After Donald Trump’s re-election, MSNBC and CNN face steep drops in viewership, highlighting a crisis for liberal networks in the U.S.
The defeat of Vice President Kamala Harris marked a turning point for both networks, with MSNBC seeing its prime-time viewership cut in half from an average of 1.8 million viewers down to 808,000, while CNN suffered a similar blow, drawing just an average of 413,000 daily viewers.
For years, MSNBC has catered to an anti-Trump audience and thrived on the so-called “Trump bump,” a ratings boost driven by the indignation sparked by the controversial former president. Now, however, it appears that liberal viewers are increasingly distancing themselves from the harsh and divisive tone that some of the network’s programming continues to adopt, potentially seeking a break from relentless political rhetoric.
Influential voices like Sharon Waxman, founder of the media outlet TheWrap, have openly expressed growing frustration with MSNBC’s coverage, stating that they “can no longer listen” to the analyses and opinions of some of the network’s major figures.
Meanwhile, Fox News has seen a 61% growth compared to the previous year, indicating that the recent election has fueled interest among conservative viewers, while many Democratic supporters appear to be distancing themselves from their usual news sources.
CNN, too, has announced budget cuts and an internal restructuring plan for 2025, with expectations of significant layoffs. Many employees are bracing for drastic changes, while some of the network’s best-known faces, such as journalist Chris Wallace, are reportedly considering whether to stay or seek new opportunities. Wallace, in fact, has revealed that he might pursue an independent path, citing growing financial pressures and a shift in the company’s vision as key factors in his decision.
Mark Thompson, CNN’s new CEO, who is now tasked with managing a network often accused of liberal bias, initially attempted to balance the narrative to ease tensions with conservative audiences. However, the election results have reignited critical coverage of Trump, underscoring the challenges of a complete overhaul—at least in the short term.
The challenge facing both networks now is not only financial but also one of identity. The leadership at MSNBC and CNN will need to determine how to regain appeal without alienating their core base. “The Donald’s” return seems to have shaken the fragile balance within newsrooms, many of which have relied on critical coverage to engage their audiences.
Industry figures like Curtis Houck, editor-in-chief of NewsBusters, believe the future of liberal networks depends on their ability to provide “intellectually engaging” content that goes beyond pure political confrontation.
At a time when traditional media are facing growing disinterest overall, Trump’s return has exacerbated the crisis of confidence in overly partisan narratives. The coming months will be crucial to see whether CNN and MSNBC can reorganize and adapt to the new landscape or if their ratings will continue to decline.
