MSNOW's rebranding from MSNBC has sparked concerns about its ratings, which were already less than stellar.
According to Gateway Pundit, the network's struggle stems from losing MSNBC's backing, which has stripped it of its perceived legitimacy. This separation has left MSNOW appearing as if it was cast aside for being too extreme, even for NBC News.
Meanwhile, FOX News continues to dominate the ratings game, leaving MSNOW trailing far behind.
TV Insider reported last week that Fox News is closing the year with record-breaking ratings, achieving its highest numbers ever in a non-election year. Nielsen Media Research data, released on December 15, indicates that Fox News averaged 2.72 million primetime viewers and 287,000 viewers in the key Adults 25-54 demographic in 2025, marking a 14 percent increase in total viewers and an 18 percent rise in the demo compared to 2024.
In stark contrast, MSNOW saw a significant decline, averaging 923,000 total viewers, a 25 percent drop from 2024, and 81,000 demo viewers, down 39 percent. CNN also experienced a downturn, with 580,000 total viewers, a 15 percent decrease, and 105,000 demo viewers, down 29 percent.
The trend continued in total day viewership, where Fox News led with 1.7 million viewers, an 18 percent increase from 2024, and 185,000 demo viewers, a slight 1 percent decrease. CNN averaged 436,000 viewers, down 9 percent, and 71,000 demo viewers, down 22 percent. MSNOW fared worse, with 552,000 viewers, a 30 percent drop, and 49,000 demo viewers, down 42 percent.
Despite these dismal figures, MSNOW seems unlikely to alter its approach. Instead, it appears poised to intensify its critical stance on President Trump, a strategy that has not resonated with viewers. Should this trend persist into 2026, MSNOW might find itself facing an uncertain future, potentially becoming MSGONE.
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