Cable News Ratings December 2025
- The holiday season, typically a slow news period, led to month-to-month declines for all three networks in total viewers and the Adults 25-54 demo across primetime and total...
- CNN saw the steepest declines of the three networks, falling by double digits with total viewers during primetime.There was some good news for MS NOW (formerly MSNBC), as...
- According to Nielsen big data + panel, Fox News in December had 1.847 million total viewers in primetime and 159,000 viewers in the adults 25-54 demo.
Compared to the previous month, CNN was down -12% in total viewers and -31% in the demo during primetime. It also fell by -8% in total viewers and -24% in the demo during total day.
When looking at its performance to the same month in 2024 during primetime,it was up by +45% in total viewers and +19% in the demo.In total day, CNN grew by +30% and +10% in total viewers and the demo, respectively.
CNN finished in the No. 6 positi
Disney’s Proxy Battle with Nelson Peltz
Table of Contents
Disney is currently engaged in a proxy battle with activist investor Nelson Peltz, who is seeking a seat on the company’s board of directors. The dispute centers on Disney’s financial performance, strategic direction, and succession planning for CEO Bob Iger.
Nelson Peltz and Trian Partners
Nelson Peltz, through his investment firm Trian Partners, nominated himself and former Disney executive Jay Rasulo for positions on Disney’s 12-member board. Trian’s filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) detail their concerns about Disney’s recent performance and argue for the need for greater accountability and strategic oversight.
Disney’s Response and Board Support
disney’s board unanimously opposes Peltz’s nomination, arguing that his presence would be disruptive and that the company is already on the right track. Disney issued a statement outlining its confidence in its current strategy, including investments in streaming, parks, and experiences, and its commitment to shareholder value. The board has endorsed the re-election of all its current directors.
Key Issues in the Proxy fight
The core of the disagreement revolves around several key issues. First, Trian argues Disney has suffered from strategic missteps, particularly in its streaming business, leading to significant financial losses. Second, they criticize disney’s capital allocation decisions and believe a more disciplined approach is needed. Third, they raise concerns about the lack of a clear succession plan for Bob Iger, whose current contract expires in December 2026. Disney counters that its streaming business is improving, its capital allocation is sound, and it is actively working on succession planning.
Disney’s financial performance has been under scrutiny. in fiscal year 2023, Disney reported revenue of $83.38 billion, a slight decrease from $82.72 billion in fiscal year 2022. Disney’s 2023 Annual Report details these figures. Net income decreased significantly from $3.24 billion in 2022 to $3.56 billion in 2023. Trian argues that Disney’s stock price has underperformed compared to its peers, indicating a need for change. As of January 12,2024,Disney’s stock price was $92.89 per share. Yahoo Finance provides current stock information.
The outcome of the proxy battle will be decided by a vote of Disney’s shareholders at the annual meeting scheduled for April 3, 2024. Disney’s Investor Relations website provides details about the meeting. Institutional investors, such as BlackRock and Vanguard, will play a crucial role in determining the result. Proxy advisory firms, like Institutional Shareholder Services (ISS) and Glass lewis, have issued recommendations, with ISS recommending shareholders vote for Disney’s nominees and Glass Lewis split on the nominations.
bob Iger’s Role and Future
Bob Iger’s leadership is central to the dispute. He returned as CEO in November 2022, replacing Bob Chapek, with a mandate to restore Disney’s financial performance and strategic direction. The New York Times reported on Iger’s return. Iger has outlined a plan to streamline Disney’s operations,reduce costs,and refocus on creative excellence. The proxy battle raises questions about Iger’s long-term plans and the future leadership of the company.
