Fox News Channel extended its long-running leadership of the cable news landscape in January 2026, marking its 24th consecutive year as the top-rated network in the genre and finishing the month ahead of several broadcast competitors in key time periods, according to data from Nielsen based on the company’s January measurement period.
The network averaged 2.4 million viewers in weekday prime-time, narrowly outpacing CBS, which averaged 2.2 million viewers during the same period. Fox News also exceeded two million viewers across Monday through Sunday prime-time from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. Across the full broadcast day, the network averaged 1.4 million viewers and captured nearly 60 percent of the total cable news audience in both total day and prime-time. Fox News ranked first among Asian, Hispanic and upscale viewers throughout prime-time and delivered 98 of the top 100 cable news telecasts for the month.
“I am incredibly proud of our entire team for driving Fox News to 24 consecutive years at number one,” Fox News Media CEO Suzanne Scott said in a statement. “This milestone reflects the dedication and hard work that has defined the network since its launch 30 years ago. We are not only leading cable, but rivaling the broadcast networks, while remaining steadfast in our commitment to meet viewers where they are and deliver the most important stories from around the world.”
The ratings performance came noted alongside declines at CBS, which posted historically low January results across several flagship programs. Tony Dokoupil’s debut month as anchor of “CBS Evening News” averaged 4.3 million viewers and 578,000 viewers in the adults 25 to 54 demographic, marking the broadcast’s lowest-rated January of the 21st century. “CBS Mornings” averaged 1.7 million viewers, its weakest month on record, while “The Late Show with Stephen Colbert” averaged two million viewers, its lowest January performance.
“Special Report with Bret Baier” averaged more than 2.7 million viewers at 6 p.m. ET and 257,000 adults 25 to 54, continuing to narrow the gap with broadcast evening newscasts. The program topped “CBS Evening News” in 15 major markets during January, and outperformed “ABC World News Tonight” in four markets. Compared with the same period last year, “CBS Evening News” declined 13 percent in total viewers and 18 percent in the adults 25 to 54 demographic.
The network also maintained its leadership in mornings and daytime. “Fox & Friends” averaged 1.2 million viewers and remained the top cable news morning program for the 59th consecutive month among adults 25 to 54. Every Fox News program that aired between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET outperformed competing broadcast offerings.
On weekends, Fox News won every hour in total viewers, with strong performances from programs including “Saturday in America,” “Sunday Morning Futures” and newly launched “The Sunday Briefing,” further reinforcing the network’s across-the-board dominance to begin 2026.
