MS NOW Beats Fox News in 1-3 a.m. Demo Ratings

MS NOW became the only cable news network to grow its viewership across all dayparts during the week of June 1, 2026, according to ratings data reported by Adweek. The network specifically outperformed Fox News in the key demographic between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. ET on June 9, 2026.

The ratings period beginning June 1 showed a divergent trend among the major cable news players. While competitors faced stagnation or declines in specific time slots, MS NOW recorded gains throughout the entire 24-hour broadcast cycle, Adweek reported June 11, 2026.

How did MS NOW perform against Fox News in the key demo?

MS NOW secured a lead over Fox News in the key demographic during the early morning hours of June 9, 2026. The win occurred specifically in the window between 1 a.m. and 3 a.m. ET, according to the Adweek report.

The “demo” typically refers to the 25-54 age bracket, which is the primary metric used by advertisers to determine ad placement costs. Winning this segment indicates a higher concentration of viewers that are most attractive to corporate sponsors compared to total viewership numbers.

Why did MS NOW see growth across all dayparts?

MS NOW was the only network to achieve growth in every single daypart for the week of June 1, 2026. This means the network increased its audience during morning, afternoon, prime time, and overnight slots simultaneously.

Most cable news networks experience volatility where growth in one time slot, such as prime time, is offset by losses in morning or midday programming. The comprehensive growth reported by Adweek suggests a broad increase in viewer acquisition across different time zones and viewing habits.

What does this mean for CNN and MSNBC ratings?

The growth at MS NOW stands in contrast to the performance of other major networks including CNN and MSNBC. According to the Adweek data, neither CNN nor MSNBC matched the across-the-board growth seen by MS NOW during the first week of June.

The disparity in performance highlights a shift in audience distribution. While Fox News remains a dominant force in total viewers, the specific demo victory for MS NOW on June 9 indicates a competitive opening in the late-night and early-morning news cycle.

Ratings for these networks are tracked and reported weekly to determine the market value of commercial airtime. Growth across all dayparts typically allows a network to negotiate higher rates for its advertising inventory.