Additionally, when it comes to outperforming broadcast nets, Fox News has done it before.

In 2020, at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, Fox News was also the No. 1 network, finishing ahead of the broadcast nets during the unofficial summer period. The factors leading to that victory at the time were vastly different from those of today, as the country had instituted COVID-19 lockdowns. 

This resulted in a surge in home viewership, boosting the ratings for all major cable news networks during this period, particularly Fox News. Plus, the network was available in more homes during that period as the effects of cord-cutting were not as devastating to the industry as they are today. 

In explaining Fox News’ 2020 success, Wallace told TVNewser that the period was “peak pandemic, and viewing tastes and norms were anything but normal—hello, Tiger King.”

Wallace noted that, during that period, Fox News was operating as a public service operation during a time of national emergency: “We are all very proud of the special coverage of that time,” he said.

Looking ahead, Fox News will try to keep its momentum going into the fall, focusing on its holistic programming that isn’t limited to only coveted dayparts.

“For all the obits written about traditional television, we’re delivering in all key dayparts, from mornings to various news programs, to opinion and comedy,” Wallace said.

Wallace called this an “amazing feat,” but not one the network belabors: “Because  we are always focused on what is next.”