CNN experienced its worst week in terms of primetime viewership among a key demographic since 1991. During the week of May 13 to 19, the network only attracted 83,000 viewers aged 25-54 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m., as reported by the New York Post. In comparison, Fox News and MSNBC had 2 million and 1.1 million viewers, respectively. This decline in viewership has posed a significant challenge for CNN’s editor-in-chief Mark Thompson, who took over the role in August following the departure of CEO Chris Licht.
Thompson described the situation as an “existential crisis” due to the network’s struggle with leadership changes and decreasing television viewership. Despite this setback, a CNN spokesperson mentioned that the primetime ratings are showing year-over-year growth among the 25- to 54-year-old demographic. Additionally, the primetime airing from 7 p.m. to midnight has seen double-digit growth in total viewers.
In response to the declining ratings, CNN made significant changes to its show lineup. For instance, Poppy Harlow was removed from “CNN This Morning” after the New York broadcast faced cancellation, leading to her departure from the network in late April. Furthermore, former White House correspondent Jim Acosta was appointed to host “CNN Newsroom” during the 10 a.m. time slot.
CNN finished last week with its worst ratings in the key 25-54 demo in primetime since (checks notes) ***1991***
Being MSNBC Light appears to not be the smartest strategy. And all the propping up of Abby Philip and Kaitlyn Collins isn't improving the situation.
— Joe Concha (@JoeConchaTV) May 21, 2024
