Nexstar Media Group’s cable news channel NewsNation achieved a major milestone in June, becoming the top basic cable network in the United States in terms of total day growth, according to data from Nielsen.
The achievement came two months after NewsNation celebrated its fourth year on the air; the network launched from the ashes of WGN America, which once operated as a coast-to-coast superstation of the strong Chicago independent.
NewsNation is showing strength in its own right, growing nearly 50 percent in total day viewership and 67 percent among the key demographic of adults between the ages of 25 and 54 years old, Nielsen data showed. It was the fastest-growing network among all 112 Nielsen-rated cable networks in terms of year-over-year growth.
“NewsNation set out to offer an alternative to the polarized cable news landscape, and we are extremely gratified that viewers are validating our approach,” said Sean Compton, President of Nexstar’s Networks Division. “As we continue to grow, we remain committed to earning viewers’ trust each and every day.”
Prime-time viewership was up 24 percent compared to June 2024, while daytime programming from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET saw triple-digit growth among viewers aged 25-54. Audience gains were fueled by breaking coverage of major global and domestic stories, including the Israel-Iran war, U.S. military intervention in the Middle East, anti-ICE protests in Los Angeles, and debate over President Donald Trump’s budget proposal.
Morning in America (weekdays, 6-9 a.m. ET) posted a 92 percent increase in total viewers and 175 percent growth in the 25-54 demographic. NewsNation Live (9 a.m.-12 p.m. ET) saw the highest increase in the key demo—up 225 percent—with total viewership rising 68 percent. NewsNation Now with Nichole Berlie (12-3 p.m. ET) surged 167 percent among viewers aged 25-54 and 74 percent overall, while Connell McShane’s edition of NewsNation Now (3-6 p.m. ET) climbed 83 percent in total viewers and 180 percent in the demo. The Hill (6-7 p.m. ET) gained 66 percent in total viewers and 150 percent among adults 25-54.
In prime-time, Cuomo remains NewsNation’s top-rated program, increasing its audience by 30 percent year-over-year. Elizabeth Vargas Reports (7 p.m. ET) grew 18 percent in total viewers and 22 percent in the 25-54 demographic. On Balance with Leland Vittert (9 p.m. ET) was up 11 percent overall.
NewsNation is widely available on cable, satellite and streaming cable-like services, including DirecTV Stream, Fubo and YouTube TV.
