How Low Can You Go

CNN suffered its lowest ratings in nine years, according to Nielsen's data for the week of January 16th to 22nd, 2023. The network only managed to average 444,000 viewers in primetime, with 93,000 in the key 25-54 news demographic. This marks the first time since 2014 that the network failed to reach 450,000 viewers. In contrast, during the same period, Fox News attracted 1.4 million viewers, while MSNBC drew 629,000 total viewers. In primetime, Fox News had 2 million viewers, with 256,000 in the demographic, while MSNBC had 943,000 viewers and 91,000 in the demo.

One of the most concerning pieces of news from these ratings is the performance of CNN's morning show, "CNN This Morning," which recorded its lowest week since its launch just three months ago. The show only managed to average 331,000 viewers, while "Fox & Friends" attracted nearly 1 million and "Morning Joe" had 760,000 viewers. Despite being hand-picked by Licht, the trio of hosts Don Lemon, Poppy Harlow and Kaitlan Collins has failed to grow the audience for the show. In response, Eric Hall, the executive producer, has been reassigned to "CNN Tonight," hosted by Laura Coates, indicating that Licht realizes the show needs to perform better.

But until he figures out that it is the talent and not the EP, it will be a long slog.