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“Viewer Fatigue” Hitting Fox News Ratings, Lachlan Murdoch Says
Developing story first seen 2 days ago
Fox chief executive Lachlan Murdoch attributed recent declines in Fox News ratings to viewer fatigue after an unusually intense news cycle last year. He said viewers were watching slightly less television overall rather than switching to rival news channels, while acknowledging that the comparison with last year was difficult.
Fox News still draws more viewers than CNN and MS NOW combined, and Murdoch said it also exceeds ESPN’s ratings despite the return of major football. Fox reported about $50 million in midterm-related advertising revenue across its national networks, alongside $250 million at local stations and $50 million at Tubi. Murdoch compared the current pattern with the 2006 midterms and said the company expects a new election cycle to bring renewed interest.
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In short
- Murdoch says Fox News viewers are experiencing fatigue.
- Fox still outdraws CNN and MS NOW combined.
- Midterm ads brought Fox’s networks and Tubi $100 million.
How this story developed
- 1 hour ago Fox chief executive Lachlan Murdoch attributed recent declines in Fox News ratings to viewer fatigue after an unusually intense news cycle last year.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
Murdoch’s explanation is plausible: after an unusually intense news year, audiences may simply be spending less time with television, rather than moving to competing news outlets. The difficult year-on-year comparison and Fox’s continued large audience are consistent with a temporary dip, while the approaching midterms could renew interest.
The case against
The fatigue explanation is Murdoch’s account of the decline, and the figures given do not establish that viewers are watching less television overall or that Fox will regain its audience. A weaker comparison with last year may obscure a more lasting change in viewing habits or competition, so expectations of a rebound remain uncertain.