From a weather perspective, September is the transition from summer to autumn/fall. For many, this period of the calendar is the sweet spot weather-wise as the blistering temps of the summer have gone and given way to milder, more enjoyable temperatures, with the surrounding vegetation still looking as lush as ever.
The days are getting shorter; nights are getting longer; the majority of the younger generation are back in school; football is back as an entertainment distraction, and after a fervent political period during the peak of the summer season, normalcy has returned to the campaign season as it heads into its final stretch.
While still a late entrant to the presidential election, the dust has now settled surrounding Vice President Kamala Harris’ inclusion as the Democrat’s presidential candidate. In September, viewers saw Harris and former President Donald Trump participate in what seems their only presidential debate, which ABC News hosted and was simulcast across the broadcast and cable news networks.
Fox News was the most-watched of the three big cable news networks during the Harris/Trump debate. It was also the highest-rated cable news network in total day and primetime in September. This marks its 43rd month on top in cable news as well as in all of cable for total day.
Additional good news for Fox News vs. its cable news competitors was that it was the only network that did not have month-to-month declines in both measured categories during both dayparts.
Fox News
Fox News had 2.505 million total viewers in primetime and 324,000 viewers in the adults 25-54 demo. During total day, it had 1.433 million total viewers and 194,000 viewers in the demo.
Compared to its performance in August 2024, Fox News was up +10% in total viewers and +13% in the A25-54 demo during the primetime viewing hours. During total day, it was flat in total viewers and up +2% in the demo when compared to the previous month.
Looking at Fox News’ performance to the same month in 2023, it was up by +48% in total viewers and +73% in the demo during prime. In total day, it was up +34% in total viewers and +48% in the demo.
The network finished September as the No. 1 cable network in total viewers and in second place in the demo during primetime and total day.
MSNBC
MSNBC was the No. 2 cable news network in primetime and total day in September, with 1.430 million and 921,000 viewers, respectively. The A25-54 demo had 165,000 viewers in primetime and 99,000 viewers during total day.
Compared to August, MSNBC was down -22% in total viewers and -33% in the demo during primetime. It was also down -10% in total viewers and -18% in the demo during total day.