for world leaders and policymakers. Recent guests include Ukraine’s President Volodymyr Zelensky, Britain’s Prime Minister, and even the leader of Greenland.

But there’s another factor at play. The commander in chief himself is a regular viewer. Fox News is known to be on during Air Force One flights, and Baier’s interviews often shape the political conversation in Washington.

A New Era of News?

As Baier gains ground, traditional networks face an existential crisis. CBS is struggling with its new format, and viewer loyalty is eroding.

Is Baier just the beginning of a bigger shift? With cable news breaking into what was once a broadcast stronghold, the battle for America’s trust is only getting started.