Election Night Ratings Down 25% as Viewers Favor Digital Sources

Trevor Decker

Published

November 6, 2024

NOTE: This article is 1 month old and may not include the most recent information.

Election Night coverage drew 42.3 million viewers across 18 networks, showing a 25% drop in viewership compared to the 2020 election. While it remained one of the most-watched non-sporting events, the decline reflects shifting trends in how audiences consume election news.

Nielsen data from the 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET period shows Fox News Channel leading primetime with around 9.8 million viewers, although down from 14 million in 2020. ABC led among broadcast networks with 5.6 million viewers and topped key age demographics (18-49 and 25-54) for the first time in 16 years. MSNBC also marked a milestone, drawing 5.5 million viewers and surpassing CNN on an election night for the first time, though down from 7.3 million in 2020.

CNN’s viewership was notably reduced, with 4.7 million tuning in—half its 2020 audience and its lowest Election Night turnout since 1996. The network’s digital platforms, including CNN.com and Max, are not included in these figures, potentially accounting for some of the shift.

Other networks saw similar declines, with NBC drawing 5.3 million viewers, CBS at 3.4 million, and Fox at 2.1 million. Final viewership numbers, which will include out-of-home audiences, may bring minor adjustments.

As anticipated, viewers aged 55 and up represented the majority, making up 24.4 million of the audience. With many Americans now favoring digital sources, Election Night coverage may continue to evolve to fit this shifting media landscape.

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Trevor Decker

Owner / Writer at Trevor Decker News

I've been passionately covering the entertainment industry, from television and movies to the latest in music, independently under the Trevor Decker News banner since 2015. My goal has always been to provide fans with up-to-date, reliable information and unique insights into the world of entertainment. Over the years, Trevor Decker News has become a trusted source for pop culture enthusiasts, offering a blend of nostalgia and current trends.

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