Tucker Carlson, the highest-rated cable news host in history, is out at Fox News. The news comes days after the network cut ties with host Dan Bongino 48 hours after the network settled with Dominion Voting Systems for nearly $800 million. The firing was a direct order from Rupert Murdoch after Jan 6 conspiracy claims and a producer’s lawsuit alleging bullying, sexism, and anti-Semitism – and his exit erases $500M in shareholder value – see here.
This is a developing story.
“Fox News Media and Tucker Carlson have agreed to part ways,” reads a statement from the network, which thanks him for his service “as a host and prior to that as a contributor.” Carlson’s executive producer, Justin Wells, is also out at the network, according to Semafor.
Meanwhile, CNN has parted ways with longtime host Don Lemon. The announcement Monday came without explanation and astonished the media industry. “Don will forever be a part of the CNN family, and we thank him for his contributions over the past 17 years,” said CNN CEO Chris Licht in a memo to staff. “We wish him well and will be cheering him on in his future endeavors.”
It feels a bit like a mainstream media Apocalypse – who’s next?
What are the most-watched news networks in any case? In February 2023, Fox News was the most-watched cable news network in the United States and continues to do well in terms of its primetime audience, with 2.2 million primetime viewers in that period.
Fox News viewers in the 25-54 demographic reached 299 thousand, whilst MSNBC had just 119 thousand. When looking at Fox News viewers compared to CNN, the overall average number of primetime viewers was notably different. CNN has been losing viewers in recent years, although during the coronavirus outbreak, tended to pull in a larger audience than usual. See this in the chart below and learn more here.
Looking at the rating on a news hour time basis shows that Fox News holds the first place position by far compared to the other networks.
A more detailed view of media ratings for a variety of programs can be seen below.
As was said before, the Tucker Carlson story is developing to understand the consequence of his departure. Who will be next – are media organizations cleaning house for the 2024 elections? And it may not but just media personalities. Will we see a steady stream of exits from the Biden administration as well – see Suzan Rice’s departure here.
Whatever you think about Elon Musk, perhaps we can agree with his following Tweet.
We live in the most interesting of times
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) April 24, 2023
By Tom Williams
